I recently had the privilege of caring for a patient newly diagnosed with cancer who wished to go home to hospice. His greatest concern was not for himself, but for his beloved pets. He worried about what would happen to them after his passing. Jess immediately stepped in and connected me with a local service that rehomes pets with loving families.

The relief and gratitude this patient expressed were unforgettable. What makes this even more remarkable is that the patient was not Jess's responsibility, yet she went out of her way to ensure his peace of mind. That is who Jess is. She is the nurse who is willing to bring clean clothes and shoes from home for patients in need. She is a colleague who comforts another nurse's dying patient so they may experience dignity in their final moments.

Her compassion has no limits. The environment in the Emergency Department makes it easy to become hardened and detached, but Jess's kindness and humanity shine through. She not only impacts patients' lives in extraordinary ways, but she also inspires her co-workers, including me, to be better nurses and better people.

Jess truly embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award.