Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center

I would like to recognize Ms. Tushema Mobley for her dedication to her job and the Veterans served here at TV AMC. Her dedi­cation goes far beyond while on duty and off duty as well. Ms. Mobley came in on her off day (on 3/27 /18) to provide grooming care for a female Veteran that had been refusing to shower and refusing redirection from other staff members. Ms. Mobley noticed that this female Veteran was in need of clothing.

Attempts were made to get donated clothing from the clothing room but no plus size female clothing was available at that time. Ms. Mobley took it upon herself to purchase this female Veteran an outfit. The Veteran was so overwhelmed and thankful to Ms. Mobley that she cried and told her that she didn't think anyone cared about her like that. This further strengthened the estab­lished great rapport she had with this Veteran. I would like to recognize her for her compassion, professionalism and for always being a team player. No matter what her assignment is, Ms. Mobley always does her job with a smile on her face.

She is an advocate for the Veterans, as well as her peers and is always willing to give a helping hand whenever it comes to the Veterans. She is always mindful of reporting changes in a patient's behavior before it escalates. This alerts the RN to take appropriate measures so this will not interfere with continuity of care. Please help me commend Ms. Mobley for a job well done and for passionately going above and beyond her duties to serve Veterans. She is truly a great asset to the Acute Psych Unit and this medical center.

Nominated by Angela Peoples, RN

 It is an honor to nominate Dr. Lance Davis for an ICARE Award so his commit­ment to our Veterans and our organization is recognized! Lance Davis, PharmD, agreed to serve as TVAMC's Interim Chief of Pharmacy for 120-days starting on
February 4, 2018. Since his arrival, he has energetically and enthusiastically provided superb direction, guidance, and support to the Pharmacy Service staff and service leadership throughout the facility. His commitment to en­suring the best care to our Veterans is always reflected in his actions. For in­stance, on the afternoon of Friday, March 2, 2018, Dr. Davis graciously went above and beyond his call of duty to retrieve needed medications for a Veteran being transferred back from a community hospital to an inpatient unit. Immediately upon learning of the need and attempting to secure the medi­cations through alternate means, Dr. Davis alerted the Acting Chief of Staff of the Veteran's need and solution to the dilemma. His solution, showing his unwaivering commitment to Tuscaloosa Veterans, was to personally driving to the Birmingham VAMC to retrieve the medications and deliver them back to the Pharmacy department for dispensing to the unit. As a result, the Veteran was able to have his treatment initiated and continued over the weekend. The Veteran was afforded the best clinical treatment without delay with Dr. Davis' quick actions behind the scenes. In the short time he has been here, I have observed him as a motivating individual with a pleasant demeanor who positively influences Pharmacy's work environment. He is always willing to mentor others regardless of their service or position. Not only does Dr. Davis have our Tuscaloosa Veterans' best interests at heart, but he is dedicated to his role in the successful operation of our organization.

Nominated by Katlyn Williamson

Mr. James E. Smith is a social worker who works on the TVAMC Valor Rehabilitation unit. He has frequently changed his schedule to accommodate Veterans and he always provide the highest quality of patient care. Mr. Smith often comes in early and stays after hours to complete notes/reports to ensure that all of his Veterans get the best patient care of the highest standard. I have observed Mr. Smith on his lunch break spend time with Veterans on the unit who are lonely and sad, some of these Veterans are not even his patients. Nonetheless, he takes time for every Veterans and staff member he comes in contact with. That is, Mr. Smithy truly cares for Veterans and always goes the extra mile for others, both staff and Veterans. He even helps Veterans who are no longer his responsibilities (i.e., pati­ents who have left his unit)For example, a few weeks ago I had a medical emergency. Mr. Smith went out of his way to make sure I got home safe and drove all the way behind my car to my house. I also know of Mr. Smith helping another staff member who recently has been very ill. Mr. Smith went to this employee's home several times this year and took out /walked their dog and bought food when this employee was unable to care for the dog. Mr. Smith also has assisted numerous Veterans from the Rehab unit (i.e., who have been weak and sick an needed help with ambulating via wheelchair) to get to the canteen store One lonely Veterans with chronic severe mental illness and dementia who has been stay­ing on the Rehab unit he has taken into his office and spent time with on his lunch hour, playing the Veterans favorite music. He has also helped Veterans in need obtain clothing. These are all tasks outside his regular duties. In summary, Mr. Smith is an unusually kind, helpful, and humble person. He is an outstanding social worker who always projects a positive attitude and interacts with others with integrity and care. Veterans have also complimented Mr. Smith on his professionalism and quality care for others via letters to our Director.

Nominated by: Mia Bergman PhD

I would like to nominate Debra Leonard for the Respect I Care Award. During the first or second week of January Debra and I was on our way to the Canteen for lunch. Debra was stopped by one of her former employees who retired several years ago. The Retiree asked if he could stop by her office later to talk to her, of course she said yes. While we were eating lunch, there was a knock at the door (we all know Debra doesn't like being disturbed during lunch, lol). The retiree was at the door, she greeted him and invited him in. He went on to explain to her a problem he was having with a Workmen's Comp claim. It was evident that he was frustrated with his situation and had no idea what to do. Debra ensured him that she would help get the situation taken care of. I witnessed him go from total frustration to being completely relieved. He and Debra walked to HR but was unable to get the situation resolved that day. I listened to Debra from my office almost every day working on this problem for a "retired employee". I was in awe that she would take the time and work on this problem so diligently. If she was not on the phone with the company, she was on the phone with the retiree giving him an status update. I would sometimes laugh because she would call the company and when the young lady would answer Debra would say "hey Rhonda it's Debra your new best friend". It took several weeks for her to get this matter corrected but she was unyielding and determined to have his needs meet. I will never forget the day Debra called the retiree to inform him to be at his appointment the next. He was so excited and said, "I knew you would get it taken care of".

Nominated by: LaTonya Barnes

I would like to recognize Ms. Marsha Nottage, Diabetic Educator who embodies the I CARE core value of Commitment. Ms. Nottage is an individual who on a daily basis can be seen smiling and greeting Veterans presenting to the Diabetes Clinic with enthusiasm. She is truly excited to see the Veteran and provide education on diabetes. Her commitment to the Diabetes Management Group has extended for five years. She meets with the Veterans educating them in a fun and playful way helping them to see that they can achieve success. And achieve success they have! The group came in with an average A 1 C of 13 and th average now is 6.5! She is committed to the Veterans success anddoes an outstanding job collecting the data the department needs to determine the needs of our Veterans and then takes that data to improve her performance.
Ms. Nottage performs other duties outside her expected job requirements by frequently holding Diabetes Education classes at local churches. She presents at conferences, representing the best of Diabetes Education within VHA. One of the things Veterans have expressed gratitude for are the goodie-bags she supplies to her class during the holidays (with her own monies) to show Veterans ways to make positive food choices.She is exactly the kind of employee that you want providing care for our Veterans at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center and Selma CBOC.

Nominated by: Kimberley Sawyer, RN, BSN