My mother is a pancreatic cancer survivor and in the past five years has undergone three surgeries. This last surgery was so tough on her and the family. The hospital stay was twice as long as expected. And when she was released she arrived home weak, tired and scared, actually I think we all felt tired and scared. And then there came Jacqui. Because of her many surgeries, my mother has had plenty of homecare nurses before, all of whom were very good nurses. However, from day one we knew Jacqui was different. I could probably write a long letter outlining all of her credentials and experience, but she did so much more than the required treatments. As Jacqui went about her business of taking vital signs, assessing wounds, changing dressings, and draining JP drains she didn't just heal my mother's wounds she healed her whole person. Jacqui showed deep compassion when caring for my mother. She took the time to talk to her about anything and everything and made my mother feel like a person, not a patient, or a number. Her visits were not hurried but rather caring, personal and intimate. On those days when my mother felt depressed and hopeless Jacqui was uplifting and encouraging.
On the two occasions when my mother had a setback, Jacqui called our home on the days she was off to check up on her condition. When my mother needed compassion, Jacqui was empathetic and kind. When she had questions, Jacqui provided the answers in a thorough but gentle, respectful and direct way. When she needed motivation Jacqui ever so gently pushed and encouraged her. The care, support, and guidance with which Jacqui provided our family was endless. We are forever grateful. Jacqui is truly the best of what nursing should be.