Katherine Hood
September 2025
Katherine
Hood
,
RN
Emergency Department
Syracuse VA Medical Center
Syracuse
,
NY
United States
RN Hood continued to be patient and listen to the veteran for as long as required while still being attentive to the fact that the ED was filled with other patients who needed care.
While working as the charge nurse of the ED, Katie Hood had an encounter with a veteran in crisis who wanted to leave AMA. RN Hood and Dr. F of the ED showed extreme patience, respect, and all-around care while attempting to de-escalate a veteran who was already out of the ED doors. They called for police assistance in an attempt to ensure the safety of the veteran and others in the area. RN Hood continued to be patient and listen to the veteran for as long as required while still being attentive to the fact that the ED was filled with other patients who needed care. RN Hood advocated for the veteran to stay just a little longer so he could revisit with the psych team to get a care plan in place. Even while the veteran refused at first to proceed with care, RN Hood and Dr. F stayed on course with advocating for the absolute best solutions. While RN Hood had to return to the ED, she and Dr. F exhausted every possible avenue to get the veteran the care needed. Even calling in Dr. P to return to the station for additional support of the veteran. Both RN Hood and Dr. F deserve to be recognized for their outstanding effort, remarkable care provided, and extreme commitment in getting the veteran to return to the ED for care. Dr. P deserves recognition as well for his selfless actions in returning late in the evening and staying through early morning hours. Great job all around by the team of medical professionals in the ED!