Jane Pressman
Jane was movingly nominated by one of her patients, in whose life she made a life-long impact as a result of her tireless compassion and understanding. Such everyday miracles are just one part of what Jane does as a nurse who touches each patient’s life. “I’m in this unit because I made a serious suicide attempt. It was my first time harming myself. The days leading to this event were miserable. I was afraid to leave my apartment at night and interact with strangers because of paranoia. I still had suspicions of people when I was checked in. I was checked in to this unit about midnight, and woke up very depressed the next morning – I did not want to get out of bed. That morning she came to my room several times and encouraged me to get out of bed, bathe and clothe myself, and participate in the daily activities. At first I struggled to participate and interact with the other patients but as time passed I grew more and more comfortable interacting with the staff and other patients. I believe her “persistent genial encouragement” helped to make me feel at ease, and she played an integral role in how I feel today – ready to live a regular life again. She was very caring, too. She would let me know that we would have to re-bandage my wounds soon when the bandages were barely starting to come off, at times I didn’t even notice they were coming off. She keeps a close, caring eye on her patients. She also demonstrated compassion for my girlfriend. Before I attempted suicide, I wrote my girlfriend a suicide email. She was worried to death about me. I let Jane know this and she reminded me to write her to let her know I was fine. I cannot write enough to express how much Jane deserves the DAISY award.” |
