Joanne received multiple nominations!

First nomination: Joanne goes above and beyond on a daily basis to help patients and their families feel confident with breastfeeding. She has a calm demeanor and just gives the best reassurance to them. So many more parents continue to breastfeed their babies because of her gentle yet informative help. Today a patient came into the ER with a baby that was 20 some days old and they were still spoon feeding. She was frantic and ready for a psych admission.  Jo went down there and spent hours with the patient and her husband. She helped them with a feed and made a plan for a follow-up lactation appointment. They were in tears with appreciation. But this is what Jo does daily. You never see her sitting around chatting, she is always at the bedside helping mommas with feeding their babies. Jo is really just one of a kind and we are so blessed to have her here. 
Second nomination: I work with Jo now as a nurse, but I very clearly remember her from when I gave birth to my child years ago. I wasn't a nurse at this hospital then, and I had immense trouble feeding my 2nd daughter. I saw her for an in-person visit and then she was available via phone calls afterward; I had to be re-admitted to the hospital for an infection specifically caused by breastfeeding, and she was there for me when I was going through that hospitalization. She helped me out so much over the phone--and she wasn't getting paid for this! I was re-admitted to a hospital other than Beverly, and she did all of this because she truly wanted to help me. When I had my 3rd child three years after that at Beverly Hospital, she remembered me and came into my hospital room bright and early, so happy to see me. There was never any judgment with her; she was always so supportive. I always remembered her. At the time, I worked at a local pediatrician's office, and always recommended patients to her and knew they'd be in wonderful, capable hands. Now I'm fortunate enough to call her a colleague, and I see daily what she does for this population. She helps get these babies fed and the moms comfortable and confident. How amazing is that? You can have a woman in tears because she's in pain and overwhelmed by caring for their brand-new newborn, but then Jo goes in and works with her, and then the mother feels so much relief and confidence that she can care for and feed her baby. She truly saves lives. Jo is a delight to work with. She is always, always staying late and will be there for anyone who asks. She comes in on her off days when the department is short-staffed. I can't express how much she means to me, both as a patient and as a nurse. She is patient and loving, both with new mothers and new nurses alike. She is a delight to this department, and I will forever be grateful to her and will remember her kindness and willingness to help always. 

Third nomination: Joanne made a huge impact on all my patients and their experience with breastfeeding. She spends quality time getting to know each of her patients as individuals and works with them using each of their strengths and helps with navigating breastfeeding which is very challenging and overwhelming for many new moms. Joanne has helped so many families feel comfortable and supported before leaving the hospital and deserves to be recognized for her tremendous efforts and passionate dedication to all her patients.