Old Dominion News

For Jessica, Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Jessica L. Kelley, BSN, RN, is a nightshift charge nurse in the emergency department of Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center.

Her coworker, Kallie Crews, BSN, recently recognized Jessica for going above and beyond as a coworker and team member.

“Jessica picked up on her night off to help our oversaturated emergency department. Then, when Chester Emergency Center was struggling with a critical patient, she quickly jumped into her car and went over to assist them with the patient. After that she returned to main campus to finish out her shift. She even came to the charge nurse meeting with her positive and engaged attitude.”

Kallie adds, “Jessica is not a float pool nurse, so this was well above and beyond the call of duty. She was building relationships and giving caring help to her fellow emergency room nurses when they needed it most. Beyond this specific instance, Jessica is an overall asset to the department. She is knowledgeable, driven and compassionate in her care. She precepts new nurses, takes charge shifts and works additional shifts to help out in times of need.”

Kallie’s favorite thing about Jessica is the way she cares for her patients.

“She can take a chaotic situation and easily bring it down to a manageable level,” Kallie says. “She sees the human aspect in her patients, not just the necessary emergency care, and she gives that holistic care to her patients. Jessica is also not afraid at all to advocate for what she thinks is best for her patient, even if it is not the easiest route. I’m so lucky to have worked with Jessica. She is a great example of what an emergency room nurse should be.”

Jessica also gave her own perspective about that night and how she is able to keep a positive attitude during stressful situations.

“I often will come to work on my nights off to help the emergency department when short staffed,” Jessica shares. “I like helping my team. That night they needed a charge nurse and I offered to help. In this situation, it was about ensuring safe care was delivered to the patient and that the team at the Chester ED was supported. Their facility is new, their staff is new and managing critical patients without resources can be scary. I was willing and able, so there was no hesitation to help when they called asking. Teamwork makes the dream work!”

Jessica continues, “my positive attitude during stressful or critical circumstances comes from the realization that most of my coworkers are either new to practice or new to the organization, and the last thing they need is to feel unsupported. They are most likely overwhelmed and trying to process what is happening. My goal is to be a resource to them in their time of need and allow them the opportunity to navigate what is happening. I am a firm believer in debriefs to discuss strengths and weaknesses so that the individuals can identify what they need help with instead of me pointing it out. Personal and professional growth prospers in a supportive environment.”

Overall, Jessica takes pride in being part of and serving with our ministry.

“I am proud to work for Bon Secours, as we care for the patient as a whole and not only provides care but resources to those in need. In my 12 years of working here, the care is not centered around the dollar sign but rather what can we do for the patient. Even working through a COVID-19 pandemic, I felt supported by the ministry and my co-workers.”

Jessica recently received a Core Culture Award in the Called to Shine program, our ministry’s digital recognition program which allows employees to recognize anyone across the ministry at any time, with personalized messages. Our leaders can allocate points to recognitions they send, and employees can redeem these points for merchandise, experiences and much more.

Check out other stories about our amazing team members.

Original source can be found here