Tod is an exceptional ED nurse whose compassionate nature is demonstrated every day in the care and management that he provides to veterans. One day in UCC the clerk called back to the nurse's station regarding an unruly and belligerent veteran whose family has dropped him off in the lobby. Tod jumped up and said he would handle it. Tod brought the veteran to a safe psyche room where he used his de-escalation skills to both calm and connect with the veteran.

Workplace violence towards health care workers is a major issue. Nurses commonly are exposed to aggressive and violent patient behavior. Tod realized that veterans are often experiencing a significant loss of control over their situation and this can lead them to feelings of helplessness and loss of control. Taking the time to hear veterans while being actively engaged with their concern for psychiatric hold pending evaluation. Tod pulled up a chair, patiently explained protocol, offered clear explanations and expectations, and reflected back what he heard the veteran say, thusly creating rapport.

I heard Tod say we only want to help you and keep you safe. That struck a chord with me as a fellow nurse. Sometimes it can be frustrating to want to help veterans when they are verbally abusive and possibly physically intimidating but he exhibits the behavior we as nurses should strive to emulate.