Trisha Pangburn, RN, has been a nurse on 8D for 3 years. 8D is one of the most challenging units to work on in the WNYVHA and yet Trisha has been a compassionate, caring, extremely capable nurse who constantly goes above and beyond for our Veterans. She is also genuinely caring towards her co-workers and is famous for her home-baked cookies that appear on 8D to make everyone’s day a little better. She is really present for others and always has a listening ear. I have often heard of Trisha taking time out of her busy shift to wash and style hair for our female veterans, she will use money out of her own pocket to buy pajamas for patients to make them more comfortable during their hospital stay.

In one instance, we had a long-standing patient on 8D with psychiatric issues, the patient came out of her room wearing sneakers that Trisha had brought in from home, an extra pair, and the patient was ecstatic. She constantly goes above and beyond making the Veterans feel better and at ease.

In a recent incident, a patient was admitted from the Emergency room and shortly thereafter passed away. The family sent a card and wrote, “Dear Trisha, although our paths crossed briefly, you were an angel to our father. Trisha, you provided him comfort when he needed it most, we appreciated your TLC. When he was nauseous you provided him with cold washcloths and medicine. Thank you for supporting our family during a difficult time. May you be blessed by God while you care for others.” Trisha always makes patients feel as though they are the most important patient in the hospital. Trisha exemplifies the ICARE values of the VA and is an extraordinary nurse.