I have had the pleasure of working with Jessica McCall for a couple of years and consider her an exceptional nurse. She is a leader on the unit and is generous with her support and expertise. She has volunteered to assist with my patients, helping to start IVs or deescalate unsafe situations with her excellent bedside manner.
Jessie went above and beyond to care for one of my patients struggling with COVID and other health issues while isolating in a negative pressure room. This veteran has difficulty communicating his needs, but when he called from his room and Jessie saw his breathing becoming shallow and rapid, she became concerned.
Jessie volunteered to don PPE and assist me with what became an unstable situation. As I called for our crisis team and updated the doctor, Jessie stayed in the room and provided excellent nursing care, obtaining labs, getting EKG, checking vital signs, all while soothing the patient and maintaining her calm. I want to emphasize just how meaningful it is to work with a nurse who gives of herself so generously.