I am a person that some would deem a "regular" here at Overlake. Since 2014, I have been admitted more than 20 times, plus a stay at 3 other hospitals. I have systemic scleroderma, a very rare and unpredictable disease. My main area of difficulty is gastrointestinal. I share this to hopefully lay a foundation for the level of care I need and how quickly things can change during a hospital stay. It is that very specific type of care that brings one to Jessica, my blessed Angel. As human beings, we can be quick to draw on negatives and leave victories aside. This visit has been particularly difficult, after being released and returning after one day home. My anxiety and pain levels were so very high. Jessica treated me as if I was her only patient. She listened to me cry, vent, answered every question or went to get an answer. She made me feel like it was okay to be honest about my pain and take off my unhealthy superwoman cape. Her skills were unmatched; she even worked in the dark to help me stay asleep which eludes me nightly. She was consistent and thorough, explaining each med, each step, even though we did it 4 hours before.
Jessica would, of course, say she's just doing her job, but I must disagree. She met me where I was every time she walked into the room, and that's not easy, especially when there are clearly many other patients needing care. Her facial expressions and voice tone was full of authentic respect and presence. Never interacting with one foot out of the door. Please know that I have been blessed to experience a wide range of nurses and techs during my visits, and by far the majority are excellent, trained well and good team members. Jessica is absolutely exceptional!
My experience with her during this admission most definitely impacted my mind, body, and spirit. As a professional social worker for over 27 years, working with individuals, groups, families, and now as a professor at the UW for 16 years, I am fully aware of the impact we can have on another person and their families. Even my older sisters were impressed by her ability to handle me, Ms. Independent. Please accept my highest level of respect, appreciation, service benefit and gratitude for her service.