My name is Jackie, and I’m proud to say I’ve been a UCLA Health nurse for 17 years — my entire career. My first year was in the Hematology and Stem Cell Transplant Unit. I enjoyed my time there, but it wasn’t long before I felt the call to critical care. I transferred to the Neuroscience Trauma Intensive Care Unit (6ICU) at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, and I have been there ever since.
Although my time as an oncology nurse was brief, it was there that I developed a passion for palliative care. That passion has stayed with me ever since. I’ve always believed that every patient and their loved ones benefit from caring and comforting measures aimed at improving their quality of life, regardless of whether or not they have a palliative care consult.
In 2019, under the mentorship of our palliative care clinical nurse specialist, Jeannie Meyer, I helped create the 6ICU Palliative Measures Committee. I am proud that it was the first unit-based nursing palliative committee at UCLA Health. Today, thanks to Jeannie’s efforts, there are several unit-based palliative committees throughout the hospital. The mission of the Palliative Measures Committee is to help improve the quality of life, not just for patients undergoing palliative care, but for all patients in 6ICU, as well as their loved ones and our colleagues.
Although our aim is broader than just addressing the needs of end-of-life patients, one of our greatest accomplishments was bringing the 3 Wishes Program, an end-of-life program, to 6ICU. When we implemented the program, we introduced the Lavender Cart — our comfort cart. It is filled with items to create keepsakes and memories that help bring comfort to dying patients and their loved ones. We brought the 3 Wishes Program to 6ICU in October 2020, just two months before the first COVID surge. This was one of the most difficult times many of us ever experienced. The 3 Wishes Program brought hope and comfort to our patients — and to our staff — when it was needed most. The Palliative Measures Committee also implemented the Comfort Box, which is a locker filled with donated arts and crafts and comfort items for all patients in 6ICU. Anyone can contribute to the Comfort Box, and anyone can use these items for their patients. Our current project is a comprehensive resource packet filled with helpful information for all patients in 6ICU, as well as a companion packet for nurses to use as a resource. Our overarching goal is to identify where there is a need for improvement in quality of life and to find a way to help fulfill that need.
The Palliative Measures Committee has been a blessing in my life. The work we have done has helped reduce the strain of caring for patients during some of the most tragic circumstances that a person and their loved ones can endure. However, nothing can lessen the weight of that experience completely, and, like many others in this post-pandemic era, I experienced burnout. In 2022, I took a leave of absence from work in order to heal. When I came back, I had a renewed sense of self and purpose, as well as a dedication to my own self-care. I will always promote a healthy balance of work life and home life. My committee work goes on, and I am supported by an incredible group of committee members, as well as our leadership team and Jeannie, our mentor. I know that I am able to maintain my optimistic attitude, for which I am known, because of the support that surrounds me. I now raise awareness for mental health by sending an email to my colleagues each May as a reminder that it is Mental Health Awareness Month. I let them know about resources available to them, such as employee counseling and, most importantly, that I am here for them if they need support. This year will be no different.
I am now more than halfway through my career, although it doesn’t feel that way. Sometimes, I still feel brand new, in the best way possible. My optimism will never fade. My resilience has been tested and proven. I believe in the power of healing touch, as well as the power of cutting-edge medicine. I believe in myself, and I believe in UCLA Health Nursing.