According to the DAISY Foundation website, since 1999, the foundation has recognized nurses who provide above and beyond compassionate care to patients and their families. Today, I am proud to nominate my coworker, Ashley Becker, BSN, RN, for her exceptional dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to serving our Veterans in the Urgent Care Clinic (UCC). The UCC at the James E. Van Zandt VAMC is a Level 1, 24-hour urgent care center that often functions as an emergency room due to the critical needs of our Veterans, who trust the VAMC above other community facilities. The nurses in the UCC are known for their ability to handle acute and non-acute patients with expertise and care. Ashley consistently demonstrates the excellence and compassion that make the UCC an invaluable resource for our community and the VAMC.

Last week, Ashley faced an extraordinary situation with skill and grace. A Veteran presented to the UCC as his left ventricular assist device (LVAD) began alarming for low flow, signaling a malfunction. An LVAD is a mechanical device implanted to assist a failing heart in pumping blood throughout the body. It is a life-sustaining device, often used in patients awaiting heart transplants or those with end-stage heart failure. A low-flow alarm indicates that the device is not functioning correctly, which can lead to life-threatening complications such as heart failure or rapid hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells).

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Ashley took swift and decisive action. She immediately contacted the Veteran's LVAD coordinator to assess the alarm and collaborated closely with the Veteran's managing physician and the LVAD coordinator. After extensive coordination, it was determined that the Veteran needed to be transferred to Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where the LVAD team that initially treated this patient could provide the specialized care required. However, Ashley found that ground transport for the Veteran would not be available for several hours. A delay that was not an option given the potential for rapid deterioration. Recognizing the urgency, Ashley went above and beyond by contacting STAT MedEvac and successfully coordinating a life flight transport. Within approximately 40 minutes, Ashley had arranged for the Veteran to be transferred safely and expediently from the James E. Van Zandt VAMC to Penn State Hershey Medical Center via life flight, ensuring he received the critical care he needed.

Ashley's actions demonstrated not only her exceptional clinical knowledge and critical thinking but also her dedication to prioritizing her patient's health and safety. She worked tirelessly, communicating with multiple teams and overcoming logistical challenges to deliver life-saving care. Ashley’s ability to manage such a high-acuity situation with professionalism, compassion, and a calm demeanor reflects the very essence of the DAISY Award. She brings joy, laughter, and a sense of excellence to every shift, making her an invaluable member of the UCC team and a trusted advocate for the Veterans she serves. Thank you, Ashley, for your extraordinary efforts and for embodying the VA's mission. Your actions not only saved a life but also exemplified the exceptional care that our Veterans deserve.