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Recently, two separate nurses from other VA facilities assisted at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center during staff shortages. Both nurses paid multiple compliments to the Clarksburg VA

and the staff that care for our area Veterans.  One of the registered nurses from VA Pittsburgh stated, “I am honored I got to work alongside some of the most compassionate and caring nurses

I have ever met. During my month here, I was in awe as every one of the nursing staff I met went above and beyond for our Veterans. It was truly a privilege to get to work with such

wonderful staff. Clarksburg is really an amazing place.  From the time I entered the front door, I was made to feel at home. Working with the nursing staff, I got to witness quite a few

amazing and touching moments.”  She continued by sharing compliments about staff she worked with in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).  She explained, “I had a patient pass away and I was

feeling a little upset and sad by the fact the patient was alone, and one RN went well above and beyond to send our Veteran home in the most dignified way. She set up an honor guard with

only nursing staff present and said a few peaceful words and then played “Taps” in his honor. It was such a beautiful memorial and respect to our Veteran. I witnessed her compassion and my

heart melted. I found such peace with that kind gesture.”  She stated other nurses took her under their wing and oriented her to the unit making her transition very easy.  She stated, “I

could go on and on with amazing stories from ICU staff. I wish I could give each of them a DAISY Award.  The staff here really set the bar high for exemplary care.” The second registered

nurse was from the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center.  She complimented multiple staff members regarding the help they provided for taking the best possible care of Veterans.  The following

are a list of her compliments regarding various employees/services at the medical center. The first compliment was regarding a staff member from Logistics service.  She stated, “He would

make sure we had everything we needed, and if it wasn’t stocked on our unit, we would have what we needed for the Veteran within minutes. He was consistent and reliable, and we couldn’t have

done it without him.”  The next was about the Nurse Educator and Fall/Safe Patient Handling Coordinator.  “Both were extremely knowledgeable and did a fantastic job of compressing a lot of

information into a short amount of time. They were two of the first people I met when I came, and they both made me feel very welcomed.”  Regarding two social workers  “I hope this VA knows

just how lucky they are to have it with these two. They are both incredibly efficient, knowledgeable, and approachable. I have nothing but great things to say about them.” One of the

physicians – “She was always so approachable and kind. Within minutes of asking for orders, they would be in the computer. She was patient to explain how things were done at this VA even if

it didn’t pertain to her patients.” Another physician – “He always would take the time to round with the nurses. If the patient or the nurses had questions, he would act as if he had all the

time in the world to answer the questions.  One day, he even stopped what he was doing to help us troubleshoot an issue we were having with a medication cart. He truly is a jack of all

trades.” Executive Assistant to the Associate Director for Patient Care Services – “He came up to see the nursing staff in person to ensure we all had the computer access we need to complete

our work. He followed up with phone calls and would also make things happen every time we would call him.” A Housekeeper – “She was always very kind and friendly. She always kept the unit

looking clean.  She also alerted me when she thought something was wrong with a patient. It is so comforting to know you have an extra set of eyes and ears when caring for your patient. I

appreciate her being comfortable enough to alert me if she thought something wasn’t right.” A Surgeon – “He rounded three times in one day and called twice for an update on his post-op

patient making sure both the patient and I had everything we needed. It became immediately apparent this physician had an acute attention to detail. He is very caring and compassionate

surgeon.” Supervising Physician – “He was very engaged and listened to the nursing perspective. You could tell just from talking to him that he would take the information seriously and do

what he could to implement improvements as soon as possible.” Ward Clerk – “I have literally never heard him say “no”. To say he goes above and beyond is an understatement. He always takes

the time to make sure the nurses, doctors, ancillary staff have everything they needed (including much needed breaks). I am so thankful for all his help while working in 3A.” She closed by

stating “As you can see, there are MANY examples (and many I’m unfortunately missing) of incredible staff across all disciplines. Thank you again for everything!!” The Louis A. Johnson VA

Medical Center would like to thank all the nurses who took time away from their lives and families to lend a hand to our medical center.  COVID has taken its toll on our healthcare team and

we say thank you to those who rose to the occasion to ensure our Veterans continued to received the best healthcare possible.