VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (VATVCBHCS) registered nurse (RN), Mrs. Diana Ramos, holds up the trophy and certificate from the DAISY Foundation during an official awards ceremony, which took place Jan. 31, 2018, at the VA’s McAllen Outpatient Clinic in McAllen, Texas. The 56-year-old nurse originally born in Boston was recently recognized as a recipient and 2018 honoree of The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs photo/Luis H. Loza Gutierrez)

Dedicated Diana:

Local VA nurse recognized with DAISY Award

 

McALLEN, Texas – Nurses are the backbone of all health care systems. While caring for others is a part of every nurse’s calling, those who go above and beyond can be a guiding light for those who sometimes find themselves in a state of darkness and despair. For many Veterans at VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System that person has been Mrs. Diana Ramos, a local nurse who has served America’s Veterans for more than a quarter century.

Mrs. Ramos, a registered nurse care manager for the Red PACT (Patient Aligned Care Team) Team at the VA’s outpatient clinic in McAllen, Texas, was recently recognized as a 2018 honoree and recipient of The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses. According to The DAISY Foundation official website, The DAISY Award honors, “the super-human work nurses do for patients and families every day.”

The award was created in memory of Mr. J. Patrick Barnes, a special man and patient whose relatives were inspired to create the foundation and award after witnessing first-hand the extraordinary care and compassion their beloved Pat and his family received in the eight-weeks of hospitalization prior to his passing at age 33 due to Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a disorder that can lead to easy or excessive bruising and bleeding, which results from unusually low levels of platelets — the cells that help blood clot. The DAISY Foundation and The DAISY Award are a great part of Mr. Barnes’ legacy.

A fellow nurse with VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (VATVCBHCS) gives a congratulatory hug to Mrs. Diana Ramos during an official awards ceremony, which took place Jan. 31, 2018, at the VA’s McAllen Outpatient Clinic in McAllen, Texas. Nurse Ramos was recently recognized as recipient and 2018 honoree of The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses. Mrs. Ramos has worked in nursing for almost 35 years, 27 of which have been dedicated to serving Veterans as a VA nurse. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs photo/Luis H. Loza Gutierrez)

The 56-year-old registered nurse originally born in Boston, was nominated for The DAISY Award by Mr. Jorge Martinez a Veteran who has received treatment and care from the local VA medical center for many years.

“Her empathy is very profound and brings forward her love and care,” noted Mr. Martinez in a three-page long hand-written letter. “She tells us to calm down and relays the message, ‘We are here to help you.’ These words inspire hope in us Veterans.”

The Vietnam War Veteran said he appreciates the nurse’s sincere concern and firm approach especially in cases where Veteran like himself suffer from mental health issues and sometimes become frustrated or difficult to deal with.

“There were times when I would walk into the Veterans clinic very anxious,” said Mr. Martinez. “I would become impatient and try to walk out, but Mrs. Ramos would go after me and would tell me, “Mr. Martinez, please do not leave, you are next to see the doctor. Please comply.”

The long-time VA patient and Army Veteran described Nurse Ramos as, “a spiritual shield” and praised her ability to remain professional while trying to find a way to help.

“It is like being in a deep hole and not being able to get out,” continued Mr. Martinez in his letter. “Mrs. Diana Ramos throws a latter down in the hole, and goes down to assist you in climbing out. And if you fall again, she will go down to help you climb back up towards light.”

VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System (VATVCBHCS) registered nurse (RN), Mrs. Diana Ramos, prepared to take a small bite out of a cinnamon roll after formally being recognized as recognized as a recipient and 2018 honoree of The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses, during an official awards ceremony, which took place Jan. 31, 2018, at the VA’s McAllen Outpatient Clinic in McAllen, Texas. The sharing of cinnamon roll is symbolic gesture of remembrance for Mr. J. Patrick Barnes, the person whose life and struggle with an illness inspired the creation for the special nursing award. (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs photo/Luis H. Loza Gutierrez)

Mrs. Ramos, whose father was a thoracic surgeon and mother was a nurse as well, said she was very happy and honored to receive the DAISY Award.

News of the award generated a positive reaction from co-worker s and her family.

In addition to receiving many congratulatory hugs, Mrs. Ramos said her 22-year old son, Tristan and his girlfriend Anysa were very happy for her. The two pharmacy technicians/college students became so excited and curious they googled DAISY Foundation to learn more about it, but it appears that Mrs. Ramos husband had the most memorable reaction.

“I brought the letter home that Mr.  Martinez wrote for my family to read,” said Nurse Ramos. “After reading the letter, my husband became teary eyed and told me how proud he was of me.”

Mrs. Ramos has been recognized numerous times for her performance and service towards patients and Veterans. She has received an award for excellence in nursing and many letters of recognition form Veteran service organizations such as the Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign War.

Despite the achievement, the dedicated VA nurse has remained humble about the many accolades she’s earned during her almost 35-years career as a nurse, 27 of which have been with the Department of Veteran Affairs.

She said her your actions are guided by the VA’s core values (I CARE); specifically, the core values of Commitment and Respect because she believes in going above and beyond to serve Veterans in a manner that is dignified and respectful given their sacrifices and service.

To nominate a deserving nurse or to learn more about The DAISY Award visit https://www.daisyfoundation.org/daisy-award or contact your local medical facilities chief nursing officer.