Jana has developed a special relationship with the family of M, a patient who has been in our unit several times, by providing them with personalized care. One night, Jana and M had a tea party because that was what she asked for the night before she was scheduled for surgery. During another admission, Jana organized a baby shower for M's mother. These actions alone would be reason enough for me to recognize her, but on M's most recent admission, Jana impressed me yet again with her superb care of this patient and her mother.
This admission, Jana was on call when we got word that M was coming in post-op. Jana had the choice of possibly getting more hours by coming in to care for other patients or waiting for M. She chose to wait, and I am so glad she did! The patient's mother was happy to see me, greeted me by name and embraced me, but the look on her face when she saw Jana coming was heartbreaking. It was like a reunion of loved ones. I could tell that Jana was her first choice for a nurse, and I was very glad we were able to provide that for her. Jana proceeded to treat M with loving care, speaking to her sweetly in Spanish any time care was provided despite M's limited ability to respond. Jana provided Spanish translation for the hospitalist during the difficult discussion about code status with the mother and handled it with grace and professionalism.
Jana always provides excellent care and this isn't the only instance of her dedication to family-centered nursing, but her special relationship with this family has really touched my heart. I am so proud to work with such an outstanding nurse.