Jaydan Harrington, RN

What started as what we thought would be a simple visit to have my 82-year-old father's catheter flushed unexpectedly turned into a two-night stay at UNC-CH Hospital. My father, who is battling ureter cancer, was transported from the ER to the observation rooms in the surgical area. Throughout his stay, he experienced severe spasms related to both his condition and his catheter, making for a very difficult and stressful situation for him and our family.

During this time, Jaydan Harrington made an incredible difference in my father's care. She was attentive, compassionate, and always aware of what was happening with him. Whenever my father experienced painful spasms, Jaydan would stay by his side, gently rubbing his arm and encouraging him to breathe through the pain. Her calm presence provided comfort not only to my father but also to me. It felt as though she was caring for her own family member.

Because my father receives infusion treatments, he often suffers from extremely dry, itchy skin. Jaydan went out of her way to look for a cream similar to the one we use at home to help relieve his discomfort. These small acts of kindness showed how much she genuinely cared about his overall well-being, not just his immediate medical needs. Jaydan was also an outstanding advocate for my father. She stayed informed about every aspect of his care and made sure the physicians were aware of any changes in his condition.

Whenever a doctor entered the room, she listened carefully, asked thoughtful follow-up questions, and ensured that both my father and I understood what was being explained. Her dedication gave us confidence that nothing was being overlooked. What impressed me most was her commitment to my father even when she was off the unit. If she learned that he had experienced a spasm while she was on break, she would return as quickly as possible and apologize for not being there. Her level of concern and responsibility went far beyond what we expected.

Jaydan truly stood out among all the nurses who cared for my father. She made us feel supported, informed, and cared for during a very difficult time. Her professionalism, compassion, and dedication allowed me to step away briefly to get something to eat, knowing my father was in excellent hands. Jaydan went above and beyond in every way, and she felt more like family than a nurse. I am deeply grateful for the care she provided, and I have no doubt that she will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of her patients and their families.