Will completed the transition to the Veterans Health Care arena in a short period. Moving from a non-VA to the VA is not always easy, but Will made the shift without fuss or complaints. The documentation systems, navigation of policies, medication management, and the new environment were just a few of the significant changes he adapted to.  

 

In early November 2024, a complicating variable raised concerns among veterans about their ability to vote. Absentee voting was arranged, but then Hurricane Helene arrived, bringing disruptions to nearly everything. If that were not enough, CLC-2 then experienced a COVID outbreak. Staff were hot, stressed, and worried, and had to return to wearing N95 masks, along with other pieces of personal protective equipment and isolation gear. They were also restricted from having visitors and engaging in activities. The unit received a concern that a veteran, who had previously declined absentee voting, had family who felt he truly needed and wanted to vote. The family was insistent. Because the veteran was in a semi-private room, his newly admitted roommate overheard the conversation and expressed his desire to vote. Neither veteran resided in Buncombe County, and it was a Saturday, the last day to vote before the official election day. Multiple conversations took place among various parties to determine the feasibility, the process, and the medical clearance required to leave the facility, as well as transportation arrangements, all of which had to be completed quickly. Will was in charge and patiently attended to all my calls and directions. Some directions changed mid-stream, but he took it all in stride and clearly presented the options and the process to the veterans involved.  

 

On that busy day, everything that was asked of him came in addition to his already full agenda as a Charge Nurse. The extra attention and collaboration were greatly appreciated by this writer, and we hope by the veterans, who ultimately decided not to leave the facility to vote. This is an example of his commitment to the veterans’ full picture of care needs. He was acutely aware that the 2024 vote might well be the last major voting period for veterans and was determined to offer all that was available to each one.  

 

Equally appreciated is Will’s flexibility. In gathering information for this nomination, the Nursing Assistants were quick to speak about his helpfulness. They spoke highly of his consistent and graciously offered help: “He knows what we need without us having to ask.” He recognizes their contributions and the difficulties they encounter with some of their tasks. Examples include veterans with dementia, mood disorders, difficulties with activities of daily living, needs for complete hygienic care, and some behavioral outbursts—he recognizes the challenges, sees distress on the faces, or hears the voiced concerns, and without ever shirking his primary responsibilities, pivots and offers to provide a shower, sit with someone who is agitated, provide food and fluids to ensure everything is served at the best temperature, or referee the discussion about which TV channel to watch in the common living area. He demonstrates the ability to shift seamlessly between educating a veteran about the safe use of a rollator, explaining new orders to a staff member, interacting with a provider about an intuitively felt clinical change, and administering medication. In addition to providing stellar care, Will recognizes the value and needs of team members. I believe this demonstrates his integrity, commitment to veteran care, and support for his peers, which aligns with the Mission of the VHA.