Jessica Childs, ADN, RN

Jessie demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness in the face of unimaginable circumstances that occurred in the ER. Our hospital was struck by tragedy when an active shooter was present in our hospital, leaving the targeted victim in critical care. All RN's were evacuated from the teams immediately and hidden, forced to barricade in our department's pantries and med rooms. Patients were moved from hallway spots to empty rooms to help maintain their safety, and were briefly told what was happening at this time. In a moment of crisis, Jessie put the needs of the patients above her own safety. Jessie was walking into her shift when she was unexpectedly pulled into the resuscitation bay with the ER doctors and PA-C providing care to the victim who was targeted by the active shooter, despite risking her own well-being, as the suspect was not in active custody and was not ruled out of being in the hospital. Jessie played a vital role as she was the one and only RN present in the resus bay, helping to provide urgent medical attention that the patient required. Her unwavering commitment and compassion as an RN exemplified the very highest standards of the nursing profession. Amid chaos and uncertainty, Jessica acted with skill, compassion, and bravery, embodying the true spirit and definition of a healthcare hero. I am profoundly grateful for her bravery and commitment to caring for others, even in the most harrowing of situations such as this.