February 2022
Tammy
Ponte
,
RN
Outpatient Urology
Providence VA Healthcare System
Providence
,
RI
United States

 

 

 

Tammy got down on the floor with the Veteran to help calm her. She spoke to her so kindly that the Veteran was able to stop crying and communicate what she needed.
The Veteran and her husband shared this story with the patient advocate’s office. Tammy is such an amazing nurse and this is just one example of how Veteran centric she is. The Veteran reported that she has a history of MST, PTSD, and DID. She was coming to the VA for a urology clinic appointment for the first time alone. When she arrived that morning, she was escorted to mental health urgent care. This immediately triggered the Veteran and caused serious anxiety. The anxiety increased when the VA police responded. When Tammy heard what was going on, she immediately went to see the Veteran. Tammy got down on the floor with the Veteran to help calm her. She spoke to her so kindly that the Veteran was able to stop crying and communicate what she needed. Tammy escorted the Veteran into a private room and helped her call her husband. Tammy stayed with the Veteran until her husband arrived. Tammy also helped coordinate a visit with another urology provider and stayed with the Veteran per her request for the entire visit. Both the Veteran and her husband credit Tammy for calming her and treating her with care and respect. I am so thankful Tammy was there that day. Her exceptional nursing practice and skill made such a difference for this Veteran.