I nominate Jerri Jensen, RN from the Tele-health/Tele-Nurse Department as a deserving recipient of the DAISY Award. Jerri’s clinical skill and especially her compassionate care exemplify the kind of nurse that our patients, their families, and our staff recognize as an outstanding role model. I’ve met few nurses in my career whom have the drive, skill, compassion as Jerri Jensen. Jerri has worked within VA North Texas for over 30 years and is a mentor, patient, advocate, teacher and resource person not only for staff but for all patients that she cares for. Jerri is a very skilled and caring nurse who handles crisis calls (patients whom call for medical advice such as depression or suicidal thoughts) that come through the call center with such grace, skill and professionalism that the patients and staff are in awe.
Jerri is always prompt, coming in 30 minutes to an hour early when arriving for work and stays over 30 minutes daily to assist the incoming staff as needed. Her commitment to the tele-nurse department is extraordinary. She has worked diligently to update manuals, nursing orientation for newly hired staff. Whatever is needed for the department, Jerri is there. Her commitment and advocacy to our Veterans is remarkable. There are patients who have such a rapport with Jerri, they specifically ask for her if she’s there.
Since 1998 Jerri has led the VA patient safety fair, educating our Veterans so they can achieve an optimal level of health. It has been a joy to meet a nurse who treats not just the patient, but all personnel with just respect and dignity. I truly believe Florence Nightingale would be so ever proud to have such a phenomenal nurse in her following. I always ask Jerri How do you do all that you do? Where do you find the energy? The time? and how can I keep up?
I feel truly blessed to have met Jerri. She makes you want to strive to be better at delivering exceptional patient care.