Jackie Frey, RN

There are many unsung heroes in healthcare. None, perhaps more so than the charge nurse. In particular, our Charge Nurse and Supervisor, Jackie. There are many days she is the first and last resort when acuity is high, and staffing/cases challenge the delicate balance of patient care and nursing sanity. She is a wealth of knowledge on a floor where delays in intervention and action can be the difference between a meaningful or devastating outcome. Jackie does not ask if you need help. She recognizes the signs before you even do. She jumps in and acts without hesitation.
My patient became unstable and required bedside ECMO cannulation, which Jackie helped organize and set up with the surgeons, perfusionist, and ICU team. During this procedure, the patient unfortunately deteriorated, and the Chest was opened bedside. The atmosphere was eerily calm. Jackie took charge, identifying needs and meeting them. She obtained the chest opening supplies, blood products, managed medications from the crash cart, and delegated tasks to those on the team to support the patient before us. It was with quiet dignity and strength that she supported her team through a devastating experience. Unfortunately, the patient did not survive. But knowing we did everything we could to give her a fighting chance is the solace I took on that day. And I am not sure it would have gone as smoothly without the support, knowledge, and action of this very special nurse. She deserves to be formally recognized, not only for this small moment in her nursing career but for all the small moments over the years that have helped make CVICU the cohesive floor it is and all the ways her compassionate care has saved the lives of patients and shaped the practice of coworkers.