Bonnie is one of the first nurses you will see when you check in at the HSV VA. One Sunday evening, I was having chest pain and a headache. I told my wife I was sick and that I would be going to the HSV VA in the morning. When I arrived at the VA and signed in, I told the clerk my head was hurting and my chest was in pain. The clerk called Bonnie.

While I was standing there, Bonnie came and got me and took me into her office. I sat down, and Bonnie began asking me questions about my chest pain. Then she stopped talking and went to tell her colleagues, who quickly came into the room. Bonnie continued asking questions about my pain while they called the HEMSI emergency trucks.

Bonnie stopped asking questions, gave me some water, and helped me lie back in the big chair. When the emergency team arrived, Bonnie helped them get me on the stretcher and roll me out to the HEMSI truck. She even followed the emergency team to the truck, making sure I was getting the best possible care for my head pain and chest pain.

HEMSI took me to Crestwood Hospital, but I will never forget how Bonnie went above and beyond to make sure I was safe and cared for. She communicates with compassion, using words that patients understand, and demonstrates a caring attitude in every situation. Bonnie makes a significant difference in the lives of her patients and is highly knowledgeable in her work. She truly serves as a role model for the nursing profession.