I was recently in the ED with my mother-in-law who has severe dementia. We brought her in via EMS due to severe back pain. Jessica Price was assigned to my mother-in-law and did a wonderful job. Jessica was caring, loving, and showed great compassion. While explaining tests and procedures to the family, Jessica also explained them to my mother-in-law in a language she could understand. Jessica held my mother-in-law's hand and calmed her with her soft touches. The level of care far exceeded my expectations. Jessica kept us updated with what was going on throughout our stay. She didn't talk down to my mother-in-law just because she has dementia but rather used a soft voice and language that my mother-in-law could understand. Jessica is a great asset to Vidant Chowan Hospital. She is a caring, compassionate, and loving nurse. We are lucky to have her.
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Jessica Price recently received a compliment in a thank you card for going above and beyond with a patient. It read "I wanted to sincerely thank you for the exceptional care and company that you gave me on Monday. After spending a few days with various nurses, it is obvious you just care more than most, and it meant a lot to me. PS: The dude who refuses to wear a robe unless it says Nature Boy on the back." This patient was sent to the ED after having abdominal pain for approximately 2 weeks. He was scared and alone. He was in his 40s. He ultimately had to be transferred to VMC for continuity of care with a diagnosis of cancer. Finding that out in the ED alone can be scary. Jessica cried when opening the card, and she said he had been on her mind and was wondering how he was doing. This patient has a lot in store with small children, but he took the time to let her know how much her compassion meant to him. Jessica builds a rapport with her patients that allows them to laugh. Jessica receives numerous compliments from patients and families because she consistently goes above and beyond. This thank you card is one of many that she has received since her time at Vidant Chowan Hospital.
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I am writing to you regarding a brief experience I had in the Vidant Chowan ED early this year and specifically to express my most sincere appreciation for the treatment I received from one of your nurses, Jessica. I visited my local physician with abdominal pain and after some imaging was told I was likely suffering from a cancerous tumor and needed to be moved to VMC as soon as possible as I might need surgery immediately. I was so caught off guard and in complete shock that I had to be transferred to the ED in Edenton by ambulance while they awaited the arrival of either a helicopter or suitable ambulance to transport me to VMC. I could not possibly put into words the emotions that a person deals with immediately following what is likely a devastating diagnosis and it takes nothing short of an angel to put someone at ease given such a tragic set of circumstances. Jessica was my angel. From the time I was rolled into her holding area until the time I was whisked away by ambulance, she did everything a person could possibly expect from a medical professional to stabilize me not only physically, but most importantly, emotionally. Jessica immediately recognized that I was in a bit of an emotional shock but she also was able to recognize that I am the constant jokester and she was able to help me put all my fears aside, relax and even laugh, which seemed like an impossible task at the time. The ED was so full that day that there were patients in the hallway but Jessica made me feel as if I was the only person being treated and there is nothing I can say that would accurately express how much her time and effort meant to me during that time.
Most successful graduates of nursing school could have easily dealt with my immediate physical needs, but what separates the great from the average is the ability to recognize they are treating a human being rather than a case file and provide that extra emotional support needed to make that patient comfortable. Jessica obviously has a gift that is very rare and is a true DAISY Nurse.