Jessica Gonzales-Verdugo
June 2023
Jessica
Gonzales-Verdugo
,
BSN, RN
Acute Medical
MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center
Laguna Hills
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

The patient's son was very touched by this statement Jessica made to his mother and again thanked her for being patient with him and his mother.
I was sitting at the front desk as a monitor tech for this situation. I heard Jessica go above and beyond with one of her patients and the patient's son. Jessica had a very hectic start to the shift one day. Shortly after she finished beside report, one of her patient's sons came in demanding an account of what happened since he last visited. He was upset that he missed the day shift nurse and started yelling in the nursing station. Jessica interrupted her report with another nurse and calmly spoke to the patient's son. She told the son she would be in to give an exclusive update once she finished the report on her other patients. The son was distraught but returned to the mother's room. Jessica promptly entered the room and reintroduced herself as the mother's nurse that night. She patiently answered all the questions the son had. After a long talk about the care plan, the son acknowledged being rude and apologized. He said he was having difficulty since he could not come in as often as he wanted due to work commitments. Jessica gave a detailed update which the son stated he needed to hear. The son said, "I'm glad you did not have me thrown out by security when I was yelling earlier. You are a great nurse, and thank you for being here for my mother when I cannot".

The patient was confused and did not understand the situation, so Jessica told the patient, "I am going to be like your mother tonight. I am very responsible and care about my children so you will be like one of my children tonight. We will be here together all night, and I will take the best care of you". The patient's son was very touched by this statement Jessica made to his mother and again thanked her for being patient with him and his mother. He stated his mother has dementia, and not many people have the patience to deal with his mother. He said he would pray a goodnight prayer with his mother and then leave since it was late. Jessica then asked if she could pray with them since she always prays with her children before bed. Jessica then prayed with them at the bedside and brought the patient an extra warm blanket. Sitting at the desk, I was very touched by Jessica's words and care. Thank you, Jessica, for being extra nice to all people.