Jessica
Hernandez
May 2025
Jessica
Hernandez
,
MSN, RN
UNC-Charlotte
Charlotte
,
NC
United States
She could tell something was off, and that's when I began crying and explaining the situation to her. Ms. Hernandez was kind and patient, explaining that feeling emotions as a nurse is necessary and helps you not disassociate from reality.
Ms. Hernandez is such a special person. I have always been able to count on her when I needed counseling, advice, or someone to talk to. Nursing school has brought on challenges where I was concerned I wouldn't be able to make it out on the other side, but Ms. Hernandez helped me through it. Ms. Hernandez taught Nursing fundamentals and was also my J2 clinical instructor. She made learning fundamentals a joy, as that course was a hard adjustment for me as a student. Her most significant impact on me was during our time in clinical together. She was so patient with me and my classmates when we were learning. I sometimes felt like a deer in headlights, and she created a judgment-free zone, provided helpful feedback, and supported me. J2 is a tough semester within the UNCC SON, but when I was greeted by Ms. Hernandez at 6:45 in the morning in the middle of a stressful week, I was always greeted with a smile and positive attitude. During tough weeks, she helped me focus on the present matter while I was at clinical.
There was one particular patient interaction that had an emotional impact on me. This patient had a poor prognosis and couldn't verbally communicate her needs. This was my first time caring for a patient with these needs, and it brought on a lot of emotions. I tried to hold it together for the rest of the day, but it was hard. As we were getting ready to wrap up the clinical day, Ms. Hernandez pulled me over to review my charting. She could tell something was off, and that's when I began crying and explaining the situation to her. Ms. Hernandez was kind and patient, explaining that feeling emotions as a nurse is necessary and helps you not disassociate from reality. I learned from her that being present in the moment and feeling those emotions makes you a better nurse. After that troubling moment, I began doubting my place in nursing, but Ms. Hernandez reassured me that I did belong. Ms. Hernandez has continued to be there for me throughout my senior year by always welcoming and supporting me. Ms. Hernandez's kind and loving character deserves to be recognized.
There was one particular patient interaction that had an emotional impact on me. This patient had a poor prognosis and couldn't verbally communicate her needs. This was my first time caring for a patient with these needs, and it brought on a lot of emotions. I tried to hold it together for the rest of the day, but it was hard. As we were getting ready to wrap up the clinical day, Ms. Hernandez pulled me over to review my charting. She could tell something was off, and that's when I began crying and explaining the situation to her. Ms. Hernandez was kind and patient, explaining that feeling emotions as a nurse is necessary and helps you not disassociate from reality. I learned from her that being present in the moment and feeling those emotions makes you a better nurse. After that troubling moment, I began doubting my place in nursing, but Ms. Hernandez reassured me that I did belong. Ms. Hernandez has continued to be there for me throughout my senior year by always welcoming and supporting me. Ms. Hernandez's kind and loving character deserves to be recognized.