Erin has been helping my speech therapist with a new procedure to help strengthen eating and swallowing techniques for the residents who have aspiration issues with eating and swallowing. Erin works with the other residents and me on a daily basis, and for me, I can tell this therapy is working. I have been able to upgrade my lunch meal from pureed to be able to eat normal foods like hamburgers, fries, pizza, and various sandwiches, which were not allowed previously, with this therapy.

During our time doing this therapy, I have learned a lot about Erin. At the current time, Erin is our Restorative RN, performing a multitude of functions such as admission assessments, writing orders, and working with the residents who are on programs. She also says she works closely with our therapists and recreational staff, providing assistance for those departments to achieve their goals. She told me she recently received the "Sunflower award" for helping bring whole health activities to the CLC.

Another component she brings to the CLC is that she chairs the "Blissful Breaks" moments, which is designed to help her co-workers deal with certain aspects of the job like death, dealing with family, dealing with death and other topics she and her group pick. And just in the past week, Erin told me she has reached her Doctorate in Nursing, which is pretty amazing considering she works 40 hours a week and does all the stuff I mentioned. Erin exemplifies the utmost respect, inspiration, and dedication in our VA nurses.