Andrea Roufogalis has been an outstanding example of what it means to provide exemplary patient care to our veterans, consistent with our ICARE values. I wish to highlight this through the story of one of my patients for whom she was providing care.

This veteran was wheelchair-bound with a complex medical history and came to my care with a severe sacral decubitus wound affecting his skin, muscle, and spine. To complicate his condition, he experienced an unfortunate exacerbation of psychosocial stressors during his stay that, combined with an unexpected loss of family support, intensified an already vulnerable state. This veteran was suffering from a loss of bodily autonomy and the psychological need for love, acceptance, security, and trust, a state that most would find difficult to endure.

Andrea had served as one of his primary wound care nurses for several months. By establishing a relationship of trust and confidence that his dignity would be respected, Andrea helped this veteran feel empowered despite his situation. Often he would refer to her as his "angel." I believe her diligence to uphold the values of dignity and respect for this veteran fostered a healing process beyond the extent of his physical wound. Ms. Roufogalis’s commitment to this patient did not end with her unendingly compassionate nursing care. This veteran continued his wound care at an LTACH in the community. When he finally became eligible to transfer out of the LTACH to an AFH, Andrea went above and beyond her typical job duties to ensure this opportunity for him would not be lost. Securing an AFH placement is commonly a rigorous process that can take up to several months. Not long after this veteran finally received authorization for an AFH placement, his case manager contacted his former care team with an urgent request for help. Despite multiple attempts, there was no response from Community Care regarding authorization for a specialty bed and mattress, the only remaining equipment needed for the veteran to discharge to the AFH. Unfortunately, he had no other insurance or way to obtain the bed. Ordering a bed for an AFH placement is also a challenge and not something that can normally be done in a day. I called Andrea and asked her for help even though this is not something she would normally coordinate, as I wasn't sure who else to ask. Even though she was not currently caring for him, she took on the challenge. She had other patient commitments, but she cleared her schedule and worked tirelessly so she could ensure his needs were met. Because she took the time to make sure he wouldn't lose his AFH placement, now he has a new home to call his own.

Throughout my experience working with her, I have come to observe this as the kind of dedicated nursing care Andrea provides to all her patients. She embodies exactly the kind of compassionate and tireless professionalism one would hope for themself or their loved ones when in need. These qualities, along with her willingness to accept new challenges and consistent devotion to meeting the unique needs of the VA patient population, have proved she is an invaluable asset to the VA Healthcare team.