Jessica Neace RN was assigned to the ACC4 Adult Allergy/Infusion Clinic. A patient arrived to receive her allergy injection. As Jessica was administering the vaccine, the patient expressed that she had a toenail that was about to come off. Jessica knew that the patient was a diabetic from a review of her chart beforehand and determined a need for further assessment. She asked the patient if she might see the toe and was given permission to do an examination. After visualization of the affected area, Jessica contacted the diabetic fellow who was in clinic and asked that he also see the patient. While waiting for the physician to arrive, Jessica stayed with the patient and took that time to wash both of the patient's feet and do a more thorough check and assessment.
On another occasion, another patient expressed in clinic that her diabetic supplies were costing her $150 a week. Jessica Neace took the time to call the patient's insurance company in order to identify supplies that would be covered by the insurance and also patient assistance programs available to her. Jessica then called the pharmacist to be sure that the supplies were being run through billing correctly. This act reduced the patient out of pocket expense to $30 from the previous $150.
These are but two small examples of the "above and beyond" show of knowledge, expertise, and sincere compassion that Jessica has for her patients. She always greets every patient with a smile and continuously shows a genuine concern for their overall needs. It is this caliber of nurse coworker that makes me proud to be a nurse as well. This is a nurse that reflects the core values of VCU Health and VCU Nursing.