Jennifer took care of my father several times while he was a patient for almost 2 weeks on 4 South. In fact, we valued her care so much that we requested that she care for him on the days that she worked. Jennifer always brought sunshine into his room with her cheerful attitude and radiant smile and was frequently able to get him to smile, even though he didn't feel like smiling many days due to his illness. Jennifer was always extremely patient with Dad even when he was hesitant to follow directions or cooperate, and was almost always successful in helping him to accomplish things necessary for his recovery (eating, taking medicines). Several times when I arrived, she was sitting next to him encouraging him to eat some of his food because she realized that he ate better if he had someone to talk to him and let him know she was his cheerleader.
There were 2 occasions that I remember that Dad felt very warm, although when his temperature was taken orally, it was normal. Jennifer was not satisfied with this result, so she took his temperature rectally, discovering that he did indeed have a temperature of 103F. Ultimately, her persistence was key to his diagnosis.
Not only did Jennifer take care of Dad, but she also cared for my mother and I by always asking if she could get us anything, but most of all by reassuring us that she and the team assigned to Dad would keep a watchful eye on him and inform us of any changes in his condition.
One evening when I visited Dad, he refused to eat anything while I was there and he had not eaten all day (he had lost quite a bit of weight during his illness). Jennifer knew how concerned I was about this situation and after I left she texted me that she had been successful in getting him to eat some of his food, as well as engaging him in a conversation with her during the time that she spent with him. You have no idea how optimistic I felt after reading Jennifer's text and the sense of hope that it instilled in me. Jennifer not only cared for my dad with kindness, compassion, skilled nursing, and patience, but she also cared for my mom and I as well by acts of kindness such as this that showed her genuine sense of caring.
As a nurse myself, knowing how busy your day can be with multiple patients and an overwhelming amount of responsibility, I was very appreciative that Jennifer would dedicate this much time to support and comfort just 1 of many patients and his family. Jennifer is a true DAISY Nurse.