Student Nurse's Selfless Acts Bring Hope to Desperate Patients

Alabama Nurse, Dec 2004-Feb 2005

J-O-Y - Jesus, Others and then Yourself - this is the motto that Jessica Gillian lives by and proudly demonstrates to others everyday. A senior working towards her nursing degree at the University of Alabama (UA), it has always been Jessica's dream to be involved in the healthcare profession. Her ultimate goal to become a Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner is an aspiration that is evident to her friends, family, co-workers and patients.

In the summer of 2002, Jessica was accepted into the Rural Health program at UA and was introduced to the world of volunteer work at the Good Samaritan Clinic in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. After learning about the despair and struggles that many people face because they cannot afford health insurance, Jessica committed to volunteer two days a week, while pursuing a degree in nursing. With compassion, love and determination, Jessica volunteered for 14 - 20 hours a week at the clinic for the last three years, while maintaining a 3.97 GPA, an accomplishment in itself. Every Tuesday and Thursday, Jessica visits the Good Samaritan Clinic to take patient information, prepare new patient paperwork, assist the doctors and serve as a pharmacy technician. Nothing has kept Jessica from caring for her patients and colleagues including illnesses, family deaths, school stress and final exams.

Jessica's enthusiasm for life, uplifting spirit and compassion are traits that are admired by everyone with whom she comes into contact. She is always willing to go that extra mile to help others and never puts herself first. For her selflessness and devotion to the profession, Jessica is one of two top winners in the Student Nurse category of the 2004 Cherokee Inspired Comfort Award.