Jessica Burger
September 2025
Jessica
Burger
,
RN
Progressive Cardiac Care Unit
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Baltimore
,
MD
United States

 

 

 

She doesn’t just care for patients, she cares about them.
From the moment you meet RN Jessica Burger, you feel her light. She has this rare gift, a genuine happiness that is so contagious, it lifts you up even on your hardest day. In the Progressive Cardiac Care Unit, where patients are often navigating fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion, Jessica’s presence feels like a warm sunrise breaking through storm clouds. She is the kind of nurse who reminds you that you matter, that you’re more than just a patient in a bed. Jessica’s kindness is not just a pleasant personality trait; it’s a lifeline. She is attentive in ways that make you feel truly seen. She notices when you’re quiet. She asks when others might walk past. She listens to your fears, no matter how small or irrational they may seem, and she validates them without judgment. Her ability to connect emotionally is matched by her professional excellence; every task she performs is with precision, skill, and an unwavering focus on safety and comfort. There were moments during my stay when I felt invisible. When the hospital world was moving fast around me, and my needs felt small compared to the chaos, Jessica stopped. She made the time. She pulled up a chair, looked me in the eyes, and gave me her full attention. That kind of care, being present and human, is what makes patients feel safe in vulnerable moments. She made me feel valued when I needed it most. But Jessica’s impact extends beyond her patients. I watched her interact with other members of the care team, always with respect, encouragement, and a smile that could cut through the toughest day. She lifts her coworkers the same way she lifts her patients. That is the mark of a true DAISY nurse, someone who embodies the spirit of excellence and compassion in every interaction, not just when people are watching. What stands out most is her instinctive empathy. It’s in the way she anticipates needs before you ask. It’s in the way she remembers the little things, your preferred pillow arrangement, the music you like playing softly, or the exact way your IV line needs to be adjusted so you can sleep without discomfort. These details might seem small, but in the hospital, they mean everything. I believe Jessica should receive the DAISY Award because she is the kind of nurse who changes the way people experience healthcare. She is the rare combination of joy, skill, attentiveness, and humanity that inspires trust and hope. She doesn’t just care for patients, she cares about them. In my life, and in the lives of those fortunate enough to be under her care, she has made a lasting impact that will never be forgotten. Jessica Burger represents the heart of what nursing is meant to be. She doesn’t just do her job, she lives her calling. And for that, she is truly deserving of the DAISY Award.