Fayetteville employee awarded the distinguished field service award | va fayetteville coastal health care | veterans affairs

After wearing the Army uniform for eight years, Eisha Fox has dedicated her life to helping veterans and families at the Fayetteville VA Coastal Health Care System. In recognition of her

unwavering dedication, she was awarded the 2024 Intermediate Care Technician (ICT) Distinguished Field Service Award. Ms. Fox received this award for her successful implementation of an

Initial Specimen Diversion Device, which aids in the collection of blood cultures and significantly reduces contamination rates. Brian Basham, Lead Advanced Practice Practitioner, praised

Ms. Fox for her extensive dedication in working with vendors to develop a new blood culture collection device. “She successfully integrated this device into the emergency department, leading

to a remarkable 50% reduction in blood culture contamination rates.” “Receiving the ICT Distinguished Field Award holds significant value for me,” said Fox. “My main priority has always

been to provide the best possible care for our patients. Collaborating with veterans and recognizing their sacrifices has been a deeply impactful experience, and I feel fortunate to play a

role in enhancing their well-being in my position within ICT.” An Intermediate Care Technician (ICT) is an advanced unlicensed assistive personnel who have graduated from intensive

specialized military training programs and served as combat medics, medical technicians, and corpsmen. While "Distinguished Field Service" typically refers to an exceptional level

of performance or dedication in a field-based role, the Intermediate Care Technician Distinguished Field Service Award recognizes a highly regarded ICT who consistently delivers excellent

care in a diverse, often mobile setting, likely within a VA medical center or other healthcare facility. “I chose to work for the VA because I wanted to give back and honor the veterans who

have served with dignity,” Fox said. “The sense of camaraderie and rapport established when interacting with a veteran in the emergency department is incredibly fulfilling.” “Ms. Fox brings

an encouraging and positive demeanor to the emergency department,” said Basham. “When faced with an obstacle, she adeptly handles challenges with professionalism, all while fostering strong

collaborative relationships with other departments to reach her objectives.” “This award acknowledges my dedication, effort, and the initiatives I’ve pursued to assist our veterans, and I am

sincerely thankful that these contributions have been recognized,” said Fox.