Nurse Jelly exemplifies the traits of a true servant leader.  First, she has been recognized multiple times over the past year by several patients and their families for the outstanding care she has provided. Her patients have described her as “informative,” “very knowledgeable,” “polite,” and “always willing to answer any questions.”  One patient who had never used home care services before stated that he “looked forward to her visits and the healing that was happening.”  Besides being a caring and compassionate caregiver, Jelly has been a shining example of VNA’s team philosophy as she has always been the first to lend her colleagues a helping hand and has spearheaded efforts to bring the staff together to get to know one another and build strong relationships.  Her “safety meetings” have brought together members of our staff in a meaningful and effective way, both clinicians from the field and from the office, that has helped foster camaraderie and teamwork during a time full of many big changes this past year at VNA of Ohio.  Her tremendous heart and love for her patients, their families, and her co-workers is why Nurse Jelly is a DAISY Nurse.

She is an excellent RN, thorough, spends as much time as they need, is proactive and communicates with team well. She not only deserves this award but has earned it repeatedly.  I met one of her repeat patients when I was following up at a hospital; this patient was a nurse himself. He said, "Jelly knows what she is doing; she spends as much time as I need her to and has really helped my wife learn how to take care of my wound dressing.  She's the best; I always feel heard and well cared for. I also used to share patients with her when I was in the field, and she was a tremendous patient advocate and nurse."