Siu is an extremely experienced dialysis nurse who has been at the VA Palo Alto for over a decade. Recently, she provided me an example of going "above and beyond" for our patients. This example reinforced the idea that every staff member can make a significant contribution beyond their individual practice.
One of our chronic dialysis patients is dependent on an ileostomy. Since the placement of the ileostomy, Siu has been front and center to help the patient with bag changes and supporting the patient in his transition to ostomy care. Initially, there was a sentiment in the unit that ostomy care was not "a part of our job," in dialysis. However, Siu has led by example and reset the expectations of the patient and staff. She has made assisting this patient and helping him in his transition a part of her routine care.
Her example reset the patient's expectations and therefore established a new level of expectations for the staff. Indirectly, Siu helped raise and improve the quality of care for the entire unit in her dedication to quality of care. This frontline leadership has had ripple effects beyond this patient or ostomy care.
Siu has helped promote the value that patients come first in our unit. Siu is recognized as an example of how that can make the difference for our patients.