Jolene has worked with psychiatric patients for many years. Her kindness, patience and calm demeanor exemplify the key characteristics required of a psychiatric nurse to safely manage patients who lack coping skills or are in the most acute stages of illness. Her advocacy and willingness to speak up regarding patient care has routinely conveyed her confidence and proactive approach to ensure patients and staff alike stay safe.

One particular event stands out where Jolene had a very agitated patient raise a chair in the air aggressively, threatening the well-being of many in the staff/patient area. Jolene bravely secured a leg of the chair to prevent it from being used to harm others and calmly directed the patient to set it down and talk with her. Her cool head during this event prevailed and the patient de-escalated. Other staff were so thankful for her composure and she is renowned for her "verbal valium".

The unit is always safe when she works and she frequently consults with our team of nurses and physicians to give her opinion in a collaborative and engaging manner. She also always has a kind ear and is a unit mentor of the many new RN and MD clinicians that have joined our team. She always has chocolate to share, improving morale and creating an environment where staff convenes to share a Hershey's Kiss together and chat for a moment while savoring the sweetness of the treat.

Jolene honors patient autonomy and has attended NAMI walks and conferences that continue her journey of lifelong learning. She views her patients as people, regardless of their behaviors or significant symptoms. Her approach fosters a trusting and collaborative nurse-patient-family relationship. Jolene is a nurse that truly demonstrates everything great about our profession and what we should all strive to achieve. She is my mentor, the nurse whom I seek when I need direction in my role or if my approach is sound. She is always available and a wonderful colleague.