Jessica
Zhao
May 2021
Jessica
Zhao
,
BSN (CWRU '21)
Case Western Reserve University Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
Cleveland
,
OH
United States

 

 

 

He commented on how quickly Jessica put him at ease with her friendly smile, honest answers to questions, and explanation of what to expect.
Jessica excels in the classroom, in her desire to help others through service and leadership. She is the person you want around if you ever need nursing care. She is compassionate, kind, and remains calm when situations may be escalating. Jessica has been actively involved in student organizations, served as Vice President on the executive board of the Undergraduate Student Nurses’ Association, organized many activities, worked as a clinical technician during school, and serves the community through volunteer activities. It is her most recent volunteer activity that earned Jessica recognition for her compassion and kindness and for becoming a recipient of The DAISYAward. This past year has been one of the most challenging times most of us have ever seen. The pandemic changed our daily lives, posing hurdles to climb to adapt to change in communication, providing care, and learning. I don’t think Jessica missed a beat. Even though the change was not what she hoped for in her senior year in nursing, she maintained a positive attitude and fortitude to stay on top of the challenge. It never slowed her down or changed her focus on learning and being the best nurse she can be. She continued to strive in the classroom, remained active in different ways in the student organizations, and found opportunities to volunteer and help others. Jessica volunteered at the vaccine clinics that were set up to reach members of our campus and local communities. Often recognition of care is given when caring for a patient in the hospital, but also meeting the needs of individuals wherever they are is what Jessica does best to make a big difference. Jessica volunteered at the vaccine clinic and several days later, an email was received acknowledging their experience at the vaccine center. The individual admitted he was a bit anxious about what to expect when arriving at the vaccine center. His anxiety and worry quickly disappeared, however, after meeting Jessica. He commented on how quickly Jessica put him at ease with her friendly smile, honest answers to questions, and explanation of what to expect. He acknowledged this being a scary time for everyone, but Jessica’s compassion and calming manner made a difference, which is no easy feat, especially in times of a pandemic. He concluded by saying that Jessica will be a wonderful nurse and he was amazed at how Jessica made his day a little brighter.