April 2015
Jennifer
Oldham
,
BSN, CEN, FNE
Emergency Department
Christiana Care Health System
Newark
,
DE
United States
... my mother, who was battling pancreatic cancer, became extremely hypoglycemic and needed emergent care. She was transported by ambulance to the Christiana Emergency Department where the nurse assigned to her was Jennifer Oldham. Jennifer took the time and effort not only to ensure that my mother was comfortable upon her arrival and that I was as well. Jennifer kept me abreast of all that was being done for my mother and then suddenly my mother conditioned changed and she took a turn for the worse, Jennifer working quickly and efficiently was able to get the additional assistance that was needed but the ONE thing that stuck in my mind is that she took the time and effort to not only focus on my mother but also communicated with me.
In the midst of taking care of my mother and her conditioned worsening to the point of Jen having to now begin to work a code blue on my mother, she also turned to me and inquired if my family was on the way and encouraged me to call them. I quickly phoned my family and ensured they were on the way. Jen began doing compressions on my mother as they worked the code blue and ensured I was allowed to stay in the room. Even in the process of the chaos that was occurring this nurse was also concerned about my needs. As she gave compressions to provide life saving manuevers she would occasionally look over at me and mouth words of compassion and care to comfort me in the process. Jen not only coordinated care for my mother from the beginning to the final process when it was determined there was nothing else that could be done. Jen provide compassion and care, support and humility and a shoulder to cry on as she ensured that all my family that was present was able to be with my mother as well said our final goodbyes.
I have worked in EMS for over 25 years and have experienced many a code or a traumatic event, but in the rush of care for the patient the family tends to many times be forgotten or are a second thought. Jen Oldham made my family just as much a priority and she did my mother and her care that day. From that day till now I am forever grateful for dedication to her commitment and care and the healing and closure it provided. For these reasons I nominate Jennifer Oldham for the DAISY Award.
In the midst of taking care of my mother and her conditioned worsening to the point of Jen having to now begin to work a code blue on my mother, she also turned to me and inquired if my family was on the way and encouraged me to call them. I quickly phoned my family and ensured they were on the way. Jen began doing compressions on my mother as they worked the code blue and ensured I was allowed to stay in the room. Even in the process of the chaos that was occurring this nurse was also concerned about my needs. As she gave compressions to provide life saving manuevers she would occasionally look over at me and mouth words of compassion and care to comfort me in the process. Jen not only coordinated care for my mother from the beginning to the final process when it was determined there was nothing else that could be done. Jen provide compassion and care, support and humility and a shoulder to cry on as she ensured that all my family that was present was able to be with my mother as well said our final goodbyes.
I have worked in EMS for over 25 years and have experienced many a code or a traumatic event, but in the rush of care for the patient the family tends to many times be forgotten or are a second thought. Jen Oldham made my family just as much a priority and she did my mother and her care that day. From that day till now I am forever grateful for dedication to her commitment and care and the healing and closure it provided. For these reasons I nominate Jennifer Oldham for the DAISY Award.