Kathleen Desilva
May 2025
Kathleen
Desilva
,
RN
Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Program (VMHAP)
VA Bedford Healthcare System
Bedford
,
MA
United States
She has a unique talent for helping veterans navigate the complexities of their recovery, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
It is with immense gratitude and admiration that I nominate this RN for the DAISY Award. For the past three years, she has been an indispensable part of my journey toward recovery and healing within the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital's Addiction and PTSD program, VMHAP. Her unwavering dedication and exceptional compassion have profoundly impacted my life and the lives of countless other veterans.
She is far more than just a nurse; she is a lifeline. She has been my "go-to" person, a constant source of support and guidance throughout my sobriety. Her availability, whether through text messages, phone calls, or during my monthly hospital visits, has been a cornerstone of my continued progress. During these interactions, she doesn't just listen; she truly hears me. She allows me to openly discuss my progress, my downfalls, my fears, and my goals, creating a safe space where I feel seen and understood.
What sets Kathleen apart is her ability to connect on a deeply human level. She has a remarkable gift for making me feel valued and understood, not just as a patient but as a person. In a world where many have failed to listen to my needs truly, she has consistently provided empathetic and attentive care. She treats me with dignity and respect, reinforcing my sense of humanity and my sense of belonging.
Kathleen is a strong and vital force within the VMHAP program. She is not only a source of support in individual interactions but also a powerful presence in our online meetings. Her ability to guide discussions, encourage reflection, and offer insightful advice is invaluable. She has a unique talent for helping veterans navigate the complexities of their recovery, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. I understand that nurses dedicate themselves to caring for others, but her dedication transcends the ordinary. She is a beacon of hope and healing for veterans struggling with addiction and PTSD. Her impact is immeasurable, and her commitment to providing exceptional care is truly remarkable.
Kathleen embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award. Her extraordinary compassion, unwavering dedication, and profound impact on the lives of veterans make her an exceptional candidate for this role. I wholeheartedly recommend her for this prestigious award. She deserves recognition over and over. She is a true power in the world of healing care for us veterans in need of care.
She is far more than just a nurse; she is a lifeline. She has been my "go-to" person, a constant source of support and guidance throughout my sobriety. Her availability, whether through text messages, phone calls, or during my monthly hospital visits, has been a cornerstone of my continued progress. During these interactions, she doesn't just listen; she truly hears me. She allows me to openly discuss my progress, my downfalls, my fears, and my goals, creating a safe space where I feel seen and understood.
What sets Kathleen apart is her ability to connect on a deeply human level. She has a remarkable gift for making me feel valued and understood, not just as a patient but as a person. In a world where many have failed to listen to my needs truly, she has consistently provided empathetic and attentive care. She treats me with dignity and respect, reinforcing my sense of humanity and my sense of belonging.
Kathleen is a strong and vital force within the VMHAP program. She is not only a source of support in individual interactions but also a powerful presence in our online meetings. Her ability to guide discussions, encourage reflection, and offer insightful advice is invaluable. She has a unique talent for helping veterans navigate the complexities of their recovery, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. I understand that nurses dedicate themselves to caring for others, but her dedication transcends the ordinary. She is a beacon of hope and healing for veterans struggling with addiction and PTSD. Her impact is immeasurable, and her commitment to providing exceptional care is truly remarkable.
Kathleen embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award. Her extraordinary compassion, unwavering dedication, and profound impact on the lives of veterans make her an exceptional candidate for this role. I wholeheartedly recommend her for this prestigious award. She deserves recognition over and over. She is a true power in the world of healing care for us veterans in need of care.