jessica birge, RN

We had a 4-year-old with a fever. There was an extensive work up and the baby needed to be transferred. The family was hesitant about the transfer, but Jessica comforted them and even went to the cafeteria to get the entire family food and coffee. They have 2 other young children, and their car was in the shop. The husband was clearly distressed and tearful about how they would be able to get all of them to and from another hospital. They do not know anyone or have family around here. They were also stressed about finances with the husband missing even more work. Jessica worked tirelessly to find them transport. After exhausting all other transport options, she secured car seats from staff and transported them all the way to St. Vincent 86th St. herself, which is not even on her way home, and this was after an overnight shift! If that wasn’t already kind enough, she also took up a collection for the family and was able to give them over $100 for meals and transport home. I was touched by Jessica's compassion and dedication to help this family, as well as so many of her patients previously. She is always willing to stay late, work hard, or give anything she can to help her patients and co-workers. She is quite an asset to the ED.
I should also mention that I don’t think this was even her patient, but she stepped in to help a co-worker. She assisted me with the LP when she would see the other nurse was busy. She was also found holding the baby for the family when the mom was too exhausted, and dad was trying to care for baby’s siblings.