My mother was admitted to the ICU after being transferred from another hospital. She is elderly and very anxious over admission, as her medical history is extensive. Her desire was to return home as soon as possible! Jill was the nurse who cared for my mother from 0700 - 1930 each day. Jill cared for my mother effortlessly, always wearing a smile and gently providing explanations prior to procedures and care. Jill would frequently round on my mother and spend time talking, genuinely interested, and actively listening to my mother. Jill advocated for my mother, facilitating a dietary consult so my mother could learn more about appropriate food choices to support health, as my mother was eating a very limited diet prior to hospitalization. Jill spent much time providing education to my mother and supporting services post-discharge, as my mother was always resistant to home health care.

Much of our family lives in Pennsylvania and traveled to Florida as my mother was so ill. Jill was so very sensitive to our family. She spent time talking to each of us and getting to know us! In the morning, when returning to the hospital, I would find Jill in my mother’s room, talking and compassionately caring for my mother. I am a nurse. I know the challenges of nursing and the needs of clients. I am currently a dean of nursing of 1,200 undergraduate nursing students. I plan to share our experience with Jill, her level of professionalism, and genuine compassion for my mother. Jill saw my mother as a person; not a diagnosis. I hope to impress on our future nursing workforce the impact Jill had on my mother and family during an extremely difficult time. Jill possesses the true qualities of a nurse! Thank you for this opportunity to share our experience with Jill, who truly made a difference!