There are many instances to talk about Jessica’s extraordinary nursing skills, but there is not just one reason for this nomination. I remember one day to demonstrate what an amazing coworker she is to me. The unit was hurting as we had one patient passing the day prior, and one who was actively dying. Jessica had an assignment that was extremely difficult for any nurse who took care of that patient, as the requests of the family and everything that nursing stands for were the complete opposite.

Family (in their handling of grief and denial of the situation) made this assignment very traumatic for many of the nurses who were involved in care or encountered the family. The family refused pain medication for the patient who had a diagnosis known as being very painful and it was an uphill battle to fight for giving some comfort and relief to the patient. Jessica took this assignment with grace and kindness and gave relief not only to the patient but to the unit staff as well. Jessica managed to do exactly that while maintaining professionalism towards the family. To see her balancing on the very thin rope between family and the needs of the patient and yet staying calm and collected was absolutely amazing. Even during postmortem care, she kept professional and caring. Jessica that day did not only help the patient but the whole unit as she took on this work. Thank you.