“40 Under 40” award recipient Jackie Essex, RN (second from right) celebrated with Greenwich Hospital nursing leaders (l-r) Helene Kimmons, RN, Peggy Lennon, RN and Anna Cerra, DNP at the award ceremony held at LaKota Oaks in Norwalk.
Greenwich, CT (June 14, 2019) – Jackie Essex, RN, of Stamford was honored Tuesday as one of Fairfield County’s “40 Under 40” for her contributions as a leader at Greenwich Hospital and for her charitable work. The event honors the county’s most influential young professionals who are making a difference professionally as well as in their communities.
A two-time leukemia survivor, Essex is a registered nurse in the hospital’s Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). She holds bachelor’s degrees in nursing and psychology and is certified in advanced cardiac life support, perianesthesia, trauma and pediatric advanced life support.
Known as a “super star” at the hospital, Essex is admired by her colleagues for drawing upon her personal experiences with cancer to provide better care to patients in the PACU.
“Caring for people is truly what I was born to do,” said Essex. “My work at Greenwich Hospital and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society gives me the opportunity to help people in many ways. To be recognized among such amazing candidates is incredible. I am grateful and honored to be a recipient of the 40 Under 40 award.”
“Jackie takes the lead whenever needed and is a great preceptor to new staff. Her desire to give back to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is amazing, yet she remains very humble,” said Peggy Lennon, RN, director of Surgical Services at Greenwich Hospital.
Essex joined Greenwich Hospital a dozen years ago as a nurse in the Gastroenterology Department, where she became known as “GI Jackie” for her commitment to patient care. She eventually transferred to the PACU, where she assists patients returning from surgery. She has been at the forefront of innovative pain management initiatives at Greenwich Hospital, such as the administration of pre-operative nerve blocks to lessen the use of opioids.
In the community, Essex is an advocate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Fairfield County. She became involved with the organization when she was first diagnosed at age 11 and later became a peer counselor to support younger patients. She again battled leukemia as a young adult, but it didn’t prevent her from volunteering. She participated in the LLS Team in Training and ran several half-marathons to raise funds and awareness. She is currently a nominee for the LLS Man/Woman of the Year and has organized nine fundraising events.
The “40 Under 40” event was sponsored by the Fairfield County Business Journal.
