Our 8-year-old son, C, had appendicitis. He was in the hospital for 14 days. He had two surgeries and a blood transfusion. Through this process, he received excellent care which exceeded my husband and I’s expectations.

I first remember his nurse, Jessica, greeting us at the door as they were wheeling my son onto her unit from surgery. My husband and I were so overwhelmed with what had happened to our son. Jessica realized quickly she was dealing with two parents who were still processing the events of the last few hours. She cared for our son, explained to him where he was, and who she was. Then she turned to us. Very graciously and professionally, she explained that only one of us would be able to stay because of Covid regulations. It was easy to accept her words.

Jessica not only is a top-notch nurse she has so much compassion for her patients. For example, one night was particularly hard on C. He wasn’t sleeping or eating and I was begging him to drink some water. Jessica came in and gave C a battle-ready pep talk. He ate and drank for Jessica that evening. The next night Jessica brought him a nurse Corp coin. He is so proud of that coin. Jessica never left a shift without checking on us or saying goodbye.

We are thousands of miles from home and Jessica became our family. She hugged us when we needed to be hugged. She explained to C why they were doing the things they were doing. She, with the help of a very talented Corpsman, taught C how to breathe through the pain. When it was time to remove C's drain he begged for Jessica. Of course, Jessica was right there talking and “breathing” C through the pain and panic.

When the doctor told C that he would have to stay longer in the hospital, he sighed. Although aggravated, he told the doctor that it was okay if Jessica would be there. I wish I could fully express the gratitude I have for Jessica Oliver. She reflects credit on the field of nursing, Yokosuka Naval Hospital, and the US Navy. Jessica Oliver would be the perfect recipient of this award.