Tessa Lee
June 2023
Tessa
Lee
,
RN
2T
South Georgia Medical Center
Valdosta
,
GA
United States
When Tessa walked into the room, I could see my sister's happiness and ease as she knew she was going to be in the best of hands. Tessa provided amazing compassion, concern, efficiency, and competence in my sister's care.
I had the honor of working alongside Tessa during the last two days of a patient's journey here in the hospital. This patient was navigating through end-stage cancer and was having a lot of symptoms that were difficult to control. She was coming to terms with the fact that she was not getting better. Tessa was so compassionate and caring towards the patient and her family. The patient had been in this position before but it became evident that this time things were different and she was not going to pull through. Tessa ensured the patient had everything she needed to feel like she was at home. She was surrounded by all of her family and when it was her time to leave this Earth, Tessa made certain she was as comfortable as possible, and that the family was comfortable. It was a very beautiful and peaceful time for everyone. Tessa never left their side and gave them her full attention.
Being a nurse myself, I know this is our job and this is what we are built for but what makes this situation even more special is that Tessa had just recently experienced the loss of someone very special to her. She could have very easily asked to have her assignment changed to avoid the flood of emotions this would cause... But, she didn't! When the decision was made to move forward with comfort care for the patient, I remember asking Tessa if she was going to be okay to be in the room and she told me that she had been with her for the last two days and the patient would want her there. Tessa felt a commitment and special connection to this patient and wanted to be with her in her final moments. The strength, dedication, and compassion shown by Tessa to this patient and her family are why I feel she is a DAISY Nurse. We are fortunate to have her here at SGMC.
***
I interacted with Tessa for only 2 days, but they were the last 2 days of my beloved sister's life. When Tessa walked into the room, I could see my sister's happiness and ease as she knew she was going to be in the best of hands. Tessa provided amazing compassion, concern, efficiency, and competence in my sister's care. She anticipated her needs and was available to her family as our questions were many and frequent. She kept us all informed as to the treatment plan and gave us options for maximum comfort. Tessa had a lovely bedside manner, was very respectful and cheerful, and we felt like my sister was her only patient. As my sister's condition declined, Tessa assisted us with making decisions and ensured the right personnel was present. Tessa fostered a smooth transition to care and comfort. We could not have asked for a more family-centered, peaceful passing and Tessa was an integral part.
Being a nurse myself, I know this is our job and this is what we are built for but what makes this situation even more special is that Tessa had just recently experienced the loss of someone very special to her. She could have very easily asked to have her assignment changed to avoid the flood of emotions this would cause... But, she didn't! When the decision was made to move forward with comfort care for the patient, I remember asking Tessa if she was going to be okay to be in the room and she told me that she had been with her for the last two days and the patient would want her there. Tessa felt a commitment and special connection to this patient and wanted to be with her in her final moments. The strength, dedication, and compassion shown by Tessa to this patient and her family are why I feel she is a DAISY Nurse. We are fortunate to have her here at SGMC.
***
I interacted with Tessa for only 2 days, but they were the last 2 days of my beloved sister's life. When Tessa walked into the room, I could see my sister's happiness and ease as she knew she was going to be in the best of hands. Tessa provided amazing compassion, concern, efficiency, and competence in my sister's care. She anticipated her needs and was available to her family as our questions were many and frequent. She kept us all informed as to the treatment plan and gave us options for maximum comfort. Tessa had a lovely bedside manner, was very respectful and cheerful, and we felt like my sister was her only patient. As my sister's condition declined, Tessa assisted us with making decisions and ensured the right personnel was present. Tessa fostered a smooth transition to care and comfort. We could not have asked for a more family-centered, peaceful passing and Tessa was an integral part.