Telehealth Nurse honored for lifesaving bond with Veteran
By Tramel Garrett, Public Affairs Specialist
For most patients, a telehealth nurse is a reassuring voice on the phone or a face on a screen, a distant guide navigating the complexities of health care. For Veteran Jacqueline, however, that voice became a lifeline that transcended the digital divide and pulled her back from the brink of death.
the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at the Tuskegee Campus, following a nomination that detailed her refusal to let a hospital admission break the bond of care.
The nomination stems from a critical period in Jacqueline’s life. After years of receiving exceptional care from Goode via telehealth, Jacqueline was admitted to a local community hospital for a months-long battle with a severe illness that resulted in a diabetic coma.
In a time when Jacqueline was unable to respond or advocate for herself, the distance usually associated with telehealth vanished. Goode began visiting Jacqueline regularly at the hospital, sitting by her bedside and offering words of encouragement to her unconscious patient.
"This particular nurse came to the hospital to visit me on a regular basis," Jacqueline wrote in her nomination letter. "I couldn't respond to her soft, kind words she would whisper in my ear, but I heard every word she would say to me."
Jacqueline credits those whispers and Goode’s physical presence with her survival.
"She actually saved my life," Jacqueline stated. "If it wasn't for her care and concern, I would not be living today. I'd like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to this nurse for everything that she has done."
The emotional weight of the nomination was evident during the award presentation. Goode, standing in her white coat, was visibly moved to tears as the story of her impact was read aloud. The DAISY Award, an international recognition program, honors the super-human work nurses do for patients and families every day.
For CAVHCS leadership, Goode’s recognition underscores a core truth of Veteran health care: the method of delivery is secondary to the commitment of the provider.
"Nurses like Satoris Goode exemplify the heart of a High Reliability Organization," said Amir Farooqi, CAVHCS Director. "Her actions remind us that true care isn't defined by the technology we use, but by the compassion we show. She didn't just monitor a patient; she supported a Veteran through their darkest hour, and that is the standard of excellence we strive for every day."
"I would like it to be known how awesome this nurse is," Jacqueline concluded. "Thank you from the bottom of my heart, you are greatly appreciated."
Goode continues to serve Veterans at CAVHCS, proving that in the fight for a Veteran's health, no distance is too great to bridge.