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| Vol. 22, No. 9 |
| May 15, 2000 |
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Houston VA Medical Center Nursing Staff Honored for Excellence David Whatley, director of the Houston Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, recently announced the selection of five Nursing Service employees as recipients of the 2000 VA Secretary's Awards for Excellence in Nursing. "It is truly an honor to recognize these dedicated individuals for their clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion for caring for veterans," says Whatley. Mona Tyler, R.N., B.S.N., is the medical center's honoree in the "Staff Nurse" category. Tyler, a VA employee for more than 13 years, performs in an exemplary manner as a Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) Nurse Case Manager. She is a truly dedicated, conscientious, and accountable nurse who cites her childhood long-term hospitalization as having inspired her to become a nurse. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Society, TWU Nurse Alumnae and the Texas Gulf Coast Association for Health Care Quality. The award winner in the "Specialty Care Nurse" category is Michael Mistric, M.N.S.C., F.N.P. Mistric serves as a nurse practitioner in the long-term geriatric setting. As a seasoned nurse educator, he is able to simplify complex medical conditions in order for his patients to have a better understanding of their condition. The end result is that patients under his care are well informed about their conditions, medications, prognosis and preventive measures. Mistric is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Nurses Credentialing Center, and Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Society. Nancy Ferguson, L.V.N., is the award recipient in the "Licensed Vocational Nurse" category. Ferguson has been a nurse since 1980 and a staff member in the Transitional Care Center for over 11 years. She is an outstanding team member and demonstrates an exemplary level of practice, earning the respect of her entire interdisciplinary team. The medical center honoree in the "Nursing Assistant" category is Iola Holcombe, N.A. Holcombe is described as a very competent and conscientious nursing assistant on a complex surgical unit. She consistently performs her duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Her personal involvement and commitment to the mission and goals of the Houston VA Medical Center are outstanding. Evelyn Wright is the recipient of the 2000 Excellence Award for Medical Unit Clerk. As a member of the Transitional Care Unit's patient care team, Wright provides excellent service on behalf of the long-term care veterans. She is personable and possesses excellent communication skills. Patients, families and interdisciplinary team members consistently commend Wright. In addition to the Nursing Excellence Awards, the Houston VA Medical Center has planned a number of activities during May to honor nurses. These events include an educational offering presented by Lynn Wieck, R.N., Ph.D., vice president of the Texas Nurses Association, a Wellness Health Fair and an Open House to showcase nurse accomplishments. Additional activities include an essay contest for the staff, a coloring contest for third-grade students to introduce the practice of nursing, recognition of staff with perfect attendance and an opportunity for medical center management staff to "Walk with a Nurse" for a first-hand look at this important profession. - KATHY SALAZAR
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