Jenna has actually been a member of NCH’s ‘family’ for 10 years. She has progressed from clinical tech to RN – all while taking care of Southwest Florida’s ‘most vulnerable’ and smallest patient population – our kids. Jenna has new functions as charge nurse on a consistent basis. She also routinely takes care of very critically ill children on ventilators on drips, etc. I have seen her time and time again handle ‘difficult’ situations with parents of critically ill families, all with a smile and a compassionate heart. She always takes the time to explain procedures and tests to our pediatric patients and families in a way that everyone can understand. Not only does she frequently (almost on a daily basis) assist other RN’s on floors all over the hospital with difficult IV sticks. In fact, it is wildly known that Jenna -could ‘stick’ an IV in a rock.
It’s the little details that Jenna also never forgets. For example, she understands the importance of play and the need for therapeutic play for our special children. It has been said that ‘play is the work of a child’ and Jenna keeps this in mind with every new admission. I always see her lugging toys and playpens to new patient’s rooms in order to alleviate stress of a new environment and painful procedures.
I know Dr W wrote a while back in Straight Talk about the infant that had an epidural hematoma or brain bleed. Jenna was actually working/in charge that day and the unit. Together with Dr L, members of our respiratory team, and downtown ‘adult’ surgeons, Jenna helped to organize a plan to help this baby obtain a life saving surgery. Jenna took care of the infant after surgery and still managed to run the rest of the floor. I honestly know that Jenna’s quick thinking and ability to prioritize and critically analyze the situation helped to save the infant’s life. These are only a few of the reasons why I am nominating Jenna for the DAISY Award and why I feel she is an example to all at NCH.