Veteran Praises Care of Trocaire Nursing Student, Clinical Instructor

Every Veterans Day, people and communities across the country honor the sacrifice and patriotism of the men and women who have served our country in the military. However, caring for and serving our veterans is something the healthcare providers at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and medical centers prioritize every single day.

A US veteran of the Vietnam War recently called out the exemplary care he received during a surgical procedure in April 2019 at the Buffalo VA Medical Center in a letter to both the current US Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the director of the VA Western New York Healthcare System.

As part of his praise of his entire care team, from his doctors to the rehabilitation staff, the veteran called out two members of the Trocaire community: clinical instructor Edith Holt, RN, MSH; and Jillian Agro ’19, who at the time was a Trocaire student nurse. She is now an RN at Buffalo General Hospital, on a neurology unit.

“Everyone I came in contact with on the hospital floor was professional and caring in a manner to be lauded,” he wrote. “These individuals deserve thanks.”

Thanks to this veteran’s letter, both Edith and Jillian received the VA Western New York Healthcare System’s “Own the Moment” recognition. The honor recognizes employees who “support a high-performing organization focused on exceptional customer service, rebuilding trust and fulfilling our commitment to our nation’s veterans.”

Congratulations to Edith and Jillian on this honor, and thanks to all veterans, past and present, for your service. We’re proud that members of our Trocaire community are on the front lines of your healthcare teams, providing the care you deserve!