Nurses Honored During National Nurses Week

The Houston VA Medical Center honors its nurses during this year’s National Nurses Week, May 6 through 12.

"Nurses Care for America" is the theme for this celebration, which focuses on recognizing the hard work and accomplishments of America’s 2.6 million registered nurses as they work to save lives and maintain the health of millions of patients.

The Houston VA Medical Center employs 493 registered nurse and 140 licensed vocational nurses, working at all professional levels and in a variety of specialties. They are part of a VA national workforce of nearly 55,000 nurses.

Houston VA Medical Center nurses, Rosetta Thompson, Vissia Pinile, Carolyn Parkman, Dedrick Calhoun, and Faye Drexler, are those honored during the hospital’s "Excellence in Nursing Awards" ceremonies.

From nominations submitted by facilities nationwide, the VA will select a registered nurse, a licensed practical or vocational nurse, and a nursing assistant to receive the VA Secretary’s Award for Excellence in Nursing. Winners of these awards will be recognized in a national ceremony in Washington, D.C., during the week.

Registered nurse Rosetta Thompson, holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing, and is the nurse manager on the hospital’s spinal cord injury unit. She has been a loyal employee in various roles at the Houston VA Medical Center for 36 years. Thompson received accolades during the recent Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities visit at the hospital. She is very active in Houston professional and community health-related organizations.

Registered nurse Vissia Pinile is a staff nurse in the Houston VA Medical Center’s Surgical Ambulatory Care Center. As a respected member of this interdisciplinary health care team, she promotes the image of nursing by participating in many community activities and professional organizations.

Licensed vocational nurse Carolyn Parkman, assigned to the hospital’s surgical unit, is a seasoned nurse who shows her dedication to veteran patients by her daily interaction with them. She is highly respected by her peers and by the patients she cares for. Parkman, a veteran herself, maintains the discipline and standards she learned during her military service.

Nursing assistant Dedrick Calhoun, assigned to the Houston VA Medical Center’s spinal cord injury unit, has the reputation as an excellent caregiver. The veterans on his unit describe him as being the "perfect gentleman" at all times. On a daily basis, Calhoun motivates his colleagues and cheers up patients who might be having a down day.

Neuro/rehab medical unit clerk Faye Drexler is looked upon as a role model for co-workers in her unit. Extremely dependable, Drexler is always willing to provide assistance in any situation.

"These excellent VA nurses show the expanding role nurses play in health care," said Edgar L. Tucker, Houston VA Medical Center director. "Their vital services are in increasing demand because of VA’s growing patient population, changes in health care settings, new medical technology, and our patients’ changing needs."

The VA Health Care System is the largest integrated health care system in the country and VA nurses are leaders in their profession. They serve as administrators, educators, and research investigators, as well as providers of direct care. Thousands of the professional nurses in the United States have received clinical training from VA, through affiliations with 461 nursing schools around the country.

Tucker added, "These outstanding members of our health care team demonstrate the skill and compassion that make VA health care second to none. They are leaders in our goal of providing quality health care to true he

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