VA nurses often go above and beyond the call of duty

VA nurses often go above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to helping not only Veterans and their families, but also the communities we serve. Their rich commitment, bolstered by their training, shows us all how we can make the world a better place.
Read on to see how our nurses have gone the extra mile to effect positive change on the lives of those around them.
A simple conversation
Richard Hall of John Dingell VA in Detroit enjoys talking to fellow Veterans and engaging with them during visits to the emergency department, but taking some additional time with Veteran Larry Washington was unequivocally life-saving.
Hall, an emergency department nurse, former firefighter and Navy Veteran, struck up a conversation with Washington after noticing the Veteran had been to the emergency department multiple times over the preceding days. He also noticed that Washington’s wife was also not feeling well.
Through conversation with the Washingtons, Hall learned that their apartment recently had a new furnace installed. He suggested that they have carbon monoxide levels checked, which confirmed CO levels were dangerously high. The suggestion saved the Washingtons’ lives and potentially many others in the apartment complex.
“To know I had that effect on someone is the greatest feeling in the world,” said Hall. “My dad’s a Veteran. I’m a Gulf War Veteran. To give back to my brethren and care for the community in which we reside is why us nurses do what we do.”
A family reunited
Three nurses from the Birmingham VA Health Care System went above and beyond the call of duty when they encountered a young woman outside their building who needed help.
Meme Barron, Stephanie Christian and Elonda Hendley, nurses in the community care department, were informed there was a young adult female sitting in a flowerpot outside the building. The nurses asked if they could do anything to help her and, without making any eye contact, the girl asked them if they could call her dad and tell him that she is okay.
The young woman’s father, an Army and Air Force Veteran who receives care at Birmingham VA, came to pick her up about half an hour later. At the time, though, the young woman had been missing for several months. The father said that, if the nurses hadn’t assisted his daughter, they might never have been reunited.
“Sometimes all it takes is just seeing about someone and taking the time to show that you care,” Barron said.
A life saved
Linda Longshaw and her daughter Heather Longshaw, both nurses from the LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center, were on their way to dinner when they were flagged down by a group of frantic people in the street.
The mother-daughter duo found a person on the ground, unresponsive, not breathing and with no pulse. The Longshaws quickly began working as a team to get the person breathing and restore a pulse.
Responding police arrived and provided an automatic external defibrillator, which helped the nurses aid their impromptu patient as they continued CPR. They managed to get the person breathing again as the local fire department and EMS team arrived on the scene to take over care.
Their assistance helped save the person’s life.
“We know that we would want somebody to help our family,” Linda said. “That’s what we thought when we pulled over and parked the car.”
Work at VA
VA nurses make a difference in the lives of those around them. Their training, talent and dedication make them irreplaceable members of our team. Join them, and us.
- READ more about our nurses.
- EXPLORE VA nursing careers.
- LEARN about the benefits of a VA career.
- SEARCH for your nursing career at www.VAcareers.va.gov.
Content shared from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs News
Benefits of Going to College
Education or training beyond high school is important. A college degree gives you more opportunities and a better life. "The purpose of college is not…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Going Back to School to be a Registered Nurse
Want to change careers? See how becoming a registered nurse offers a relatively quick option for professionals to jumpstart a new, fulfilling career. In 2019,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
College Prep for High School Seniors
Parents - Are you staying on top of your high school senior student with important dates and tasks as they explore their next adventure after…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
October Info Sessions Now Available – Enrolling for January 2024
Sumner College is accepting applications for BSN, LPN and RNBSN classes. If you want to jump-start your #career in nursing, register to attend one of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Tips to Stay Health in Nursing School
The key components to staying healthy during your nursing education and going forward are to minimize stress, a proper nutritional daily intake, and an active…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Student of the Month: July 2023
Congratulations to ADN student, Kindra, for being awarded the Student of the Month for July 2023. Kindra was introduced to the nursing profession through their…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Student of the Month: June 2023
Congratulations to PN student, Evan, for being awarded the Student of the Month for June 2023. Evan embarked on his nursing journey after hearing glowing…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Student of the Month: May 2023
Congratulations to ADN student, Jerald for being awarded the Student of the Month for May 2023. Jerald is a dedicated Sumner College student on a…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing and Care Staff Working in a Heatwave
During a heatwave, it is important we keep both staff and patients safe. It doesn’t matter if you work in a hospital, GP surgery, clinic,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy Labor Day!
Happy Labor Day! Here's to all the hard-working individuals who make our lives a little bit easier every day. Let's celebrate with some rest, relaxation,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Attention all nurses!
Attention all nurses! Continuing education is vital in expanding your skillset and staying one step ahead of the competition. Investing in further education brings many…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New September Info Sessions – Registration Required
Are you looking to jump-start your #career in nursing? How about exploring Sumner College's BSN program? Aspiring nurses, join us for an information session in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
School Nurse International Organization
School Nurses International provides a forum for nurses around the world working with school children to come together in a stimulating intellectual and happy environment…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
SNOW – School Nurse Organization of Washington
School Nurse Organization of Washington (SNOW) is a non-profit professional organization started in 1956. Mission Statement SNOW supports school nurses in the delivery of health…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Oregon School Nurses Association
The Oregon School Nurses Association (OSNA) advocates for the health and success of all children through equitable access to school nursing services. OSNA is the only state association…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Back to School Tool-Kit – School Nurses
Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! Whether you are seasoned school nurse or in your first year on the job, NASN’s back-to-school toolkit highlights the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Scholarships
Trying to figure out how to pay for nursing school? If your desire is to earn your BSN there could be a nursing scholarship, grant,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Start a new career journey – Attend a BSN Info Session and learn more about the Sumner College’s BSN Program
Have you been considering going to nursing school? Learn more about the new BSN program offered at Sumner College by attending one of the August…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
#Hiring
#Hiring at Sumner College! We are recruiting for a few great candidates to join our team at the Portland, Oregon Campus. The following positions are…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Classes Start Every Month – Phlebotomy – Mesa, AZ
Get ready to embark on a rewarding career in the medical field with Sumner's Phlebotomy Technician Program! Designed with convenience and quality in mind, our…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Importance of Phlebotomy to Medicine – New classes starting every month
Phlebotomists are skilled medical specialists who study in drawing blood after patients, typically for medicinal testing. Meanwhile, blood tests can offer data concerning a patient’s…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Practical Nursing – Get Started Today
Passionate about healthcare and eager to make a difference? Sumner College's Practical Nursing Program can pave your way to a rewarding career as a Licensed…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
BSN Classes Enroll Now
Sumner is committed to helping aspiring healthcare professionals realize their dreams. We're thrilled to announce that enrollment is open for our Bachelor of Science in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New Career – New YOU
Start a healthcare career when you graduate from Sumner's 8-week Phlebotomy Technician Program. Our program will prepare you for opportunities to work in hospitals, long-term…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How to Become A Pediatric Nurse
This article is shared from Forbes. If you remember the scraped knees and splinters from childhood, you might also recall reluctant trips to the doctor’s…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Phlebotomy – Mesa
Looking for a comprehensive, flexible, and personal phlebotomy training program? Look no further than Sumner! We are proud to announce that enrollment is open for…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Classes Start Today!
Welcome to Sumner College. New BSN, PN and RN to BSN students start classes today. Congratulations on embarking on your healthcare career journey.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Vital Role of Phlebotomy in Medicine
Phlebotomy, or taking blood specimens, has been a part of medical care for centuries. Because drawing and handling blood samples are very crucial and strictly…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Veterans Benefits – Thank you for your service!
Sumner College | VETERANS BENEFITS Thank you for your service to our country. We are honored to help you continue your education and provide the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy 4th of July – Enjoy your day
Sumner College Campus is closed today, to celebrate the 4th of July.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn