There have been two accounts within the past few weeks where Ms. David has displayed outstanding, above-and-beyond nursing care for our Nation's Veterans. The first occasion where I witnessed her passionate care was at the Monroeville CBOC. A Veteran presented as a walk-in asking for medication re-orders/refills. The veteran ambulated with a wheeled walker and was voicing frustration with pain, which caused further difficulty with his activities of daily living. The veteran continued to talk about how he used to enjoy gardening but was unable to tend to his garden due to pain. While I was attempting to get the Veteran his requested medication refills, Ms. David began to talk to the Veteran about pain control and suggested Battlefield Acupuncture as an addendum to his pain management regime. The veteran made it very clear he would "try anything" that might help.

Ms. David informed the Veteran she could provide him with this treatment immediately, which the Veteran stated was "unbelievable". I escorted the Veteran, with Ms. David, to a treatment room where Ms. David was able to deliver the acupuncture treatment successfully. The Veteran, overwhelmed with joy and emotion, began to walk swiftly around the room, excited to be able to experience so much movement without crippling pain. The veteran could not believe the immediate relief this treatment provided him. It was obvious, due to ongoing praise and love verbalized by the Veteran, that Ms. David's dedication and immediate advocacy made an immense, positive impact on this Veteran’s day and perhaps life. I was able to confirm that the Veteran is now presenting every two weeks to continue with this successful treatment.

On the second occasion, Ms. David's commitment to I-Care values were observed once more while I was at University Drive VA campus. A Veteran presented to PACT as a walk-in with a complaint of pain and upset over "endless phone calls" and a community care consultation for acupuncture where she waited for the consultation only to have to wait further time, after consultation visits, to actually get the treatment. Noticing and hearing the Veteran's distress, I asked the Veteran if she had knowledge of Battlefield Acupuncture. The veteran, initially skeptical of the details, agreed to talk to Ms. David who was present at PACT that day. To help provide some stress relief to Veteran and her sister, I told the story of the previous Veteran's experience with this treatment, while not promising the same outcome, but also spoke of evidence-based outcomes. I also disclosed that Ms. David was at this campus today as she was going to receive an award for being such an awesome nurse (she was indeed preparing to depart for an award ceremony for a FEB award, if I recall). The veteran, appearing desperate for help, spoke to Ms. David about the treatment. Ms. David directed the MSA to contact staff at UD, who may be able to get the Veteran into a clinic that afternoon.

Ms. David excused herself for a few minutes only to arrive back with a battlefield acupuncture treatment kit, stating, "Ok, we can do this right now; I only need 15 minutes if you want to come with me?". The veteran and her sister were simply overcome with emotion that attention and treatment were being delivered on the same day at that exact moment. The veteran was tearful at times while talking about her struggles and voicing thanks for the prompt actions. Ms. David delivered the treatment to the Veteran, who was excited about the possible benefit. The veteran's sister stated, "Can I please give you all a hug?" while the Veteran said, "I see now why you are an award-winning nurse." Everyone's mood was brighter and full of love and hope. It is moments like these that remind us why we chose to be in the healthcare industry! Ms. David's actions were certainly a bright moment in my career and quite possibly a life-changing moment for our Veterans!