I've been a support person for different relatives' hospitalizations - 5 different hospitals in the past 2 years. In all cases, we have received excellent care by well-trained nurses. One nurse stands out in her level of compassion, care, communication, and listening. Jenni was treating my Mom's injuries from a fall, but the treatment was complicated by my Mom's Alzheimer's disease and her almost total lack of hearing. Jenni earned my Mom's trust with her clear, firm communication and her amazing ability to understand whatever was troubling my Mom. Mom was more willing to tell me what was bothering her. For instance, she told me her mouth hurt when she tried to eat. I relayed my concern to Jenni and shortly she was in the room with a flashlight and ruled out any obvious problems like thrush or mouth sores. This action was very reassuring to me that Jenni would be so proactive with a more minor issue. Jenni was always thinking about my Mom's needs.
During a visit to the bathroom Jenni decided it was a good time to bathe her and wash and comb her hair. You could tell by the smile on my Mom's face how much better that made her feel. One day my Mom was very agitated and wanting to get out of bed. Jenni came into the room frequently and gently, but firmly reminded my Mom that she could not get out of bed. She adjusted her blankets and helped her "scoot" up in the bed several times to help her get more comfortable. Because of her injuries it was not safe for her to walk and Jenni thought that might be a way to redirect her restlessness. Because it was the weekend there was no one to assist her, so Jenni called an assistant over and the two of them "took my Mom for a walk." Jenni provided this extraordinary level of care during her entire shift that day. My mom is being released today and has already recovered to a level we weren't sure she could attain thanks to the excellent care she has received here at St. Vincent's. In this excellent environment, Jenni is a standout.