I would like to personally recognize Jessica Misner, RN for her exceptional care, always, but more importantly, with a recent situation. Jess is not only a stellar clinician but also encompasses the holistic, emotional support that is involved with the care of her patients. Working in this environment means having physically complex patients. Ensuring that the entirety of each patient's care is met, can be draining, to say the least. Jess always presents herself with positivity, a warm smile, and with confidence and grace. At a time when patients and patient family members are at quite possibly the most vulnerable time of their lives, these qualities from a nurse, such as Jess, can impact the rest of their lives.
The recent situation involves care of an extremely critically ill patient. Jess spent her entire shift IN the patient's room, putting all the patient's needs well before her own. Not only did Jess care for the emergent physical needs of the patient, but she treated this patient as a patient, a person, more like one of her own family members that were laying in the bed. The patient's husband was at bedside and holding onto any hope that he had. Jess allowed him to stay at the bedside with her and with his wife. Jess clearly had a million treatments, tasks, and workload of her own to ensure the physical stability of her patient. Nevertheless, Jess made it a point to "know" her patient. She began asking questions about what she is like, what she likes to do, and how they met. The husband proceeded to talk about the patient's love for music. So, Jess took it upon herself to find some of the patient's favorite songs and play them in the room for her. Not ONLY did she play the songs for the patient, but she SANG them to the patient while the husband was present. Jess sang Amazing Grace and a few others to the patient that evening.
Jess, you have no idea what that probably meant to the husband. Being a nurse means you are responsible for a moment your patient and family will forever remember for the rest of their lives. Whether that moment has a good or bad outcome, WE have the honor of being present during that time. We have the privilege to make THE biggest impact on someone's life. EVER. That is what Jess did that day. She deserves all the recognition in the world for all that she does day in and day out. In my eyes, people should always be recognized for going above and beyond. People should know that what they do makes a difference. Jess should also know that her mom would be so proud of all that she is and all that she has become. Because, truly, she sets a model for the type of care that we should all strive to provide to our patients. So, thank you, Jess! You make a difference. ?