There are so many moments when I am touched by Veronica Gordon's generosity of time, spirit and caring. Her selflessness, compassion, and attention to detail are the leading reasons that our outpatient palliative care clinic can provide our veterans with excellent service.
Veronica did an intake with a new patient today who had received news that his cancer was no longer curable. The veteran was initially hesitant to talk with the staff, but Veronica's kind, down-to-earth spirit won him over, and they were even making jokes together. He shared with her some traumatic details from his time in the service that he had not volunteered before. This knowledge will help improve our care of the veteran. She also discovered that he was illiterate and thus tailored her education session to accommodate his needs. He commented that she approached him without judgment, only with caring.
Veronica stays late to be sure that patients are called to be reminded of their appointments because we do not have clerical support to do so. If there is an issue that needs to be addressed her answer is, "Let me see what I can do to help."
One of our outpatients had to be admitted to the hospital on her birthday. Veronica, who supervises the palliative care volunteers, put together a beautiful and thoughtful gift for the patient. The patient teared up that we had remembered and saw her as a person instead of just thinking about her disease.
A paraplegic Veteran came to the outpatient clinic and needed to have a bowel movement. He was unable to transfer to a bed on his own in the exam room. I called Veronica to ask for advice; she immediately gained access to a Hoyer lift and cleaning supplies in an inpatient unit shower room to assist the veteran. The vet was so grateful for her speedy rescue when he was clearly embarrassed and feeling desperate at the situation.
On a personal note, in a field that can be emotionally taxing, she is always there for me. I am truly thankful to call her my "right hand."

Note: This is Veronica's 2nd DAISY Award!