Shawn Gallups
July 2021
Shawn E
Gallups
,
RN
SCI
Hampton VA Medical Center
Hampton
,
VA
United States

 

 

 

Mrs. Gallups was present at his bedside (even on her days off from work) holding his hands and reassuring him that he was not alone in those final moments.
Throughout the years Shawn Gallups has not only provided exceptional care to the SCI residents but has also gone above and beyond to exceed their expectations. Her compassion and calmness are relegated through her mild mannerism. Hospice care, which provides Veterans with the love, care, and dignity needed in those final moments, was established by Mrs. Gallups.

One Veteran who had the privilege of receiving care in the unit stated, “Her eyes are warm, and her care is above all.” She is the epitome of the phrase, “wearing your heart on your sleeves.” He also believed that the Hampton VAMC would be the greatest medical facility if every nurse were to emulate the qualities of drive, passion, and love that Mrs. Gallups not only possess but bestows upon her patients. As the above-mentioned Veteran made his transition, Mrs. Gallups was present at his bedside (even on her days off from work) holding his hands and reassuring him that he was not alone in those final moments. His last words to her were, “You did good, Gal.” Mrs. Gallups stated that those words were one of the greatest gifts she has ever received.

Mrs. Gallups believes in treating all Veterans with the utmost care, and all are considered family. Staff members are given the same level of care and consideration. If a member of her team is struggling, she steps right up and helps in every possible way to ensure that the care the Veterans receive is not compromised. Mrs. Gallups does not believe in working for accolades, a thank you, or notoriety, but does believe in doing everything with dignity and compassion. Mrs. Gallups’s thoughtfulness for everyone around her is constantly demonstrated through her graceful, professional, clean, and honest demeanor. Her love for butterflies is transcended through these very same qualities and is a constant reminder to us that there is beauty in everything around us.

We often hear about the healing touch, but many have forgotten the power that lies with words of healing. Mrs. Gallups has made it her mission to encourage, motivate, and reassure people through her calm demeanor and with words that give hope. Mrs. Gallups most certainly possesses a servant’s heart and has chosen a career path that embraces these qualities. She listens, cares, empathizes from the heart. She does her job with joy, grace, and humility.