I had an appointment at the KCVA Medical Center today and as I drove up the street, through the entryway, I had a very uneasy, angry, sad, blah feeling. I just wanted to turn around and leave. Here I am, a 20+ year Air Force veteran, trying to go to a medical appointment and that building is the last place I wanted to go to receive my treatment.
Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely LOVE every single one of my care providers. They have been absolutely phenomenal in my treatments. I can’t say enough great things about them. What I can say is that, after having worked there as the Workforce Engagement Officer, and resigning that position last October, the climate is still extremely negative. As I walked through the front door and to my appointment location I did not see one single person smiling. Not one smile!!! Veterans just sitting in the waiting rooms and employees just walking from here to there. It was weird!!
When I got to the check-in window, I wasn’t met with a smiling individual. I knew I had to tell them my last name and last four of my social security number, and when they told me they had me checked in I smiled, thanked them and told them to have a great day. Guess what? I got a smile!😊 I then proceeded to the waiting room where I was the only female veteran. Next to me was an older gentleman that had a Vietnam Veteran hat on, was leaning over in his seat, picking at his nails with his pocket knife. He looked up and asked me if I was waiting for my husband and what service was my husband in….. Seriously!!!! I get asked if I’m waiting for my husband about 90% of the time. When I told him no. He responded by saying that I couldn’t possibly have been in the military. But, thankfully, my name was called, I got up, just looked at him and walked away. It’s 2025 people! I was in the military for over 20 years. Times – they are a changing!!!!
Fast forward to after my appointment. I needed to go to the lab to get blood work. Once I arrived to that check-in window I wasn’t met with anyone. Empty office. No worries. The sign directed individuals to pull a number, have your identification ready and sit and wait. Well, first problem – there were no numbers in the dispenser. Second – there were so many people in the waiting area that they spilled over into the emergency room department and primary care waiting areas. And – not one person was smiling there either. Surprise! Needless to say, I did not get my blood drawn.
So why was the vibe so negative? Too many factors honestly – the state of the federal government and its employees wondering if they will have jobs in the coming weeks, the treatment of those employees by “leadership” of the medical center (I put quotes because there really is no leadership at the KCVA Medical Center but that’s a post for another time) or the lack of employees to meet the needs of the veterans. Regardless – there is a reason I still maintain my secondary health insurance. If it gets to the point that my fabulous care providers leave, I will not hesitate in taking my 100% service-connected disabled, veteran self elsewhere. No veteran should have to endure the horrible vibe that place emanates. I have received care in 4 other VA hospitals and have never felt the toxicity that KCVA provides. It has to get better but how? I have a few suggestions but again – post for another time.
Until next time…xoxo
Tracy
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