VA nurses recognized for ‘Angel’ Care, preserving dignity

The Sheridan VA Medical System proudly announced that Sheridan VA’s medical unit nurse Carrie Pender was nominated by the veteran for a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, a nationwide program adopted by VA and community hospitals alike to help recognize nurses and the unforgettable impact their care has on patients and families. 

“Carrie saw in me a man that had given up on life,” wrote the veteran in his nomination. “She encouraged me to see that my life was not over.” 

Registered nurses may be recognized by patients, family members, clinicians, other nurses, or other staff who experience or observe the excellent clinical and compassionate care they provide to veterans. For Pender, it was a heartfelt reminder. 

“The DAISY award reminded me of why I became a nurse and how much of an impact a nurse can have,” Pender said. She works nights on Sheridan VA’s medical unit. “Sometimes I forget that. I thank the vet for nominating me, because to be there for my vets is the most important thing for me. I’m glad I was able to help him through his difficult time.” 

Some nurses are nominated by their patients, while others, like previous DAISY Award winner Kathy Stoffel, are nominated by a VA teammate. Julie Jackson recognized Stoffel for continuously going above and beyond to care and advocate for veterans and their families; she serves as a home health nurse.  

“She is constantly looking at how she can holistically serve the veteran and preserve the veteran’s dignity, rather than just ‘doing her job’ and leaving the home,” writes Jackson on Stoffel’s nomination. “She continuously looks for new or creative ways to improve veterans’ lives”.  

Stoffel also advocates for the veterans’ families who may be expressing burnout, by helping connect them with a social worker and explore respite care services. Contacting veteran providers, obtaining needed equipment in the home, plus reconciling medications with pharmacists, while all part of the job, are more than that for Stoffel.

Her appreciation for veterans stems from her own family’s military ties, specifically her grandfather, a gunner on a Naval ship who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. 

“Some of the stories he shared were unimaginable,” Stoffel said. “I am proud to have the honor to serve, care for, and get to know some of our nation’s veterans and spend quality time with them in their home environment. I would like to say thank you to all that care for our veterans in so many different ways.” 

According to the VA, the dedication by Stoffel and Pender represents that of nurses nationwide. According to Gallup polls, for two decades Americans rated nurses the highest in honesty and ethics among a long list of professions. However, recent strains on the healthcare community have made it even more important to recognize and appreciate them. 

“Nursing recognition in itself is so very important right now in these times with all that nurses have gone through over the last couple of years, some really trying times,” said Wendy Trafelet, DAISY Award chairperson. “They need to feel more than ever that they are supported and recognized for the sacrifice they have given in the care they have provided to their patients, and the loyalty to the foundation they serve.” 

Recognition of the DAISY nominations takes place once a quarter at a ceremony of nursing peers in the nurse’s unit. All nominees receive a special card along with a daisy pin with each nomination. The chosen winner receives a personal statue known as “The Healer’s Touch”, flowers, a tote bag, and a cinnamon treat along with the daisy pin. 

There is still time for nominations for the current quarter, ending April 1, for any community members who would like to nominate a VA registered nurse for the DAISY Award. Forms are available on any VA nursing unit and can be filled out and mailed back to the Sheridan VA or nominate them via the web, here.