Our family met Jody Wattier when S was admitted from the emergency department to 5C7 after a significant cardiac event. We worked with Jody from then until S's passing a couple weeks later.
Jody compassionately helped our family through one of the worse events any family can experience. Her excellent nursing skills combined with her integrity in respecting HIPAA regulations were very much appreciated. This was a particularly difficult balance as S's wife was the decision-maker for his care and our family dynamics prevented open communication with her by us. Jody always gained permission before sharing information with us.
We were at the hospital every day and were extremely happy when we saw Jody on duty. The other nursing staff was good, but Jody had a "special something" that made us feel a bit less stressed about our situation.
Jody was excellent in her communications. She continually asked if we had questions/concerns. Her ability to be hopeful and at the same time help us understand the reality of the situation was always appreciated. She had a very good feel for our family's ability to understand what was happening in, what at times, was a constantly changing situation.
We could tell that Jody truly enjoys her work. We never saw anything negative in her interactions with other medical team members. She was always helpful and would jump in without being asked to assist other staff with patients.
Most appreciated was Jody's recognition that S's wife wasn't understanding the severity of his situation. His wife thought S was going through something like her father's pacemaker event. Jody contacted S's doctors and palliative care staff and asked them to have the difficult conversation about what was happening. She was concerned that his wife would be extremely upset if S didn't improve. Because of that observation and action, S was able to peacefully end a difficult ordeal.
Jody's partnership with the palliative staff, Chaplin service, and other medical team members were comforting to watch. She explained everything that was going to happen, gave plenty of time for us to be with S before he passed and after he passed, and allowed us to "drive the train" one last time. She prepared us the best that we could be prepared for his passing. While it was extremely difficult we all knew that he had gotten the best care possible form a very caring nurse.
For us, Jody is truly an outstanding role model for nursing.