Jennifer on a daily basis demonstrates a commitment to excellence in her representation of herself and MMHS as well as provides compassionate care with each and every patient, family, caregiver and co-worker. It is not uncommon for me to receive positive feedback from families Jennifer has touched weeks, months, and years previous, outside of the work environment.
The one story that is the most compelling and worthy of the DAISY Award is:
Jennifer has been caring for a young man with ALS who is wheelchair and vent dependent. This patient’s last wish was to be able to attend his youngest child’s graduation from high school without being a spectacle. Due to his progression of disease process, he required frequent suctioning due to increased secretion and frequent use of the ventilator for respiratory support.
Jennifer designed a suction device that would not require electricity and would be inconspicuous in case of an emergent need; she enlisted the help of the hospice chaplain to view the chapel where graduation ceremonies would be held and with the assistance of the chaplain and the program developer located a spot where the patient could be part of the graduation program without being a spectacle and also would allow for easy exit if he became in distress.
This patient did attend his youngest child’s graduation and was able to have a front viewing spot, without a worry. Jennifer was able to fulfill his last wish with dignity and give the family an everlasting memory.