Last week, a veteran came into the clinic to see his PACT team as he was not feeling well. This patient suddenly collapsed and a code blue was declared. I arrived on the scene to where the code was taking place, and there was already a large amount of nurses and doctors who responded to the code. Matt was actively involved in the code, and had the AED set up and pads attached to the patient. Matt's knowledge and professionalism kept the code running calm and smoothly, promoting the teamwork of all those who were involved. As Matt is a very experienced SICU nurse, he had expertise and a depth of knowledge that assisted not only in providing the excellent care to the patient,but also assisted those involved in the code in providing care in reviving this patient. What was impressive about Matt was that he was not afraid to speak up during the code, advocating as to what interventions might be best for the patient, even if it was differing from what a provider involved suggested. Matt's knowledge of emergent situations was clear during the code. Although he works now in a CBOC, it is clear he continues to keep updated on his knowledge on crisis and emergent situations such as this code blue.
Matt demonstrates his care of the veterans he sees each and every day. As a veteran himself, he expresses understanding, empathy, and compassion for his fellow veterans with every encounter. Each time I have seen Matt interact with a veteran, he goes above and beyond to make the veteran feel important and welcomed in the clinic.Matt is the very example of what it means to be a Registered Nurse working in the Department if Veteran Affairs serving our outstanding veterans.