Grace Arackal
April 2019
Grace
Arackal
,
RN
MICU
West Palm Beach VA Medical Center
West Palm Beach
,
FL
United States
When I look at your ICARE principles listed on your nomination forms, my mind immediately brings to the forefront Mrs. Arackal. Without question, she demonstrated not just one but all of the principles listed as she diligently cared for me when I was under her care. After a diagnosis of colon cancer, I had immediate surgery and then was transferred to the unit for seven days. During the recuperation period, I was able to observe the performance of each of the nurses working in the unit. Right from the start, Mrs. Arackal demonstrated the commitment to her patients that went far beyond what would normally be considered comprehensive, compassionate patient care.
In my opinion, Mrs. Arackal is without a doubt "compassionate about compassion" and this innate ability puts her in a class all by itself. She was always there for me...always...even when she was ready to leave for the day.
As a doctor myself, being in the hospital was a new experience for me. I felt alone and frightened. My diagnosis was difficult, to say the least, and when I needed another human being to be with, to comfort me, and to demonstrate such an incredible level of excellence, respect, and dignity...well truthfully, it left me breathless.
I have spent my career in private practice as well as traveling the country working with docs in the private practice and in hospital settings. Always tracking the ideal but unfortunately seldom finding consistently in application. I found myself at times disappointed. Well, all of my 40 years plus of questioning was immediately put to rest when Mrs. Grace Arackal entered my life. We spent time talking about her dedication and excellence. Questions from me mostly wondering how she approaches her profession and the tremendous responsibility of the same. Her response...."well doctor, is there another way?" Incredible.
My thanks to all of you at the WPB VA for all you do for each of us. The outstanding care I have received has been without question wonderful. My life has been spared and thanks to all of you and my wonderful "angel of care" Mrs. Arackal, I will continue on.
In my opinion, Mrs. Arackal is without a doubt "compassionate about compassion" and this innate ability puts her in a class all by itself. She was always there for me...always...even when she was ready to leave for the day.
As a doctor myself, being in the hospital was a new experience for me. I felt alone and frightened. My diagnosis was difficult, to say the least, and when I needed another human being to be with, to comfort me, and to demonstrate such an incredible level of excellence, respect, and dignity...well truthfully, it left me breathless.
I have spent my career in private practice as well as traveling the country working with docs in the private practice and in hospital settings. Always tracking the ideal but unfortunately seldom finding consistently in application. I found myself at times disappointed. Well, all of my 40 years plus of questioning was immediately put to rest when Mrs. Grace Arackal entered my life. We spent time talking about her dedication and excellence. Questions from me mostly wondering how she approaches her profession and the tremendous responsibility of the same. Her response...."well doctor, is there another way?" Incredible.
My thanks to all of you at the WPB VA for all you do for each of us. The outstanding care I have received has been without question wonderful. My life has been spared and thanks to all of you and my wonderful "angel of care" Mrs. Arackal, I will continue on.