Jennifer Martin
May 2024
Jennifer
Martin
,
RN
Tele/Obs
WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital
Chambersburg
,
PA
United States
My dad decided he wanted to go home and spend whatever time he had left at home surrounded by family. Jennifer was quick and worked as hard as she could, and she got my dad home on Christmas day to spend his last Christmas at home with his kids.
This past December, my dad spent about 4 days in the hospital due to complications from cancer. Prior to this admission, we had recently found out that his cancer had metastasized to his liver. During his hospitalization, he was confused, repeated himself several times, and was unable to communicate his needs effectively. Luckily, he was blessed with a nurse named Jennifer. Jennifer took her time to assess and talk to my dad to make sure he had everything he needed. She listened to us as a family when we noticed his worsening condition, spoke up for us, and got him appropriate treatment. She was patient with his repetitive words and his frustration and confusion at not being able to communicate what he wanted to say. Jennifer was not only attentive to the needs of my father but also to the needs of my family and me.
She checked in on us on numerous occasions to see if we needed anything, from a drink to a snack to a hug. Even though my dad was confused most of the time, he always remembered Jennifer, and eventually, when he started to regain his cognition, he also regained his quick wit.
Unfortunately, my dad’s cancer progressed to the point that he would not recover. We decided as a family to have hospice come in and talk to my dad. My dad decided he wanted to go home and spend whatever time he had left at home surrounded by family. Jennifer was quick and worked as hard as she could, and she got my dad home on Christmas day to spend his last Christmas at home with his kids.
During discharge, tears were flowing not just from us but from Jennifer too. She wasn’t just a nurse at that point, but a part of our support team, a friend.
My dad was very thankful for you, and we were very thankful for you.
Jennifer may not know this, but she gave my little brother, eight years old, one last Christmas at home with his dad unwrapping gifts. My dad got to spend an entire week at home laughing, cracking jokes and surrounded by loved ones because Jennifer advocated for my dad and that is one thing I will be forever grateful for.
He passed away comfortably, and I have wanted to thank Jennifer for giving us one more week.
She checked in on us on numerous occasions to see if we needed anything, from a drink to a snack to a hug. Even though my dad was confused most of the time, he always remembered Jennifer, and eventually, when he started to regain his cognition, he also regained his quick wit.
Unfortunately, my dad’s cancer progressed to the point that he would not recover. We decided as a family to have hospice come in and talk to my dad. My dad decided he wanted to go home and spend whatever time he had left at home surrounded by family. Jennifer was quick and worked as hard as she could, and she got my dad home on Christmas day to spend his last Christmas at home with his kids.
During discharge, tears were flowing not just from us but from Jennifer too. She wasn’t just a nurse at that point, but a part of our support team, a friend.
My dad was very thankful for you, and we were very thankful for you.
Jennifer may not know this, but she gave my little brother, eight years old, one last Christmas at home with his dad unwrapping gifts. My dad got to spend an entire week at home laughing, cracking jokes and surrounded by loved ones because Jennifer advocated for my dad and that is one thing I will be forever grateful for.
He passed away comfortably, and I have wanted to thank Jennifer for giving us one more week.