Each year, Palm Healthcare Foundation partners with NewsChannel 5 to highlight the Foundation and the Palm Beach Post's Nurse Distinction Awards.
These awards recognize outstanding individuals who demonstrate dedication to excellence and commitment to the nursing profession.
Roxanne Stein introduces us to a nurse who helps not only patients, but families, in a time of need.
When you are facing medical challenges.
When its Hospice-nurses often deal with issues that aren't related to a patient's needs.
"How are you doing under the circumstances?"
That's just a glimpse of Jimmy Smith's life as a nurse for Hospice of Palm Beach County.
"To be able to work with someone at the end of life or symptoms control that they are going, well, I’m the nurse at the bedside, that when they go on their journey they are going there peacefully."
Every day, Jimmy deals with end of life situations-for him, dignity, is key.
"End of life, for me to be here when people are at the end of life and to support the families and be a part of what's going on with them is key."
'Let me look at your feet."
Making sure patients are comfortable is Jimmy's priority..
"Has anyone answered your questions?"
Family members of a Hospice patient need nursing, too.. That’s integral to Hospice care for Jimmy.
"Jimmy is an angel"
Nancy Zemsky became a volunteer at Hospice after experiencing what Jimmy did for her family when her mother was a patient more than 3 years ago.
"Jimmy made us as comfortable as he made my mother."
That special ability to care-in the most difficult times-helped to earn Jimmy the Palm Healthcare "extra mile" nurse of the year along with nurse of the year last year.
"I was very flattered my colleagues would take time out to say we value you that much for what you do."
Caring and compassion for Jimmy are integral parts of nursing that he feels must be passed on to students.
So the next generation of nurses will know that caring and understanding the needs of patients...and families..Is all part of nursing.
"He has a special way about him, when he walks in a room and you are in the room with your loved one it's not a happy room but he makes you feel there is a reason to go on."
Jimmy has spent his life helping people, and now says he's found his home..helping people complete the circle of life.
"I love what what I’m doing with these folks they're beautiful, really special."
Jimmy Smith is so involved with students that a scholarship has been named in his honor.
