In addition to performing her job at an exemplary level, Ms. Chacko demonstrates a can-do attitude and an extraordinary commitment to the Durham VA Medical Center as well as to the general public. Ms. Chacko takes it upon herself to provide exceptional support and service to all Veterans and staff. She quickly discerns their individual needs and moves efficiently to provide key information, recommendations, or direction. Beyond this and during times of transition, she has kept the Emergency Department running seamlessly. She is a wonderful ambassador for our medical center in assisting Veterans and staff as they navigate the federal bureaucracy. Ms. Chacko has a strong ability to connect with patients and families.
Ms. Chacko had a recent encounter with a patient who was being held in the emergency department for an extended amount of time. This patient was diagnosed with dementia and was requesting to "just see the sunlight", to ensure the safety of the patient, going outside in the ED is not recommended. Ms. Chacko not only devoted her time and energy unselfishly to this patient; she also unselfishly gave her money. After extensive research on how to improve the emergency department environment to accommodate dementia patients she learned that visual cues of outside and the sun are beneficial. She was so concerned about the care of this Veteran and how the lack of sunlight could affect him, that she took her own money and bought a "false window". Ms. Chacko purchased a wall hanging that represented a scene from outside to hang in the Veteran's room to provide him with some visual aids to distract him.
Fondly known as the 'go-to' for most things in the emergency department, Ms. Chacko receives calls daily from staff throughout the medical center and Veterans who call upon her experience and know-how for information and advice. Ms. Chacko is helpful, caring, resourceful, and happy to offer service no matter the task. She often performs above and beyond and recently offered her expertise and skills to management and is serving as the acting assistant nurse manager of the emergency department.
As a new leader in the department, Ms. Chacko is a transformational leader she works with our emergency department team to identify needed change, creating a vision to guide the change through inspiration, and executing the change in tandem with committed members of a group. For instance, our department recently implemented computerized scheduling. She enhances the motivation, morale, and job performance of staff. She is a role model for all and inspires staff to raise their interest in the departmental projects; challenges staff to take greater ownership of their work, and understands the strengths and weaknesses of staff, which allows her to align staff with tasks that enhance their performance.
Through many changes in leadership, Ms. Chacko has made a difference at our medical center, exemplified the mission of the Medical Center, and has positively impacted the people of our department. Her skills, knowledge, willingness to help others, and dedication to our Medical Center make her a true DAISY Nurse.