A young woman was admitted to the MICU with a new cancer diagnosis. She had just received her first treatment that week and needed to come to the ER. The patient was admitted to MICU and later unexpectedly coded and passed. Jessica was coming on to dayshift as the team coordinator. When she arrived staff were visibly upset, as well as a large amount of family for this patient. Very expected emotions with a young healthy person. The patient had young children. The patient’s husband wanted the children to go in and see their mother to say goodbye. Jess immediately looked for a different plan. The first thing she said to me was “not to be selfish but this is not going to be good for the team, hearing the children cry, I feel it will be too much”. Also, she stated as a Mom, I would not want that to be the memory my children had of me. Jess then went and sat with the husband discussing the potential emotions and long-lasting thoughts this could leave the children with. She asked him what his beliefs were for the patient as far as burial or cremation and if he had a location. He replied he did not have a location and explained his wants. Jess asked if it would be ok if she reached out to a few places meeting his expectations and he agreed.

Jess was able to find a funeral home that met the needs of the patient per husband. She requested that the patient be picked up immediately and had a special request. She asked if the patient could be prepared for the children to come and view at the funeral home today. She expressed the importance of this being able to be done. The funeral home agreed. The husband agreed to the location and was able to sit with his children and let them know they will get to see Mommy later on today. It was one of the most emotional conversations I have witnessed in my career. To hear the voice of a child express how she could “wake up mommy”. Through all of this, I watched Jess hold back her tears to support this family and our team.

Jess was able to manage a very large family meeting all of their wishes and expectations for this tragedy that had just so unexpectedly occurred. While navigating through all of this she was still able to be a support to the staff as well. After a few hours had passed Jess went to the husband and let him know the funeral home was on their way if he wanted to have everyone start with their goodbyes. After all had said their goodbye she and I gave our deepest condolences and wished them well, Jess and I then walked to my office where she broke into tears. Then apologized! The strength that took was unbelievable. The lengths she went to make sure these children could view their mom that day and have her look like mom was her mission. And for those of you that do not know Jess well, she does not take no for an answer lightly.

Jess showed that here at Abington our mission, vision, and values aren’t just words we say but words we live by. She exemplifies what it is like to be selfless, passionate, and compassionate. She also showed what a great mom she must be.