I nominated fellow nurse Julie Baum, LPN for her compassion, integrity, and quality of care that she provides at the Ashtabula CBOC. Julie demonstrates ICARE Values each and every day, however, her actions were exemplary on a particular day. At 0820, a veteran was attempting to check in for his primary care appointment at the front desk but was having some difficulty with recalling his name and annunciation. While the staff was patient with the veteran, Julie recognized something was wrong.

One may have thought that the veteran was confused because of age, or that the veteran was hard of hearing, but Julie knew the symptoms and recognized this veteran was having a stroke. Julie acted quickly, sat the veteran down, and began neuro checks and obtaining vital signs. Julie asked for assistance from the other staff and directed the front desk to notify 911. Julie took control of the situation and had the veteran stabilized and picked up via ambulance to be transferred to the local ED for evaluation within minutes. Julie remained at the veteran's side for the duration of his time at the CBOC and her quick actions, compassion, and integrity saved this veteran's life. This veteran has since been transferred to a higher level of care where numerous conditions and problems have been discovered. I am proud to be a part of the Ashtabula CBOC team and to work with such an excellent nurse.