From Machine Gunner to Plumber to Provider: David Shay’s Journey to VA
Every day, registered nurse and Marine Corps Veteran David Shay sees the realities of homelessness firsthand. His patients are the most vulnerable of Veterans and have often experienced extreme trauma through their time in the military or from their life on the streets.
“Treat every patient the way you would want your family member to be treated,” Shay said of his approach to care. “See the person as a whole person.”
Through his work at the Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (HPACT) in Building 402 at the VA West Los Angeles Medical Center campus, Shay is part of a team that works directly for unhoused Veterans, providing integrative care for their immediate medical and mental health needs' and getting them into housing.
Building a Legacy
While Shay served during peacetime as a machine gunner, many of his patients have seen combat or other extreme scenarios. He connects well with them and is inspired by them daily. “They’re real heroes,” he said.
An experience in Shay’s own life is what led him into a nursing career. When his mom was diagnosed with cancer eight years ago, Shay and his two sisters took turns caring for her.
Her death inspired him to examine his life and legacy more closely. “I was more concerned with having stuff and accumulating money and having fun, but when somebody dies you have a chance to step back and evaluate what’s important in life,” Shay said.
At the time, he was working as a plumber. While it was a form of helping people, it was less altruistic and more capitalistic, he said.
His mom always wanted him to go back to school, so he started part-time at San Diego State, then enrolled in the nursing program at Cal State Long Beach. “To go back to school when you’re older, it’s very refreshing,” Shay said. “Everybody’s happy and they’re not stressed.”
He moved into his sister’s backyard flat, sold his plumbing business and used the funds to pay for school. He says he “hasn’t worked a day since” – that’s how much he loves his job.
“In the end it’s not how much money you make, but rather the positive impact you’ve had on the world around you. That’s the legacy you leave behind and what makes your life worthwhile,” he said.
A HeRO at Work
Shay’s love for his job shines through in his day-to-day work; so much so that he was recently nominated for a national HeRO award. The award recognizes individuals at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) who demonstrate the principles involved in VHA’s journey to becoming a High Reliability Organization (HRO). The HRO principles are designed to keep high stakes work safe and instill a culture of Zero Harm. Simply put, the award recognizes those who prioritize safety and work to minimize harm.
Shay’s nurse manager, Alan Chhith, MSN, RN, said they chose to nominate him for this award due to his dedication. The award nomination describes his treatment of one Veteran patient.
In addition to dealing with homelessness, this Veteran was suffering from diabetes, hypertension, alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder and some mental health issues.
Shay was perceptive and noticed that the patient seemed to be letting himself go, no longer caring about things he previously enjoyed, including his love of vintage clothing. The patient wasn’t taking his medications or properly controlling his diabetes. He ended up losing part of his leg and was eventually diagnosed with congestive heart failure.
“He just seemed to go in a downward spiral,” Shay said.
The Veteran also often failed to show up for appointments. Despite these obstacles Shay made sure to continue reaching out to him. When he couldn’t get in touch with the patient directly, he’d call the transitional housing team where the Veteran was staying to track him down.
“David is so dedicated to the job and the Veterans that we care for,” Chhith said. “He doesn’t give up.”
To help the patient, Shay suggested a “case conference,” where providers from different disciplines gather at HPACT to discuss a challenging case and give their opinions on how best to care for the Veteran in question.
The Veteran was invited to the case conference, and the experience turned his care around. “He told me that it felt good to see everyone being genuinely concerned, that his life was important,” Shay said.
Since that time, the Veteran has been more attentive to his appointments, wears a glucose monitor to control his diabetes, is housed through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – VA Supportive Housing program (HUD-VASH) and has even gotten an emotional support dog.
“It inspired him to change his own idea of himself and to start taking care of himself better,” Shay said.
This Veteran’s story is just one example of Shay’s commitment to his work.
“David has a calm demeanor about him,” Chhith said of Shay’s ability to connect with patients. “He’s very soothing and accommodating. As a Veteran himself he has a different perspective.”
Showing Up for Veterans Every Day
Shay often gives out his card and tells Veterans they can call anytime.
“We [HPACT nurses] are really blessed because we’re on the tip of the spear of the most pressing social problem that we have in our country today: homelessness,” Shay said. “I feel lucky to be here; it’s challenging but it’s really rewarding.”
He touts nursing as the “best career” because he just gets to help those in need without worrying about cost or other barriers. Working at HPACT, in particular, helps him feel like he’s really giving back.
“It’s terrible to be homeless in Los Angeles or anywhere but I feel like if you’re a Veteran there’s a lot of resources,” Shay said. “It’s just a matter of getting connected to those resources to get the help you need.”
Veterans can reach HPACT directly by walking into Building 402 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or through the call center at 877-251-7295.