June 2026 Honoree
Jessica Stratton, BSN, RN
In the final days of a long-term patient’s life, Jess demonstrated extraordinary kindness, courage, and compassion towards a critically ill young boy and his family. The patient had traveled to the US for medical treatment and spent nearly three months in the CICU. Throughout his admission, he remained critically ill in multi-system organ failure, requiring extensive life-sustaining support including a ventricular assist device, mechanical ventilation, and dialysis. Ultimately, the medical care team reached the difficult realization that the baby was too sick to continue therapeutic interventions.
Jess was assigned to care for him during the last week of his life. She went above and beyond to ensure continuity and comfort. She adjusted her schedule and picked up an extra shift so she could be present as he transitioned. Jess provided care with deep intentionality, ensuring that the patient’s final days were meaningful and filled with dignity for both him and his family. She showed exceptional kindness to the patient’s father, who was navigating his son’s end-of-life care alone while waiting for his wife to arrive from abroad. The father’s trust in Jess was evident when he asked her to remain his son’s nurse until the end.
Jess also demonstrated remarkable courage and advocacy by collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to make if possible for the patient to go outside. Through her selflessness, this critically ill child - dependent on multiple devices and medications- was able to feel the sun and fresh air near the end of his life. His family was able to be by his side, sharing precious moments together.
In the patient’s final hours, Jess showed extraordinary compassion. She lovingly held and comforted the patient’s 3-year-old sister so the parents could spend uninterrupted time with their son. She also took the time to create handprints with the sister, thoughtfully including her in her brother’s end-of-life journey.
Jess is a powerful example of what it means to be a DAISY Nurse. Through her unwavering dedication, she ensured her patient and his entire family felt kindness, compassion, and courage during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Jess was assigned to care for him during the last week of his life. She went above and beyond to ensure continuity and comfort. She adjusted her schedule and picked up an extra shift so she could be present as he transitioned. Jess provided care with deep intentionality, ensuring that the patient’s final days were meaningful and filled with dignity for both him and his family. She showed exceptional kindness to the patient’s father, who was navigating his son’s end-of-life care alone while waiting for his wife to arrive from abroad. The father’s trust in Jess was evident when he asked her to remain his son’s nurse until the end.
Jess also demonstrated remarkable courage and advocacy by collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to make if possible for the patient to go outside. Through her selflessness, this critically ill child - dependent on multiple devices and medications- was able to feel the sun and fresh air near the end of his life. His family was able to be by his side, sharing precious moments together.
In the patient’s final hours, Jess showed extraordinary compassion. She lovingly held and comforted the patient’s 3-year-old sister so the parents could spend uninterrupted time with their son. She also took the time to create handprints with the sister, thoughtfully including her in her brother’s end-of-life journey.
Jess is a powerful example of what it means to be a DAISY Nurse. Through her unwavering dedication, she ensured her patient and his entire family felt kindness, compassion, and courage during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Thank you, Jessica, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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