Jason Rico
September 2023
Jason
Rico
,
RN
8D PICU
Los Angeles General Medical Center
Los Angeles
,
CA
United States
Jason, you are consistently praised by patients and families, and the theme is always the same. You are kind, you are honest, and you have a heart that is overflowing with love and empathy.
In all aspects of my son’s care, he showed interest in his well-being and safety. His dedication to ensuring my son’s well-being, along with his passion for his job highlights his experience and commitment. Along with his counterpart, V, they make this department dignified and something to be admired.
***
When a new graduate is hired, they are a blank slate. For the management team, this is a blessing and a challenge all at the same time. We are excited about the prospects of molding and shaping a new nurse, but we cringe at the amount of work that is required to train them. Months are spent transforming this individual into a safe, competent nurse who will follow policies, procedures, and guidelines. When he or she graduates, it is a celebration for a variety of different people. The Education Department, the Management Team, their preceptors, and co-workers are equally elated when the finish line is crossed. In addition to the graduate, they have invested a lot of time and energy into the success of this one individual.
Jason experienced all that I have discussed. He came, he conquered, and we celebrated his success. But what I would like to focus on are the lessons that Jason has taught us. First, acknowledgment of an individual and a smile goes a long way. From day one, Jason arrives at work each day and leaves with a smile on his face. He greets people when they walk in the door, and he takes the time to get to know them.
One parent wrote, “Jason was very attentive to M, but also to us, her parents. He was calm, patient, and understanding.”
As a father of a small child, he consistently puts himself into the shoes of the families he is caring for.
Second, honesty is always the best policy. Jason has had a few bumps in the road, and he graciously took full responsibility for his errors. He has grown significantly from each one and has always voiced that he wants to be the best and do the best for the children. Additionally, he is honest about his limitations. This is appreciated by his co-workers and the parents. A great nurse doesn’t have to know all the answers, a great nurse knows where to find the answers.
Finally, kindness is always the solution. For children and their families in the PICU, being hospitalized is terrifying. There is a loss of control and a fear of the unknown. Fear and anxiety can bring out the worst in people. This occurs frequently, and just the other day, the staff was faced with another special family. When strategies were discussed on how to handle this family, Jason’s answer was, “We will kill them with kindness."
Jason, your time in the Pediatric Department has not been long, but your impact has been huge. You are consistently praised by patients and families, and the theme is always the same. You are kind, you are honest, and you have a heart that is overflowing with love and empathy. Thank you for being you and for reminding us that the smallest act of kindness can have the biggest impact on a person’s life.
Congratulations!
***
When a new graduate is hired, they are a blank slate. For the management team, this is a blessing and a challenge all at the same time. We are excited about the prospects of molding and shaping a new nurse, but we cringe at the amount of work that is required to train them. Months are spent transforming this individual into a safe, competent nurse who will follow policies, procedures, and guidelines. When he or she graduates, it is a celebration for a variety of different people. The Education Department, the Management Team, their preceptors, and co-workers are equally elated when the finish line is crossed. In addition to the graduate, they have invested a lot of time and energy into the success of this one individual.
Jason experienced all that I have discussed. He came, he conquered, and we celebrated his success. But what I would like to focus on are the lessons that Jason has taught us. First, acknowledgment of an individual and a smile goes a long way. From day one, Jason arrives at work each day and leaves with a smile on his face. He greets people when they walk in the door, and he takes the time to get to know them.
One parent wrote, “Jason was very attentive to M, but also to us, her parents. He was calm, patient, and understanding.”
As a father of a small child, he consistently puts himself into the shoes of the families he is caring for.
Second, honesty is always the best policy. Jason has had a few bumps in the road, and he graciously took full responsibility for his errors. He has grown significantly from each one and has always voiced that he wants to be the best and do the best for the children. Additionally, he is honest about his limitations. This is appreciated by his co-workers and the parents. A great nurse doesn’t have to know all the answers, a great nurse knows where to find the answers.
Finally, kindness is always the solution. For children and their families in the PICU, being hospitalized is terrifying. There is a loss of control and a fear of the unknown. Fear and anxiety can bring out the worst in people. This occurs frequently, and just the other day, the staff was faced with another special family. When strategies were discussed on how to handle this family, Jason’s answer was, “We will kill them with kindness."
Jason, your time in the Pediatric Department has not been long, but your impact has been huge. You are consistently praised by patients and families, and the theme is always the same. You are kind, you are honest, and you have a heart that is overflowing with love and empathy. Thank you for being you and for reminding us that the smallest act of kindness can have the biggest impact on a person’s life.
Congratulations!