As one of the charge nurses who cared for my father (who lived at the VAMC for nearly 5 years), I found Marcella to be an excellent nurse and person. Integrity: As my father's daughter and overseer of his care, she was my go-to person for information and problem-solving. I found myself asking for her when I needed an opinion regarding my dad because I had trust and confidence in her knowledge in general and specifically of my dad. My dad also called her out to assist him. Commitment: She provided compassionate care to my father, a WWII POW, and other veterans living on 1-5B's CLC. She considered my dad's physical and cognitive status in providing the care he required. Advocacy: She was very cognizant of what each veteran needed to maintain their quality of life. Additionally, she was able to provide even small things that were important. For my dad, that included her knowing he wanted ice cream softened in the microwave and faithfully provided it at mealtime. Respect: She was firm when needed to ensure my dad's well-being and safety was maintained. Yet, she did not talk down to him. She did not allow my dad to do everything he wanted, and I remember watching her calmly explain a situation to my dad in terms he could understand. It allowed him to still feel respected. Excellence: She had exceptional common sense, knowledge, attention to detail. She had the will to do whatever was needed and was very personable. People like her are the reason my family continues to think very highly of LVAMC. Based on the excellent care provided to my dad, Marcella is a true DAISY Nurse.
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Recently, families of several patients have provided feedback praising the care that their loved one has received on the 1-5 CLC unit, and have specifically mentioned Marcella as one of the "most wonderful nurses" of the unit. For example, she has recently been a caring presence while working with a cognitively impaired, dying patient, and she was thoughtful in her suggestions about enhancing the comfort of both the patient and his family.
I have observed her consistently demonstrating a professional attitude which has respect for every veteran for whom she is providing care. She excels at developing trust with patients, their families, and other staff members. She has honored the VA mission by providing hands-on care with an upbeat attitude toward those for whom she has been providing care.
Based on the feedback of veterans, their families, and my personal observation, I believe that she has been exemplary in demonstrating the I-CARE principles in her role of providing direct patient care on the 1-5 CLC unit.