Kerry Kellogg personifies the values and vision of the VADOC. We had a patient who had a roll-over accident while mowing with a zero-turn mower at the facility. Kerry rapidly mobilized the team and evaluated and stabilized the patient and had him transferred to the Hospital via EMS. Luckily, he did not have serious injuries and was able to return to HCCAP that day. She stayed late to make sure he was ok upon return. She had followed up with him daily to make sure he was recovering and answered all his questions. She wrote parameters for the staff to watch for over the weekend in case he developed any problems. She updated me daily. 

Her interactions with patients are always professional. She ensures that they follow protocols and treat the medical team with respect. This is a valuable part of their rehabilitation and preparation for successful return to the real world. She does not take the easier route of giving in to their demands but tries to explain the reasoning for our decisions. She is always positive and prepared. She gives the patients copies of their results and educational materials about any medical conditions or medicines. She is willing to spend extra time with patients who perhaps don't have as much education and doesn't talk down to them. 

I have no sooner examined the patient than I turn around and Kerry is handing me the appropriate information for the patient. Just last week her excellent clinical skills with triage of new arrivals saw the need to test for COVID and turned up three positives. She immediately coordinated with the staff to isolate the patients and formulate plans with the Major for control in our dorm living facility. She nipped the outbreak in the bud. 

We had a patient who was clearly very anxious, and Kerry took time to listen to him. She then handed him a post it pad and asked him to write down the thing that he was most worried about. He wrote, "my kids." Kerry attached the paper to her computer and asked the patient to let her worry about that for him. We checked with him weekly to make sure he was ok. When he transferred to another facility, she gave him back the post it. Her clinical skills and genuine caring allow our team to function most effectively and efficiently. We all get to do good medicine in a positive environment. She has been very supportive with our new nurse and created an atmosphere where she can learn and thrive. I tell Kerry that she has made me a better doctor at the VADOC and she tells me back that I have made her a better nurse. I look forward to going to work at HCCAP and being part of this team.