January 2020
Barbara Jo (BJ)
Ray
,
RN
Neuro 4
Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City
Kansas City
United States

 

 

 

BJ gives me strength in her delivery and her belief in me.
From the first day I met BJ, I realized she was someone I could entrust my total care to. As a medical professional myself, it was not difficult to spot who knows their job and does their job. It is easy to determine skilled vs. non-skilled clinicians. I have managed many therapists in my day, and I can easily tell who will be stars or not.
BJ made it clear I needed to hitch onto her wagon. It saddened me to know she primarily worked Fridays and Saturdays which meant limited time under her direct care. All of my nurses have been great, but she truly rises to that other level. When staffing has been short, it delights me to have her during the week. Never does she say, “I had to come in”. She clearly is proud to help her peers and praises how good each and everyone is, giving me confidence.
What sets her apart is she has seen many patients, but I do not feel like just another one. She asks (and listens) about my family, pets, my story, and my fears. She knows just the right things to say as I have crossed many scary hurdles. She always gives me the facts without increasing my emotions or fears. She gives me strength in her delivery and her belief in me. On the day I lost my hair, she gave me a small token and the best hug. I was able to face this fear without shedding a tear in front of my daughter and husband who follow my emotions closely.
With BJ on my team, I know I am giving this diagnosis a run for its money, and I am gaining whole new respect for quality nursing care!