My daughter had open heart surgery in Seattle in January. She had complications and was readmitted twice while we were in Seattle. She started to cry anytime a doctor or nurse would walk in. One week after we got home to Anchorage, M ended up in the ER at Providence. M’s fear and dislike of anyone in scrubs was so clear from the trauma she had gone through in Seattle. We were admitted to Pediatrics with an infection in her incision, and we were lucky enough to get Jenny as our nurse. M gave her the same attitude, but Jenny’s sweet personality combined with her clear expertise as a nurse, broke through quickly.

M eventually started smiling, laughing, and playing again, and without Jenny, I am confident this would have been the biggest hurdle for us. In addition, all it would take is a single word from me or any member of our family, and Jenny advocated to get us what M needed. An example is M’s fear of blood draws. M, while in Seattle, ended up fearing her crib. I requested a bed when we arrived in Pediatrics, and Jenny asked if it was because of her past trauma. I told her yes, and she arranged for any procedures involving needles to take place in another room, on a stretcher, so that her trauma wouldn’t be associated with her room and the hospital bed. Something so simple but made a major difference for my daughter and hadn’t even crossed my mind. Her innovative and forward-thinking, compassion, and understanding make her an example of what all nurses should strive for.

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