... Jody attends most community re-entry outings with our Child Life/Therapeutic Recreation department. While many people think this is an "easy" or "fun" job, it is very difficult to manage 8-10 hospitalized children in the community setting, and to administer their cares, help them use the bathroom, etc. in a variety of settings. Jody does this all with ease and helps to normalize life and the hospital process for these patients. She is the first person to assist a patient who is scared on an outing, misses their parents, or is anxious about being stared at because of the way they look. Jody obtains childcare for her own family at the last minute because a nurse called out sick. She works on Saturday outings when no one else can work it, when the trip would otherwise be cancelled. Jody goes above and beyond on the outings, well beyond her nursing duties; she ensures that our patients learn about culture, are challenged, increase their independence, and learn how to manage their limitations in a community setting. When we return from outings Jody is sweet and motherly, helping patients get settled into their rooms and wind down for bedtime. When patients aren't ready for bed or are scared to go to sleep, she takes extra time to read to them or hold their hand. Jody is an amazing nurse; we're so lucky to have her at MWPH.