Nearly two months ago, our lives were touched by Jesse. It was at that time our family member was admitted for the transition from active cancer treatment to hospice care at the young age of 48. Most of those days are still a blur. Throughout the difficult days and hours, Jesse was a bright shining spot in our lives! She was truly an angel for our sister and all of us as we attempted to understand the changes, prepared for hospice care at home, and her passing eleven short days later.
Jesse created an open, honest, and caring environment the entire time we were there. She was extremely comforting and encouraging of not only our sister but everyone in our family and especially my 8-year-old nephew. She took the time to talk with him, to help him feel comfortable in the hospital setting and encourage him to spend time with his mom. She was willing to answer any questions he had with regards to his mom's care and condition. She made several accommodations to allow all family and friends, time to visit with our sister for as long as they chose.
Throughout this time, several difficult conversations took place and several questions needed to be addressed. Jesse handled this with extreme warmth and sensitivity. She provided a gentle nudge to our sister to help accomplish even some simple tasks dear sister had deferred. She coordinated meetings with oncology and palliative staff at a convenient time for our family, involving all our sister's immediate family and 2 close friends, who transitioned to caregivers at home under the teaching and reassurance of Jesse. It was amazing to see 2 previously non-medical friends jump into our sister's medical care at home with confidence, because of Jesse's gentle care, guidance, and education. This included drainage of her ascites fluid through the paracentesis port which is often a very scary situation for many.
As we transitioned to home, hospice care was limited to a few short visits over the week. Each and every day our sister made several comments about how she wished Jesse was also a hospice nurse and could have come home with her! She truly enjoyed her comforting care, friendship and reassurance throughout each day and did not feel as comfortable with the other nursing staff.
As a fellow nurse, Jesse is a genuine nurse and an amazing individual. She is a true leader in the nursing profession with her care and compassion that extends far beyond expectations. She is an outstanding asset for Aurora BayCare Medical Center. May she continue to touch others' lives as much as she touched ours with her exemplary nursing care!

Note: This is Jesse's 2nd DAISY Award!