I have observed Jenny on many occasions and in many capacities in the Emergency Department. She has been a nurse and employee for about two years. In this time, I have seen her grow from the new RN orientee role to the full-fledged confident, efficient, effective, dependable, compassionate, seasoned nurse role.

When Jenny interacts with her patients, she gives them full attention and respect. She takes any of the patient’s complaints, large or small, very seriously. She is as compassionate with the patient complaining with a toothache to the critically ill patient actively coding. She does not see any difference in giving the patients the best care, respect and kindness whether it be the odiferous, belligerent homeless patient or the highest-level dignitary in the community. Jenny is full of compassion.

Recently, our ED high volumes have been a challenge to manage, and the stress levels were even higher. A provider was somewhat overwhelmed and seemed to vent his frustrations in a manner directed toward Jenny. Because she seemed shaken, I asked her if she was okay and told her I would speak to this person. Her reply was, “I wouldn’t ever say or do anything to ruin my Christian testimony." I did ask for this person to speak to Jenny, and he did, apologizing for his behavior. She accepted his apology, but showed compassion toward him saying she understood his frustrations and took time to ask him if he weas ok and could she help him in any way!

This is Jenny, leading by example. Jenny full of Grace. Even through this incident, Jenny didn’t let this phase her at all. She continued to relentlessly go room to room, call light to call light, have interruption after interruption without losing the smile or focus for her patients. This is Jenny, going above and beyond, being a team player. Jenny goes far above the definition of what the DAISY award even mentions as what comprises an Extraordinary Nurse. Jenny is an extraordinary nurse and in fact, should be the “Poster Child” for this award.