Jennifer Michalson
May 2024
Jennifer
Michalson
,
RN
Medical Unit
Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center
Brainerd
,
MN
United States

 

 

 

I cannot adequately explain my immense gratitude for Jennifer; she was definitely an angel sent by God just when we needed it most.
My father was hospitalized for rapidly declining health and abdominal pain of unknown etiology that we were not able to control at home. I was staying with my father at the hospital when Jennifer arrived for her night shift, and she checked in on me. She asked me how we were doing, and I said not very well. Then, I described our day. Jennifer didn't hesitate for a minute and said to me, "OK, this is what we'll do. I'm going to take over your father's care right now. First, we'll get pain medicine for him. Then we'll give him a head-to-toe bed bath, change his gown and all bed linens, check his pressure points, lotion his skin, reposition him, and provide oral care." Jennifer reviewed her recommended medications, dosages, and planned administration schedule with me to make sure we were in agreement. I was so relieved because Jennifer was knowledgeable, confident, and compassionate, not only for my father but also for me. I was so relieved.

Later that night, when Jennifer came in to provide oral care and reposition my father, she assessed him and checked his vital signs. She then talked with me about his breathing becoming more agonal, explained her observations, and prepared me for his imminent death. My father died then, comfortably and peacefully.

Jennifer did not leave me then. She helped me pack up my father's clothing and other personal items, and then she helped me carry all the bags out to my car. She went above and beyond the entire evening and night. I cannot adequately explain my immense gratitude for Jennifer; she was definitely an angel sent by God just when we needed it most. What a blessing. You are very fortunate to have Jennifer as a member of your nursing leadership team. Thank you, Jennifer, from the bottom of my heart.

Note: This is Jennifer's 2nd DAISY Award!