I want to thank a nurse and share my story of why this nurse is so special. Emilia Nurse Peneva has collaborated with me, educated me, and given me hours over the years, allowing me to vent and validate my concerns and experiences. Most of the time, correcting me and reassuring me about knowledge for my mental health concerns, medication, etc.

Other vets, through collaboration and regular communication, discussed our care and experiences throughout the VA, and as a patient, I’m truly grateful to have Nurse Emilia. She always says the information straight, makes no promises that are unachievable, and is confident with her care and advice, which has always been true, never sugarcoating or deviating from the doctor's care plans and protocol for veterans' care.

Respect and compassion highlight her love for her job, even amid unforeseen issues or obstacles. Always a can-do attitude, always motivated by the goal of assisting and helping, even when I show up before or after appointment times for care concerns. She will tell you to schedule an appointment, or she will tell you that you must do a better job of advocating and planning for yourself when things are my fault. Others around the VA are helpful with reading, depending on the situation. I have received harsh treatment. I felt vilified, withdrawn because of my situation and medication, and my relationship with the pharmacy was strained many times. Because of Nurse Peneva, I belong here, and I strive to provide a pinch of what she does for us vets with genuine care and concern. I have never seen her in the halls without a smile, and other Vets thanking her for the quality of care and treatment, despite dealing with the tough personal issues most of us face daily. I know she’s cared for my fellow vets and me for years. To date, my treatment started here in 2017.

I heard about the DAISY Award from another program, and Nurse Peneva definitely deserves it for her commitment and continuous great care. Sure, I will have good, bad, horrible, and great mental health days, but she always is consistently caring for us with the same level of concern for our needs until the end, and our needs are met. She follows through to make sure they were OK, and that is really rare. Through nurse Peneva, I’m sure that Captain James A. Lovell FHCC is where I want to receive my care for mental health throughout the years, through other experiences. I realized that taking time, some of this is just a job, for some, this is what they love, this is obviously who she is and what she loves to do. Thank you, Nurse Peneva, for having such a great attitude, being a great nurse for years, and delivering great care.