Jessica Herrera
August 2016
Jessica
Herrera
,
RN
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Midland Memorial Hospital
Midland
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

Jessica was nominated by a patient who felt she had been particularly difficult with many complaints and requests, yet Jessica handled them all immediately without ever seeming the least bit frustrated. Jessica was calm and compassionate while tending to every need. The patient said that as she woke up from surgery, Jessica was there talking to her calmly and reassuring her. "I felt safe and well taken care of with her," the patient said. Further, the patient was not supposed to stay overnight, but Jessica didn't hesitate to call the physician and advocate for her patient to stay because it was the best thing for her. "She is in the perfect unit because I know she makes all of her patients feel the way she did me. I want to apologize to her for being a difficult patient and then thank and hug her for taking such good care of me," the patient said.
Jessica's former director says, "Some people were just born to be a nurse. Jessica Herrera is one of those people." Jessica has the natural ability to connect with the post-op patient and treat them not just as a patient, but as an individual. The passion she has for the nursing profession is evident the moment you see her working in the PACU. "Her endless patience and determination, true advocacy for those she is caring for, and the abundant amount of empathy she encompasses for her colleagues and patients is what makes her an extraordinary nurse! The world would be a better place if there were more Jessica Herreras!"
Jessica's clinical manager says she is one of the best employees she has ever had. Jessica is always willing to help others, comes in early or stays late whenever needed, gives 100% effort on volunteer projects, and thoroughly immerses herself in learning. Patients love her because she is incredibly kind. Jessica is the kind of nurse that you would want taking care of you. She is fun to be around and loves to dance to Michael Jackson songs, she's especially good at dancing to "Thriller!" We are exceedingly proud of her in PACU! Way to go, Jessica! We love you!
Because of Jessica's compassionate and caring efforts, her patients experience a level of care that exemplifies the impact nurses have in creating an environment where patients and families feel at home.