A true superstar nurse! Caron went above and beyond when providing 1:1 empathetic care to one of our veterans who was experiencing a psychotic crisis, becoming increasingly agitated and refusing life-saving medications, while he was actively suicidal. Caron never gave up the fight in attempting to verbally de-escalate him. She listened to the veteran's needs and desires, encouraged the vet to make well-thought-out decisions/judgments, and provided herself as the leader of the unit. With talk of possible seclusion, emergency meds, and restraints, many doctors attempted to talk down the veteran, though only escalating the patient’s agitation. Caron was able to get the veteran appropriately medicated orally and willingly, thus keeping the vet in behavioral control with her delicate, yet effective therapeutic presence.

I personally observed her as she took the patient aside in a quiet spot, delaying her charge nurse role (also while training a charge nurse to be) and allowed the veteran to vent. She actively listened and validated the veteran’s concerns, and challenged him to visualize a positive outcome from his current situation at home, which brought him to the VA hospital. I think I can safely speak for the team when I say we have the utmost respect for her and the passionate care she continues to provide to our veterans, in addition to the way she handled the situation that could have easily and quickly turned into a code yellow seclusion or restraint type of situation. With her grace, kindness, and compassion in mind, she truly saved the day and always with a smile and positive attitude.