Charina Villareal
March 2025
Charina
Villareal
,
BSN, RN
Case Management
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles
,
CA
United States
She is steadfast and helps our patients get the care that they deserve.
Charina is an invaluable member of the team, but most importantly, she is an advocate for patients and goes out of her way to help our veterans. In the past week alone, we've had two patients in the clinic requiring urgent same-day surgery. Charina made their surgeries happen. She coordinated everything, notified the hospital staff, nurses, and OR leadership, and helped the patients get their urgent surgeries, thus saving their vision. One patient didn't even have a ride home, so Charina helped to coordinate after surgery lodging for them. This month, we've also had technical difficulties with OR equipment, requiring us to cancel a day of surgeries, given that it would be unsafe to use equipment that was faulty. Charina stayed up until 11 pm, called all patients, and had a detailed discussion with them about the situation and next steps. Understandably, some patients were upset. However, what impresses me most is Charina's professional attitude and ability to handle all situations. She is steadfast and helps our patients get the care that they deserve. I am proud to work with her and grateful for the care and help she provides to our VA Vets.