Jennifer Rossi
January 2021
Jennifer
Rossi
,
BSN
5 West
North Florida / South Georgia Veterans Health System
Gainesville
,
FL
United States
Jennifer went above and beyond her duties to ensure that the patient's dog and the patient’s wellbeing were taking care of.
Recently, a female veteran arrived on the inpatient behavioral health unit for admission. Unbeknownst to the unit staff, the veteran had her emotional support dog with her. Jennifer Rossi, Nurse Manager 5 West, was on hand to receive the patient. Mrs. Rossi gently explained to the veteran that unfortunately the dog would not be allowed to accompany her in the unit. The veteran stated that she had nobody who could come up to the hospital to pick up the dog. Sensing the distress from the patient, Mrs. Rossi informed the patient that she would try to make some other arrangements for the dog. After numerous calls, Mrs. Rossi was able to successfully locate a good temporary placement for the dog. This pleased the patient in an already stressful situation. Mrs. Rossi did all this after her shift was over. The patient arrived on the unit at1600, and Mrs. Rossi stayed an extra 2 hours to ensure the patient and her dog were both taken care of. It didn't end there.
During the patient’s stay, Mrs. Rossi would periodically receive updates and pictures from the people who were taking care of the patient's dog. The patient was very pleased to see her dog was being taken care of. The dog received medical treatment and was even groomed at no cost to the patient while in his temporary living situation.
On the patient’s day of discharge, Mrs. Rossi made arrangements for the dog to be brought to the hospital so the patient could have him. Upon leaving, Mrs. Rossi personally went down to the lobby and brought the dog up to the unit lobby for the patient to see. The patient was overjoyed and kept thanking Mrs. Rossi.
Mrs. Rossi could've easily finished her shift that day and gone home to let someone else deal with the dog and the patient, however, she went above and beyond her duties to ensure that the patient's dog and the patient’s wellbeing were taking care of. To some, this may not seem like that big of a deal, but with certain patients already experiencing anxiety and stress being admitted to the hospital, this little extra step of kindness not only shows the patient that people do care, but it might also help ease their mind during their stay which could help them get better. Mrs. Rossi exemplifies the I-CARE core values not only in this situation but on a daily basis
During the patient’s stay, Mrs. Rossi would periodically receive updates and pictures from the people who were taking care of the patient's dog. The patient was very pleased to see her dog was being taken care of. The dog received medical treatment and was even groomed at no cost to the patient while in his temporary living situation.
On the patient’s day of discharge, Mrs. Rossi made arrangements for the dog to be brought to the hospital so the patient could have him. Upon leaving, Mrs. Rossi personally went down to the lobby and brought the dog up to the unit lobby for the patient to see. The patient was overjoyed and kept thanking Mrs. Rossi.
Mrs. Rossi could've easily finished her shift that day and gone home to let someone else deal with the dog and the patient, however, she went above and beyond her duties to ensure that the patient's dog and the patient’s wellbeing were taking care of. To some, this may not seem like that big of a deal, but with certain patients already experiencing anxiety and stress being admitted to the hospital, this little extra step of kindness not only shows the patient that people do care, but it might also help ease their mind during their stay which could help them get better. Mrs. Rossi exemplifies the I-CARE core values not only in this situation but on a daily basis