While working in the newborn nursery, Jennifer was called to a Code Pink for a delivery of a newborn. Needless to say, this was not just any normal delivery; the infant required a complete resuscitation. The infant was transferred to UVA for cooling therapy just hours after the delivery and the mother was unable to go with her newborn, though her husband did go to be with him. We all know that when individuals deal with newborns we take it personally when things do not go as expected and can exhibit signs of post-traumatic stress. A debriefing and counseling in these situations are even recommended. Jennifer showed compassion and empathy for what this family was going through. The next day when she came to work she was still emotional just trying to deal with all her emotions, but was able to put that aside and help a mother in need.
The mother received a call that her son was not doing well. This was her fifth child and she did not have any family or friends in the area. The diagnosis was devastating; the baby was having seizures and had no brain activity. The mother was a Christian and had a faith that was giving her strength. The patient's mother had come in from out of town to be with her daughter for the birth of her new grandchild and to watch her other four children. She brought her grandchildren in to see their mother and the strength this mother displayed was remarkable. As a mother, you always try to look after the best interest of your children.
Jennifer was able to put her emotions aside and pray with the family. She also went above and beyond what was expected by transporting this mom to UVA to be with her son and husband. This is no small gesture when you realize that she was going to be driving a grieving mom to her son while offering support the entire way.
Nursing is a profession that some believe is a ministry by offering support and compassion to the patients we care for and Jennifer is such a nurse. Having compassion for others and empathy is what makes an excellent nurse and for this reason, I am nominating Jennifer Jones for the DAISY Award.