I am a Buddhist Monk who lives at a temple in Laos. I came down with an intestinal bug that required me to be returned to the United States and the VA for care. Once I was assigned to the Medicine Oncology Unit I experienced a level of patient care that, frankly to this moment, stuns me. When Brandon discovered I was a Buddhist Monk he immediately exhibited both cultural awareness and respect that showed both a depth of knowledge and awareness - when coming into my room when I was praying, he stood aside and did not move until I became aware that he was there. I am a combat Veteran with PTSD, a disease that among other things, takes my ability to trust that you learned when you are two and eradicates it. The ability to trust again is beyond difficult. RN Brandon has this innate ability to look you in the eye and communicate in such a way that not only do you believe what he is saying but trust what he is saying. He is in a comfort zone of patient care when he understands his duties and performs them exceptionally well. A minor matter for some but not RN Brandon was the inability to observe my religious tenants allowing me to only eat steamed rice and root vegetables. Fortunately, someone from the temple brought up food and I left before he was able to go to war. I would have loved to watch someone try to explain to him that it was not possible and why because anything is possible for his patients. RN Brandon's goal for each patient is to provide enough information and resources and how to access that information and resources so that we do not have to come back. He does it in a way that is attuned to your wavelength. He has the unique ability to connect, period.