Jessica Bultema, RN

Jessica was and is a hero to me. I have lost 20 people in the past three years and four in the past two months. She has sat and talked with me many times since I have been hospitalized in this particular unit twice. She brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart in some of the darkest moments of my life. I could definitely shed a tear or two over this, and I have.

Jessica is not an ordinary nurse nor an ordinary person; from the little I have gathered, she has endured trauma as well, and whether it is worse or not, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that not only has she endured such trauma, but she is also a nurse, and because of the added pressure of life, I truly believe this award belongs to her. She has done nothing but offer grace, love, and compassion in a way that's almost like a mother to her children, nurturing, loving, and caring.

I remember I had a rough day. I felt completely abandoned, forsaken, and forgotten, definitely a new low for me, until Jessica inclined her attention towards me. She sat me down and made the best eye contact she could with tears in her eyes as I explained my situation to her. She didn’t try to fix me; she simply but wholeheartedly sympathized with me, and it sparked something within me (my relationship with God). Although the conversation had nothing to do with religion, it greatly impacted me and began the healing process of my heart.

I can't stress enough that among all this, she is a dedicated nurse, hard worker, and manages her time wisely. Jessica absolutely 110% deserves a reward for her service to the community and her co-workers. It's not often that we as a human race encounter such powerful individuals. I truly believe she is the right person to be nominated.