M was very agitated. The new nurse was trying to get the meds in and the peripheral failed. Almost at the same time the tube to suction would not work. He became more agitated and was struggling to breath and seemed panicky in response to fluid collection. Other nurses came in to help and were struggling with these failures. From down the hall Jessica heard the emergency and without hesitation was down the hall talking to M to calm him even prior to entering the room. She proceeded to give direction to all and provide immediate crisis management without fail she was able to calm the patient, the mom and the nurses to get everyone in sync and restore calm.
Jessica's ability to multi-task in an emergency situation was truly amazing. The other nurses responded to her direction immediately and in a very short time she had the situation under control. She did not hesitate to add, change or remove lines, meds, and equipment as necessary. She obviously is very knowledgeable of all ICU equipment and what to do if failures occur. Her ability to not only step in and lead the team but to do so in a manner that she did was exemplary.
Her ability to get everyone on board and still calmly and rationally speak to M with such care and compassion was truly amazing. I wish I had it on video. Again as a true multi-tasker I simply sit humbled by her extraordinary ability. As the days have passed I find her words during this event sticking with me as we endure other events. "M, it is Jessica, and you are okay", "We've got this M", "I'm here and your mom is here".
As I try to express in words my feelings about her ability and her patient care, I am moved to tears. Once the event was over and calm restored, all of the nurses were thanking her and in lieu of taking accolades, she chose to give credit to the entire team. I cannot express how refreshing it is to see someone step up the way she did, get everything on task, and then give credit to all. In a world where we are turning the wrong people into hero's and giving accolades for the ridiculous I am thrilled that M's heroes are the nurses of MRICU and that his special hero this day was Jessica Schwartz.