January 2026
Kammi
Austin
,
BSN, RN
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Los Angeles
,
CA
United States
This incident is just one of the many acts of kindness, sacrifice, and care that we show each and every day and often go unnoticed because we tend to give genuinely and selflessly.
I was able to witness one of the greatest acts of kindness and teamwork since I have been working at the VA.
A patient came up to the unit from the Emergency Department infested with lice and even suspected bedbugs. The bugs were noted by staff, and obviously there was great concern for a possible spread of these creatures on the unit. However, equally important, the patient was miserable. Several staff noted the discomfort of the patient as he was itching and scratching profusely.
In an effort to mitigate these issues, Princess, his assigned nurse for the day, my nurse manager, Elizabeth Santana Rios, and Kammi Austin from Infection Control/Quality Management sprang into action! They all gowned up and got busy cutting the patient's hair on every part of his body, as the lice were literally everywhere that the veteran had hair!
He was successfully shaved, showered, and finally received the required treatment needed to get rid of the lice. After these great efforts, it was quickly apparent that the patient felt better. He immediately appeared more comfortable. This incident is just one of the many acts of kindness, sacrifice, and care that we show each and every day and often goes unnoticed because we tend to give genuinely and selflessly.
I could not let this moment go by without taking the opportunity to express gratitude for these amazing nurses and to acknowledge and highlight the fabulous acts of kindness and service that took place during this particular occasion.
A patient came up to the unit from the Emergency Department infested with lice and even suspected bedbugs. The bugs were noted by staff, and obviously there was great concern for a possible spread of these creatures on the unit. However, equally important, the patient was miserable. Several staff noted the discomfort of the patient as he was itching and scratching profusely.
In an effort to mitigate these issues, Princess, his assigned nurse for the day, my nurse manager, Elizabeth Santana Rios, and Kammi Austin from Infection Control/Quality Management sprang into action! They all gowned up and got busy cutting the patient's hair on every part of his body, as the lice were literally everywhere that the veteran had hair!
He was successfully shaved, showered, and finally received the required treatment needed to get rid of the lice. After these great efforts, it was quickly apparent that the patient felt better. He immediately appeared more comfortable. This incident is just one of the many acts of kindness, sacrifice, and care that we show each and every day and often goes unnoticed because we tend to give genuinely and selflessly.
I could not let this moment go by without taking the opportunity to express gratitude for these amazing nurses and to acknowledge and highlight the fabulous acts of kindness and service that took place during this particular occasion.