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West Texas VA Health Care System (WTVAHCS) proudly wrapped up its 2025 Nurses Week celebration with heartfelt recognition and reflection, embracing this year’s national theme: “Advancing

Nursing, Transforming Healthcare.” The week-long observance spotlighted the essential role nurses play in transforming Veteran care throughout the region, honoring not only their clinical

expertise but their unwavering compassion and leadership. With nurses representing over 30% of the WTVAHCS workforce, they are, by every measure, the backbone of the health system’s mission

to serve Veterans with dignity, excellence, and timeliness. From the George H. O’Brien, Jr. VA Medical Center in Big Spring to the community-based outpatient clinics across the region,

nurses are leading the charge in innovative care models and championing patient-centered health services that improve lives every day. “Our nurses fully understand the mission and work

tirelessly to deliver prompt and effective care,” said Kelli Settles, Deputy Associate Director of Patient Care Services. “Their commitment ensures that our Veterans receive the best

possible care without delays.” TRANSFORMING HEALTHCARE, ONE VETERAN AT A TIME WTVAHCS nurses are at the helm of programs like Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC), which provides critical medical

services to Veterans directly in their homes — reducing travel burdens and ensuring continuity of care for patients with complex or chronic health conditions. Other initiatives like care

coordination and integrated case management have lowered hospitalization rates and achieved measurable cost savings by proactively addressing high-risk Veteran needs. These nurses do more

than administer medications or monitor vitals — they are trusted advocates, educators, and first responders in times of both crisis and calm. Their impact is felt in every examination room,

every rural outreach program, and every healing moment shared with those who served. RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE: THE LEGACY OF THE DAISY AWARDS A highlight of the celebration was the

presentation of the Daisy Awards, part of an international recognition program founded in 1999 to honor the extraordinary clinical skills and compassionate care provided by nurses.

Originating from the family of a patient who passed away from an autoimmune disease, the program has since become a global standard for recognizing excellence in nursing. At WTVAHCS, this

tradition continued with the presentation of two prestigious Daisy Awards: * CHRISTINE EVERETT, a registered nurse at the George H. O’Brien, Jr. VA Medical Center, received the Quarterly

Daisy Award for her swift, lifesaving response to a Veteran in crisis. * LINDA BOHACEK, Nurse Manager at the Wilson and Young Medal of Honor VA Clinic, earned the Daisy Nurse Leader Award 

for her exceptional leadership and mentorship. Other honorees during Nurses Week 2025 included the following Nurse Choice Awardees: * BEST NURSE CARE COORDINATOR: Krystal Haywood, RN * BEST

NURSE PRACTITIONER: Dr. Amy Bell * BEST SOCIAL WORKER: George Williams * BEST DOCTOR: Dr. Segun Awosemo Each award acknowledged those who embody excellence, compassion, and a

Veteran-centered mindset in their daily service. THE SACRED SIDE OF CARE In a powerful spiritual gesture, the WTVAHCS Chaplain Service conducted a Blessing of the Hands ceremony at every VA

facility in the region. This sacred tradition, steeped in reverence and reflection, honored the healing power of human touch — recognizing nurses not only as clinical professionals but as

vessels of comfort, empathy, and hope. “Patient-centered care is about more than just treating symptoms; it’s about understanding and respecting each Veteran’s individual journey,” said

Cynthia Schaffner, WTVAHCS Nurse Recruiter. “Our nurses take the time to connect with patients, fostering trust and delivering care that truly makes a difference.” A GRATEFUL SYSTEM, A

LASTING IMPACT The value of nurses within the VA system cannot be overstated. Historically, VA nursing staff have led innovations in Veteran health care, contributed to national nursing

standards, and created pioneering models of holistic, Veteran-centered support. West Texas nurses carry that legacy forward today. Their value is not only felt at the bedside but echoed

across the entire health system. From clinical advancements to community outreach, from acute care to mental health services, VA nurses stand as champions of quality and continuity — often

serving in multiple roles and across multiple generations of Veterans. As the week of celebration concluded, WTVAHCS leadership shared their deep appreciation: “The nurses at the West Texas

VA are the glue that keeps the organization together,” Settles emphasized. “They serve every day with compassion, insight, heart, skill, and endless energy. It is truly an honor to serve

alongside people who have made the choice to serve the ones who risked it all for this country.” As West Texas VA Health Care System looks ahead to a future of continued transformation and

excellence in care, one thing remains certain — the heart of that transformation will beat strongest in the capable, compassionate hands of its nurses.