Keisha Thompson-McClough
November 2014
Keisha
Mcclough
,
RN, BSN
Community Living Center
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston
,
SC
United States

 

 

 

Every day that Keisha is on duty, she has a consistent group of patients. Of those ten residents, four are Hospice level of care. She assesses complex symptoms quickly and advocates efficiently for her patients. She discusses concerns, fears, and holistic issues daily with the MD. She is relentless in obtaining medication and treatment changes that benefit her residents. She organizes her time to allow each Hospice patient the time he needs to foster a trusty, compassionate relationship. Her patients rely on her to advocate for them and are confident in her skills and ability.

As her colleague, I frequently pick her brain to acquire her insight and knowledge because her hands on practice is one I respect. Her attitude is always positive, her demeanor respectful and calming. She shows grace in adversity. Her practice reflects her experience, I value her as a coworker.

...

Keisha's clinical skill and especially her compassionate care exemplify the kind of nurse that our patients, their families, and our staff recognize as an outstanding role model. She consistently demonstrates the Veterans Affair's core values of:

Integrity: Keisha will always do what is right for the Veteran even if it is more "work" for staff and this ensures their proper care. It also sets a high standard that that is the way we do things here.

Commitment: Keisha comes to work early and is willing to stay late. She does a lot of extra research even at home about diagnosis and medicines to be knowledgeable about her Vets condition.

Advocacy: Keisha will assess closely the needs of her assigned Veteran and stand up for them time and time again for their physical, mental, and emotional needs. They trust her a lot.

Respect: Keisha speaks to all staff, Veterans, and visitors with respect and a smile. She is always concerned for their privacy and would never put it at risk.

Excellence: Keisha is the kind of nurse all the other nurses on the floor respect and trust. It is known by all that she is knowledgeable, trust-worthy, professional, educated, motivated, and most importantly, that she does this job out of love, not just "duty". She is like a light on the CLC when things are hard. Great Leadership!