Jennifer demonstrates what it means to provide extremely compassionate care every single day. She always comes in every day with a smile, and makes a tremendous effort to get to know the families of the infant she is taking care of. When talking with families she'll sit down and go through everything in detail, she'll lend an ear and listen sympathetically when parents just need to talk/vent as they often have to do in such a high-stress environment. She celebrates victories whole-heartedly with parents, and mourns with them when tragedy and the unthinkable happens. She is a vital member of the NNICU's Transitions Program which is designed to support an infant's family when their baby's health is deteriorating. Jennifer has been one of the many nurses who has set an amazing example for me of what it means to provide truly compassionate care.

One of the greatest things about Jennifer is that she makes a special connection with a baby's family member pretty much every single day. I've witnessed so many emotional, in-depth conversations between her and parents - and it's clear to see how much it means to them. I've been working in the NNICU for 6 years now. And one of the top things I've learned is that when your baby is in the NNICU for days, weeks, and even months on end, it's the little things that have a way of making such a difference to a mother, father or another family member. I once was working with Jen who was taking care of a baby who had been in the NNICU or a few months, and the stress of it all was weighing down on the mother. And instead of just setting up the infant's feed and walking away, Jennifer stayed behind the curtain with the mother for quite a while, talking with her and providing not just medical care to the baby, but critical emotional support to her mother. This was just one of the countless examples in which a small act of compassion on Jen's part has meant a great deal to a family.

As stated above, making a special connection with a parent really goes hand in hand with making a significant difference in a family's experience in the NNICU - and Jennifer demonstrates that on a daily basis. Jennifer also teaches CPR to parents. Recently a family who Jennifer taught came back for a visit, and reported that thanks to Jennifer's teaching they were able to perform life-saving measures when their baby choked at home. There are so many ways in which Jen has made a significant difference in the life of a patient/family in both medical care, and compassionate care.
Jennifer Papa is an extremely kind, compassionate, sympathetic and wonderful person. Not only is she an amazing and talented nurse, but she is also one of the kindest souls I've ever met. Whether it's her first time meeting an infant's family or she's known them for months, Jenn always goes the extra mile to make that family feel supported during what can be a very difficult time. She also provides that same support to her co-workers, whether in helping with an assignment or just to talk to them if they are having a tough day. It's not only a joy to work with her but it's a joy to watch her interact with patients and their parents. She is always there to lend a helping hand to her co-workers, and she is always there to lend an ear to a mother or father who needs someone to talk to. I truly believe Jennifer represents the best of what nursing, and the YNHH family in general has to offer. I feel that she is extremely worthy of The DAISY Award.