Jour’Danne is one of the talented people working in the emergency room at ACCESS San Fernando Valley. Her calm, cool demeanor paired with a razor-sharp wit and warm, friendly personality make her an integral part of our family, and we wanted to learn more about her!
How did Jour’Danne decide to work in veterinary medicine?
In high school, she knew she was destined to help whether it was people or animals! Jour’Danne had a few careers in mind—massage therapy, psychology, and working with animals, but how could she choose one over the other? After graduating, she moved to New Jersey to live with her grandparents and pursue a psychology major. She then met her now boyfriend, who encouraged her to follow her passion, driving her to enroll at the Animal Behavior College.
Why did she choose the ER?
Jour’Danne loves the fast-paced, controlled chaos that the emergency room has to offer!
What brought Jour’Danne to ACCESS?
While working at a local specialty hospital, Jour’Danne felt something was missing. She wanted to stay with a specialty and emergency facility, but wanted to work somewhere with a more tranquil and welcoming environment, which is when she found ACCESS! Jour’Danne feels comfortable with her coworkers, prefers the convenient location, and likes to be around specialty medicine, which helps a lot with her schooling—she’s in the RVT program at Pierce and will graduate in 2017!
What is her favorite animal and why?
Frenchies! Jour’Danne “is obsessed” with French Bulldogs and loves all brachycephalic breeds. She has one of her own, named Benji, whom she adores. She also loves Panda Bears because “they’re cute from birth through adulthood and they’re just silly animals.” Jour’Danne is also a big fan of the San Diego Zoo’s Panda Cam!
Does Jour’Danne collect anything?
As a beach lover, it’s no surprise that she loves bringing home seashells! Jour’Danne likes to display her carefully curated shells in old glass jars around her home.
What would she be doing if she wasn’t working in the ER?
Even if Jour’Danne weren’t with ACCESS, she’d likely be in Marine Biology to continue working with her true passion…animals!
What is Jour’Danne’s favorite meal and what is the best thing she cooks?
She loves Jamaican food—specifically her grandparents’ ackee and salt fish! Jour’Danne also likes gumbo and comfort foods and enjoys cooking curry chicken for her loved ones.
What is the most challenging case she’s ever had?
“Table dogs [critical care patients on life support]. It can be emotionally draining if they pass away because you’ve spent so much time with them, caring for them one-on-one and become attached to them and their families. But it’s so rewarding when you get to see them go home!”
What is Jour’Danne’s favorite procedure to see or do?
She loves a productive enema! They provide instant relief for her patients and they visibly feel so much better afterward.
What is one thing she wishes pet owners would start doing?
“Be more aware of your energy when you’re around animals—they feed off of your energy and behavior, so if you’re calm, they’re calm.” Jour’Danne also wants owners to understand the reasons behind patients being examined away from their owners, “it’s for the safety of the patient, the medical staff, and the owner. Often exams will be much quicker if the staff is left to do their thing.”
What does Jour’Danne consider to be her greatest achievement?
She’s proud of herself for her drive and determination to finish everything she starts.
We’re lucky to have Jour’Danne on our team and know that with her spirit, sense of humor, and integrity, she’s destined for success!
