Jennifer Harrell
January 2016
Jennifer
Harrell
,
RN
Surgical ICU
UF Health Jacksonville
Jacksonville
,
FL
United States

 

 

 

Jennifer is a dynamic and knowledgeable charge nurse. She is solution oriented and works with her co-workers to ensure that everybody has the support and help they need. During this month on her shift the team received a patient that was very complex and where the entire family was in some kind of shock for the circumstances that brought the patient to the unit. The nursing staff that shift were also very emotionally affected by the case.
Jennifer was also emotionally affected but she put her emotions at the side and worked all day to make sure the patient received the best care possible. She supported the nursing staff all day she also took upon herself to contacting chaplain services, medical director, nursing director, psychology services to help the patient's mother who was so affected that her own well-being could be affected.
It was a weekend so it was not easy to get in touch with everyone. Jennifer did not stop until she knew the patient's mother received the services she needed. She also made all necessary arrangements to accommodate the patient's family so they all can have time together and feel safe in the hospital regardless the devastating situation the entire family was going through at the time. This family lost three members in one of the saddest, incredible and overwhelming circumstances we have had in years.
Jennifer continued the journey with the patient and family all weekend. She was there for the patient, family and her peers. There were moments when they all cried but they stood together holding each other up so they can continue to care for the patient. This is a great example that, regardless the circumstances, a team that works together can overcome many obstacles.
I commend Jennifer for her leadership skills, teamwork, compassionate care, empathy and exceptional performance. When she is in charge her peers know they are all to work hard, work together and make sure all patients receive the best care they can possible provide to them. I'm proud of working with Jennifer and this team.