When my partner, C, was recovering after major spinal fusion surgery, Jen provided superior compassionate care. While she had another patient for the first two days, she spent most of her time making C comfortable and most importantly cared for as a person and not just a number.
C finally had her airway removed on Saturday while she was coming out of the sedative she received during the day. While C was frustrated and uncomfortable for a few hours, Jen explained the protocol of making sure she could breathe on her own before the airway could be fully removed. She explained everything to both C and me at every step. And while she couldn't speed the process she worked so very hard to make her more comfortable.
On the next day while C was still having trouble swallowing after the breathing tube and only eating a few soft foods the neurological PA put in an order to insert a feeding tube. Jen immediately talked to me and explained the situation and the reason the PA wanted it. I was shocked that in less than a single day the PA would provide such an aggressive treatment plan. On my urging she got the PA to come to the unit so that we could advocate for C and get the order canceled. Only a few hours later C was eating on her own.
Jen is an excellent, wonderful, compassionate nurse who provided excellent care and comfort to both C and me. She truly made a difference in C's care and she is exceptional even when compared to the other fine nurses at MMC.