Jennifer joined the Center for Integrative Medicine (CIM) in August 2019 as the clinical Team Lead. She is certified in Reiki and plans on obtaining her Certificate in Holistic Nursing in 2020. Jennifer is such a great fit for the department as we treat patients more holistically, incorporating both Eastern and Western medicines. Shortly after beginning in the department, Jennifer would face her biggest challenges professionally.

As the nursing manager, I was called upon to provide more direct leadership oversight in another location. This left Jennifer managing the day-to-day responsibilities, as well as attending all the manager’s meetings and having those sometimes very uncomfortable, crucial conversations. Jennifer’s compassion for her patients and fellow caregivers never wavered. She comes to work with a positive attitude and goes out of her way to uplift anyone's spirits.

My nomination for Jennifer is based on her compassion and caring attitude she exhibits towards her fellow caregivers, which in turn inspires us all to provide better care. I can think of many occasions where Jennifer lifted the spirits of the whole department. Through collaboration, The EMI Institute shared office space at Lyndhurst. Jennifer, on her own, organized a social gathering so that everyone in both departments could meet and get to know each other. It was such a wonderful, uplifting experience to meet caregivers whom you may have just walked by. They became a CIM family member that night. 

Lyndhurst and CIM have recently been faced with the news that the Lyndhurst Campus is for sale. There was crying, yelling, stomping of feet, and anxiety among many caregivers. Jennifer remained a positive influence and continues today, as she reassures caregivers. To provide a calming environment, Jennifer organized a "Rock Painting Party". She supplied all the materials and snacks. You just needed to show up. Many caregivers participated in the painting party. However, one caregiver, who could not attend, forwarded me an email. I would like to share the email. It reflects what I cannot put into words: Jennifer's effect on others.

The email reads: "Hi Jennifer, I was looking at the painted rock you gave me and reflecting on the quote, 'Be Someone’s Sunshine,' and I felt I needed to craft this email to you. I wanted to take a moment to say thank you for all that you do. You are always coming up with ways to motivate and inspire us to keep morale boosted. You continually recognize others for their efforts and spread positivity wherever you go. Today, and always, I want to let you know how important you are to the team and that you do make a difference. You may not always see the change as a whole, but hope you feel the gratitude within each of us that you have touched. For that I am grateful. Cheers! Jennifer is truly an inspiration to all with the positive and caring nature she shows our patients, but also our caregivers. I hope as you read this, you too will see that Jennifer is "our sunshine”.