I recently received a Pacemaker. I understand that this is usually a routine procedure, but within hours, I began to experience pain. The pain continued and worsened. The pain increased until I was in the worst continuous pain I have ever experienced. I called the nurse. She arrived and reassessed my condition. I asked for and received Tylenol. As the pain worsened, I depended on the nurse. She returned several times to assess my condition. Each time she checked on me and assessed my condition, she noted any changes. She noted that I was sweating and provided cold compresses for my head and the nape of my neck. She coordinated CAT scans and made appropriate notifications. The pain worsened until I had a band of pain around my chest and back. 

Perhaps, I should have been scared. I had never experienced such intense and continuous pain. I was not scared because I was confident that the nurse had everything under control. I was certain that she would make everything okay and that I was receiving the best care that I could get. 

The nurse was hampered by my inability, at the time, to describe my pain. It seems strange in retrospect, but I did not know if I should describe the pain as a spasm, a convulsion, or something else. She was also hampered by the fact that I had been taught that men should not show their pain. Despite my lack of help, she reacted in a thoroughly professional manner. She took my pain seriously and, despite my helplessness, treated me with a highly professional dignity. Her incessant coordination resulted in my receiving treatment as quickly as possible.

I do not know why I felt such pain, but her professionalism and extraordinary nursing ability certainly helped me. Her unique blend of experience, knowledge, professionalism, and empathy kept me from panicking and being afraid. 

I realize and recognize that all the VAMC nurses are great. The VAMC in Lexington, Kentucky, demonstrates a climate and culture that places veterans first and focuses on the dignified treatment of veterans. This nurse demonstrated a complete inculcation of this culture. I have received treatment at the Lexington Kentucky VAMC since 1997 and have always been impressed by the nursing care there. The great VAMC nurse who cared for me that night was Kathleen Stapp. The care I received from her epitomized the best goals of the Veterans Administration. She guided me through the most physically painful hours of my life. Her constant assessments of my condition were thorough and professional, and helped her find solutions. She did not stop or even slow down until my pain left me. She is a wonderful nurse. She epitomizes the VA mission. She epitomizes what a nurse should be. She is thoroughly deserving of the DAISY Award.