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WTVAHCS nurses recognized for exemplary compassionate care

Group photograph of three awardee nurses and the nurse leadership team.
(L-R)Registered Nurses Justin Aguilar, Kevy O’Brien, Reagan Schafer, are recognized with the DAISY award by Nurse Manger Michelle Gilbreath and Tina McClendon, Associate Director Patient Care Service for their team’s recent efforts treating a Veteran during a medical crisis earlier this year.

Three nurses from the West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) have been recognized with the prestigious DAISY Team Award for their dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to compassionate care.

During a recent ceremony, Justin Aguilar, Kevy O’Brien, Reagan Schafer, and Betty Richardson, registered nurses at the George H. O’Brien Jr. VA Medical Center, were singled out for their attention to a Veteran in medical crisis.

“This team’s dedication and expertise in a time of need made all the difference,” said Medical Center Director Keith Bass, adding that their actions truly reflect WTVAHCS’ core values. “Justin, Kevy, Reagan, and Betty exemplify the kind of compassionate care we are honored to provide for our Veterans.”

Thinking he had food poisoning or a stomach bug, the Veteran initially sought assistance from his VA primary care team for digestive issues. Two days later, he returned - this time, complaining of continued pain, weakness, and now, blood in his stool. 

“Instead of brushing me off, the nurses took the time to reevaluate my symptoms and consult with the facility’s chief of staff to ensure I received every test needed,” the Veteran recalled, adding that their dedication made him feel safe, valued, and reassured. “I felt as though they were holding my hand through the whole ordeal.” 

The Veteran’s care also went beyond traditional nursing, with Aguilar escorting the Veteran to various tests and providing comforting conversation and humor during physician exams. It was evident this extra act of kindness helped alleviate the Veteran’s anxiety and underscored the team’s commitment to treating him as an individual, not just a patient.

As a token of appreciation for the team’s exceptional care, the DAISY Team Award honors Aguilar, O’Brien, Schafer, and Richardson for their collective effort to ensure no detail was overlooked. For the Veteran, they remain an inspiring example of the dedication and compassion that VA staff bring to those they serve, reinforcing the WTVAHCS’s mission to prioritize the well-being and dignity of all Veterans.

The DAISY Award, established by the DAISY Foundation in partnership with Health Impact, recognizes nurses who go above and beyond in their roles, with a particular focus on compassionate care and the impact they have on their patients. This recognition celebrates the invaluable work of nurses who elevate the standard of care for Veterans, patients, and their families.

If you are a nurse and want a job that makes a lasting difference in the lives of Veterans along with the work/life balance you crave, consider a VA career. For more information, visit https://vacareers.va.gov/careers/nursing-jobs/.