Jessica Reichel is a well-versed, well-rounded nurse on our unit. She works as a nurse on 2E where she cares for nine different specialty patients. Jessica has great communication skills, takes the time to listen to her patient's needs, and is an outstanding patient advocate. The ICARE values are demonstrated through her work on 2 East every day. She exemplifies how an outstanding nurse performs and is a great asset to this floor. I will give just one of many examples in which Jessica has demonstrated the ICARE values in her work.
Integrity - Jessica had a patient whom she was sitting close observation with. Days prior she was the nurse for this confused patient and developed a trusting relationship with him. He was very combative with most all other nurses and staff. She engaged with this patient abundantly to gain his trust and exuded confidence to be able to work with him without resistance.
Commitment - 'To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan' by serving and honoring the men and women who are America's Veterans". Jessica's daily interaction with veterans shows that she is committed to serving the veterans. Despite the veteran's confusion, she was persistent in building a relationship with him. She worked diligently to gain the veteran's trust and respect.
Advocacy - Because the patient was confused and combative, the night shift nurse discussed ordering restraints with the team on morning rounds. The team ordered restraints for this patient. Jessica was scheduled to sit with this patient that morning. She heard that restraints were ordered and about to be initiated so she went in to talk to the veteran. She was the only person who could calm him down. She did something that others before her were not able to do. She wanted all other methods exhausted before placing the patient in restraints.
Respect - Jessica treated this patient with the utmost respect despite his mental status. She sat and talked with him, keeping him calm and cooperative. The patient stated he would like a steak for lunch. Jessica went out of her way and ordered Outback Steakhouse to be delivered to the hospital. The patient was so thankful for her kindness and generosity. Although the patient may not remember his lunch due to his confused state, she made this moment very special to him.
Excellence - This confused patient would now allow telemetry to remain in place despite it being necessary. Jessica was able to converse with the patient in a calm, polite manner allowing her to place the telemetry box on the patient. Because she remained at the bedside with him, he kept the telemetry box on. The patient's heart rate began to increase and the patient began having RVR. This has not been detected in the previous shifts because the patient would not wear his telemetry box. Jessica was able to detect this abnormality and the patient was transferred to the step-down unit for closer monitoring. The patient may not have received the care that was necessary had it not been for Jessica's determination.
This is just one example of Jessica going above and beyond for her patients. She is the true definition of excellence, advocacy, and care. She utilizes best practice methods in all that she does. She is a very knowledgeable, kind, caring, and respectable nurse.