Jessica Doporto 2, RN

She went to see a Veteran after a critical illness. He didn't look very good, and Jessica's nurse Spidey senses were on high alert, after spending time with the Veteran and then his wife. She very delicately and lovingly discussed the possibility of Hospice care as an option for the Veteran. No matter how ready someone is to pass on, this is always a difficult conversation to have with a patient and even harder to have with a spouse. Jessica showed so much love and compassion for the Veteran and his wife. When I witnessed the hug that the wife gave at the end of the visit, I just knew that the appreciation of the wife was tangible. They were both sad and supported each other. That is just not the norm nowadays.

Jessica cares for all of her Veterans as if they were family. She is stern when she needs to be and kind/compassionate always. The knowledge and dedication she shares with all of the Veterans, in this nurse's opinion, is above and beyond. I've worked with a lot of nurses in my 30+ years and have never been compelled to submit a nurse for the DAISY Award; but she embodies all of the qualities of a DAISY Nurse.

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