The last 18 months have been a devastating time for all our staff at Delray Medical Center and across the country. When Covid-19 hit our doorstep we were paralyzed with an overwhelming number of extremely sick patients that we really did not know how to treat effectively. Patients and entire families were dying, leaving behind devastated family members who could not wrap their heads around the fact that their loved ones had passed so suddenly from this horrific virus that was now sweeping its way across the world. Nurses across the country stepped up to their calling, continued doing their job and protecting and caring for gravely ill patients. Nurses were also suddenly faced with the fear of protecting themselves and their families from the virus. We were all scared with the hand that was dealt to us as Americans and our lifestyles have changed dramatically forever.

Delray Medical Center was blessed with some fantastic nursing champions. During this time there were many who stood out as exceptional, but as I have spent months inside the Covid Unit, one nurse stands out as not only a leader but a true warrior, Mesha Jamison. I have had the pleasure of consistently working with Mesha for the past 18 months. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to write the many pages of accolades that she so rightly deserves. When nurses were begging not to be floated to Covid, Mesha would always be first to volunteer. This goes back to day one when we were unclear if we were putting ourselves in harm’s way by taking care of these people. Covid patients are extremely challenging because not only are we dealing with extremely ill and/or dying, but we are also caring for their loved ones who are isolated from their family members and in many cases cannot have a chance to say goodbye.

Mesha not only goes above and beyond to educate herself in how to best take care of these patients, but she also takes exceptional care of their family members, putting herself in the role of the liaison to connect families when they are taking their last breaths. Mesha has worked countless hours of overtime and has volunteered to work these difficult shifts when her staff colleagues were short-staffed.

Day in day out Mesha has a smile on her face and never complains about anyone or anything. Continually volunteering to do the most unwanted assignments. She has been yelled at, screamed at, and verbally abused at times by frustrated family members telling her she hasn’t done enough. Her compassion and caring never waver. The last time I was in Covid, I found Mesha on FaceTime saying hello and checking on her patient whom she had cared for the past several days who had no family members left to check on him.

My nomination for Mesha Jamison for The DAISY Award is my honor and pleasure. I am in awe of your fearlessness, compassion, helpfulness, and your ability to rally those around you to inspire teamwork. Mesha you are truly a warrior and a hero.