As a compassionate patient advocate Jessica McLaughlin has taken a personal family tragedy to influence her care of patients in crisis situations.
One such example occurred on a busy holiday weekend when a young victim of sexual assault came to the ED. This can be emotionally exhausting and time consuming for all parties involved. Jessica assumed responsibility for this patient, knowing that she was the most qualified. She gave her undivided attention and expertise, taking the time to know this patient as a person. She found that this young person had experienced serious family tragedy and transitions in the past year and due to financial constraints, she only had only two new outfits to begin the school year. One of these brand-new outfits had to be relinquished as part of the evidence collection process. The victim was given donated clothes to go home in, however, Jessica felt that she could do more to help this victim. The next day Jess returned to work with money that she had been saving and a letter that she had written to the victim explaining how she had promised that she would help find a way to get some new clothes for school.
The above situation demonstrates how Jessica McLaughlin's critical thinking skills are exemplary, and she not only supports her peers, she is totally focused on the patient and family. This is also an example of what Jess does every day.
Jessica has the innate ability to handle any situation that arises with genuine compassion and professionalism.