Jessica was my mom’s nurse for only about 4 hours before she was transported to Hospice, but the impact Jessica made during those 4 hours has resounded with my brothers and me since then.

My mom was in the final stages of pancreatic cancer. She had just come from the ED where she had been admitted to Hospice Care. In the ED, Mom had been in pain, nauseated, and vomiting blood a couple of times an hour. Hospice had gotten orders written to change pain medications and to insert an NG to relieve the nausea and vomiting. My mom had been comfortable for about 3 hours when she was transferred to her room around 5:30 AM to await transport to Hospice.

Mom’s admission to this floor was less than ideal but Jessica was there to assist in any way she could. She was a Charge Nurse from another unit and had been floated for the day. We were blessed to have her care for our Mom on this very difficult day. She was professional, kind, and compassionate to my mom, my siblings, and myself. Jessica remained calm and compassionate in the wake of our frustration and critically worked through every problem that was thrown at her. Jessica recognized my mom was on Hospice Care, she provided my mom with the gentlest care speaking to her sweetly and softly. Jessica never left the room without asking if there was anything she could do for us.

I asked my brothers if there was anything they wanted me to add to this nomination in regard to Jessica. They both came back with the words “so compassionate, genuine, and calming”. One thing that stood out to all of us was- as we were leaving for Hospice House Jessica said, “I will pray for you and your family.” Those words meant the world to us. My mom ended up passing away 24 hours later. Jessica’s ability to provide such loving care in those hours, ensuring my mom was as comfortable as she could be for her last hours on this earth and still provide my brothers and me such comfort was a blessing to us.