I am an elderly female veteran living with a slow-growing, but untreatable cancer. I live alone in an apartment, with no relatives in the state. In addition to her many responsibilities as the provider of a busy in-patient Palliative Care Unit at the JCMVAMC, Vickie has gone above and beyond in commitment in helping me even though I am still able to live independently as an outpatient. I call her my "end of life coach".
When I phone Vickie or stop by the office with questions, she is smiling, but honest and forthright and reassuring in her responses. She keeps me "grounded". We part with smiles; when she can, she orders my medications and supplies that assist me with independence. Because she has worked in the outpatient clinics for some time, she knows the VA, the people and the processes. She serves as a strong advocate in referring me to the person or department that can assist me.
When I contact a new provider, I like to mention Vickie's name because they know her and the excellence of care she has given to veterans for years. Clearly, she has earned their respect in innumerable ways over the years. When I contact Vickie on the phone or in person, she never acts as though I am too high-maintenance for her to deal with. Over and over she assists me in my care. I thank her verbally from time-to-time and bring her favorite pistachio nuts or dark chocolate. Vickie Holland deserves the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses!