Jessica provided care to a patient and his wife for several days. Unfortunately, the patient’s injuries were too severe and was ultimately scheduled for organ donation.

Jessica was so in touch with the wife’s emotional state that she knew when the wife needed a hug or just needed to cry. Jessica would hold her, comfort her, and cry with her. Jessica would also periodically bring her lattes and was there for her as a friend as well as a clinician. During the difficult conversations regarding goals of care and organ donation, Jessica ensured all her questions were answered, her voice was heard, and all staff practiced therapeutic listening and communication. She professionally requested all members of staff get down to the wife’s eye level to answer questions. This small act was very meaningful for the patient’s wife, and she thanked Jessica for reading the room to advocate for her as she was feeling overwhelmed and scared.

On the day of the scheduled organ donation, the procedure was rescheduled to the next day due to staffing/scheduling issues. However, Jessica utilized her expert advocacy and communication skills and was able to get the donation scheduled for the end of day. She knew that it took the wife a huge level of courage and mental preparedness to wake up that day knowing this was the day she would no longer have her partner and best friend by her side. Prior to the donation, Jessica had the wife assist her in shaving her husband in preparation for the OR as she knew the wife needed and wanted to be involved in the final process. Jessica held the patient’s wife while she cried and said goodbye. In the end, the patient’s wife stated, “I couldn’t have done this without you”.