Jessica Zavala, RN

I’m submitting this almost a year later but even after a year I still think about how much Jessie helped me through the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I was admitted to be induced for my first baby due to severe preeclampsia. I was so scared, and overall felt miserable because I was so swollen all over my body I could barely move on my own. Jessie took the time to explain everything that was happening and what my different options were, answer all my questions, and make sure I felt comfortable (or as comfortable as possible). Even if that meant staying with me longer to help me readjust and get comfortable, since I couldn’t do it myself, and then come back 5 minutes later and do it again if I needed it. I know I needed so much extra care compared to a typical patient, and Jessie never made me feel like a burden, but she made me feel like she truly cared about how I felt and about helping me deliver safely.

While she was caring for me, we bonded over both liking the same singer, and she made sure to play the song I requested during my C-section. After my son was born, I hemorrhaged and my life was at risk. It was the scariest day of my life. While I was recovering in postpartum, she came to check on me and my son before her shift. I feel like she went above and beyond to help me and care for me.

I’d like to add that while I was hemorrhaging, the entire nursing and surgical staff made me feel safe, and I’m so thankful to every one of them for saving my life so I could live to watch my son grow up. I feel that Jessie went above and beyond, and I’m so thankful for her.