Making a difference: Nurses honored at Milwaukee VA

These are just a few of the words used to describe Zablocki VA nurses during the annual Nursing Recognition Ceremony at the Milwaukee VA Medical Center on Monday. The ceremony was part of National Nurses Week.

“As nurses, you make a difference by standing in the gap for others, bringing hope to the hopeless, promoting wellness and being champions for change,” said Tandria Williams, associate director of patient care services. “In our ever-shifting world, you continue to make a difference.

“You show up every day, no matter the challenge, and choose to come here and make a difference. I appreciate all of you.”

Jim McLain, acting medical center director, echoed Williams’ sentiment, relating a story about a man he met who said his life was saved by the Milwaukee VA, which detected a heart condition that other doctors had missed.

“He was very clear. He said, ‘You have the best nurses around. Period. Not just in the VA, not just in the state. You have the best nurses,’” McClain said. “So to all of you, thank you for your incredible sacrifice and dedication. You really are the best.”

Secretary's Awards

During the ceremony, four of Zablocki’s outstanding nurses were honored with VA Secretary’s Awards for Excellence in Nursing:

• Nursing Assistant/Health Tech/Medical Instrument Tech: Menghis Petros, emergency department.
• Licensed Practical Nurse: Debbie Blaeske, Appleton outpatient clinic
• Registered Nurse: Olivia Taylor, emergency department
• RN in Expanded Role: Mary Degenhardt, assistant program manager, emergency department

Petros was cited for his “integrity, relationship-building skills … and willingness to always help,” according to his nomination form. “Patients quickly respond to his warmth and kindness.”

He also led team huddles on how to inspect for contraband and was lauded for always being ready to help staff and Veterans alike. “His easy-going personality and stellar work ethic have helped create a work culture of teamwork and collegiality.”

Blaeske was recognized for being the COVID vaccine champion for the Northeast Wisconsin Ambulatory Clinics, giving shots on Saturdays as well as during the work week.

She is also co-facilitator of the healthy work environment campaign at Appleton, developing an “escape room” team-building activity that incorporated the six healthy work environment standards. That activity was featured in Nursing Insight newsletter.

Taylor was honored for her work in creating a healthy work environment in the emergency department, establishing the “Zen Den,” a place for staff to de-stress. “This has been a morale booster for all staff, and they appreciate having this peaceful environment to take a break,” according to her nomination form.

Taylor also helped develop workflow improvements, instituted screenings for intimate partner violence and improved care for gynecologic emergencies.

Degenhardt was lauded for chairing the stroke committee, which has led to numerous improvements in assessing strokes and getting Veterans timely care. She also arranged professional development activities for the staff, and her project related to the functional pain scale earned first place at the Milwaukee VA’s Performance Improvement fair.

She also helped staff affected by a shooting on the campus by arranging debriefing sessions. “Participants who attended the debriefing sessions were grateful that Mary supported them with the right resources,” according to her nomination form. “She is a role model for the nursing profession.”

Daisy honorees

Also recognized during the program were Daisy Award honorees:

• Individual honorees: Kayla Hietpas, Tanya Rutherford, Emily Wilant, Taniaishael Montanez and Nicole Rosin
• Repeat selection honorees: Thad Sebena and Bridget Guerndt
• Charge nurse honorees: Chelsea Beaty, Megan Adams and Heidi Young
• Team honorees: Olivia Taylor, Chelsea Beaty, Kami Fritz and Jackie Clifford

“Nurses are the backbone to what makes our facility run,” said Christina Orr, assistant director. “There are a lot of things we need, but without nurses, we really can't care for our patients. For that, I say thank you. … Thank you for all that you do, and know that you are appreciated — more than you know.”