As a case manager, Jessica is challenged with multiple social issues that affect our patients, therefore, she goes above and beyond to ensure our patients have what they need while in the hospital and after discharge. Her commitment to our hospital and community is evident in all she does. Recently on our med/surg unit, we had a patient who was terminal and dying. The patient did not have any family or close friends. Later that day Jessica told me that she would sit in the patient's room, working on her documentation, because she did not want him to die alone.
Another example happened on a Friday afternoon. Jessica received a call from a pharmacy about a patient who had been discharged with a prescription for insulin. The pharmacist stated the patient said he was not too sure about giving himself the insulin and neither was his wife. The pharmacist did not want to dispense the insulin. Jessica spoke with the patient's wife and asked them to come back to the hospital and she would be happy to provide additional instruction on insulin administration. They did not want to come back because the drive was too far. The patient's wife asked if they could go to the PCP office since it was closer. Jessica spoke with the PCP's office and they agreed to assist if the patient could get there by 5 pm. Jessica also spoke with the pharmacist who agreed to dispense the insulin. A little past five Jessica received a call from the PCP stating the patient never showed up. Jessica continued to try and contact the patient with no success. She then took it upon herself to get the patient's address and around 6 pm was off to the patient's house. She could not locate the house and after about 30 - 40 minutes of riding around the patient's wife called back. It was getting so late that Jessica told her to not do anything with the insulin that day. She would try to get up with home health to see the patient the next day. On Saturday morning (her day off I might add) she connected with the HH agency who had planned to make a visit on Sunday, however, Jessica begged and pleaded with them to send a nurse on Saturday. After Jessica explained the whole situation to them, they agreed. The HH nurse called Jessica back later that day to say the patient and wife had been instructed on insulin administration. Jessica called Sunday to make sure all was well. Extraordinary care is given every day, afternoon, evening, and even weekends! Jessica is truly living our Vidant Health mission and values.