During a weekend on shift, one of Jessica's colleagues witnessed her advocating for a terminally ill ECMO patient during rounding. Jessica, who has been enthusiastically pursuing additional educational opportunities to improve her clinical knowledge, worked with a nurse practitioner and intensivist to adjust the care plan, and decannulate the patient from ECMO. The patient had a positive clinical outcome and recovered.
Not only do people appreciate Jessica's passion as a patient and family advocate, but her colleagues value her insight and problem-solving skills. Managers highlight her strong clinical evaluation abilities and her empathy and compassion. She is a role model for the nursing profession. According to team members, Jessica is a gifted preceptor who has mentored several nurses who are now assets to the unit.
"If one were to mix the spirit of Florence Nightingale with the spirit of William the Conqueror, then one would get Jessica Norton-Paradise. She advocates with great vigor for her patients and their families."