...brief introduction...

Jess Lee here.  This past September I turned the big 3-0, 30 doesn't feel like I imagined.  I still feel young and thirsting for more knowledge and new experiences.  I continue to make mistakes and though less cases where I have to remove my foot from my mouth.  So far, 30 has been good to me.

I recently made a transition from working at the bedside to working in revenue.  A dynamic change some might say. though it was time to try something different.  I worked at the Ross Heart Hospital for 7 years on a cardiothoracic surgical ICU.   This patient population typically recieved open heart surgery like a heart transplant, bypass surgery, lung transplant or a left ventricular assist device placed, or etc.  As a patient care associate, I held the hands of the dying, hugged and consoled the families of the dying, taught patients how to walk again, encouraged and motivated others to persevere through struggles, and was deemed unofficially the unit cheerleader.  I witnessed many moments of life and death, and many precious, quiet moments of love.  I can't count all the lives I helped saved, or the number of chests where I performed chest compressions for CPR, nor the times I have wept as a patient transitioned from this world.  The long 12 plus hour shifts, that sometimes turned into 16 hrs, without bathroom breaks or lunch, to some may be enough to walk away, but to me I knew this job was building me into a leader in a special way.  Becoming a resource for all staff, teaching education classes, and representing the unit in the community became building blocks in confidence, public speaking, winsome communication and respect from colleagues and peers.  I became a leader with gentleness, compassion and understanding.

Since working in revenue for the past four months, I have grown in the business and financial aspects of a leader.  The medical center and the university provide many opportunities to grow as a leader regardless of title.

In my free time, I enjoy seeing my twin niece and nephew grow.  They are 6 months, and what a joy it is to watch them develop.  My godson and best friend live in Wooster, Ohio, and I go there once a month to visit them. Gregory is 6 months old.

my godson, Gregory Chandler

 I also love to cook.  I would love to take courses in the culinary arts for fun.  My favorite dish right now is ratatouille, mainly because it is so simple.  I'm working on some European classic dishes, but I hope to gain a more worldly skill set in the kitchen as I experiment and try new dishes.

homemade chicken noodle soup

ratatouille

blueberry pie, still working on mastering pie crust from scratch!

the twinkies, girl on the left, boy on right

my sweet niece

Cardiothoracic ICU staff at the heart walk
beef wellington (overcooked, I prefer medium rare or under), mashed potatoes and sauteed green beans
tiramisu cheesecake
risotto made with chardonnay, fresh thyme, sausage, fresh parm and baby bellas

 handmade gnocchi (Italian potato dumplings)my favorite dessert, creme brulee

I enjoy reading, anything that involves music, serving the community and enjoying life's simple pleasures.

In the future, I hope to travel more, find and learn about my true talents and much more!


What are some of your favorite foods?
Do you have any favorite places to eat in town?
What is your definition of a leader?
What characteristics does a leader consist of?