Through my extended family, I had two impressive encounters with Jess. The first was when my 90-year-old father contracted COVID and was hospitalized for two weeks. For the first four days, it did not look good. Jess was one of the nurses who attended to him during a time when COVID-19 protocols allowed only one visitor.

My mother was the one visitor allowed; the situation was very stressful for her, and Jess worked with her, involving her in my father's care. Jess explained things and helped them both understand the situation and the care being provided, and did so in a way that maximized my mother's ability to be there with my father. She explained treatments to my father in a way that gained his cooperation and participation which was critical to his recovery.

In all these interactions with our family, Jess went beyond professionalism and competence. Her care extended to the entire family with patient explanation, ongoing communication, and a very real understanding of what we are experiencing, and a wisdom and discernment in how to best help us.