Moms On The Frontline: Venessa Goodnow of Jackson Health System

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Back in April Miami Moms Blog launched the #MomsOnTheFrontline Series to honor outstanding Moms in Miami who are working on the frontline of the pandemic.

As the news reports continue to inform us daily that COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Florida, it is helpful to focus our attention on good news. It’s easy to be inundated with the statistics and warnings. However, don’t forget to look for the amazing stories of the local heroes in our area serving tirelessly day in and day out on the frontline. 

#MomsOnTheFrontline

Frontline works include, but are not limited to, first responders, healthcare workers, law enforcement, and others. We are thankful for the Moms in this series who represent hospitals across Miami-Dade County that are providing exceptional care and helping us all through COVID-19. 

To those serving on the frontline: We are overwhelmingly grateful for the work you do. Thank you. 

Collectively, we will get through this! Without further ado…

Meet Venessa Goodnow, PharmD, FASHP, at Jackson Health System

Moms On The Frontline: Venessa Goodnow of Jackson Health System

 

Tell us about your role at Jackson Health System.

I oversee the pharmacy services of the health system supporting patient safety and evidence based medicine. My team and I cherish the ability to provide the highest level of care to the patients of the Jackson Health System.

How has COVID-19 affected your work?

While we have always prepared our business continuity plans and updated them annually, COVID-19 has given us a completely different perspective on how to provide safe care to our patients while protecting our employees and their families.

What is it like serving on the frontline every day? 

The reason people make the decision to pursue a career in healthcare varies for everyone. Our passion to care for patients helps us all be brave in these challenging times. The strength needed every day to provide this care is so much greater at this time.

It has been so encouraging to me to see the incredible strength of every employee at Jackson. Everyone has a special role as part of a large team that supports the physicians and nurses at the patient’s bedside.

Dr. Goodnow, you’re also a Mom of 3 kids. How has COVID-19 affected your family and your personal life? 

Yes, my kids are 17, 16, and 6. The pandemic has required more time at work for both myself and by husband. We are very fortunate to have the support of family to ensure the kids are able to get their schoolwork done and create a positive environment for the current norm. The time we spend as a family has been better quality time. We cook together, play board games, and watch the sunset. There has been a greater focus on slowing down and making the best of the current situation.

How has being a mother influenced your role at work? 

Being a mother has helped me gain better appreciation for other working moms. Being a mother helps me to understand the compromise and critical need to encourage other moms to be sure to not miss those small moments that mean so much to the moms and their families.

What acts of kindness have you seen during this time? 

I am blessed with an amazing team in the pharmacy services division. It has been so encouraging that every employee has stepped up and reported to work every day ready to provide the care needed regardless of the challenges. The outpouring of appreciation of support from the community has been overwhelming and so appreciated!

What message of encouragement do you have for Moms during this challenging time? 

Hold on! Moms face challenges every day. This pandemic is something we need to get through together. It’s an opportunity for us to use this time to get perspective on what really matters in life.

Dr. Goodnow, as you mentioned, during these time we need to focus on what really matters. What would you say are 3 of your simple joys? Things that really make you smile?

Time with my family, time with my husband, and creating family traditions with hope they will continue for generations.


Show your support for Moms serving on the frontline in the comments. 

Read our previous Moms On The Frontline Features:

Melissa Rospigliosi , ICU Nurse Practioner 

Dianna Hill, Labor & Delivery Nurse, Baptist Hospital

Dr. Melissa Gonzalez, Mercy Hospital

Dr. Jessica Quinones, Kendall Regional Medical Center

Rochelle Ming, Aventura Hospital & Medica Center

To nominate a Mom serving on the frontline please send us an email. 

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Cierra
Cierra is the Owner & Founder of Miami Mom Collective. A Southern girl with Alabama roots, she has lived in California, Israel, China, Texas and Florida. Cierra quickly fell in love with the beauty and diversity of South Florida when she first visited Key Biscayne after reconnecting with (and later marrying!) her high school sweetheart. Before having children of her own, she oversaw more than 100 as the Director of Key Biscayne Presbyterian School. In 2017 she launched into her latest and greatest adventure: motherhood! Cierra is Mama to a joyful 5 year girl, an energetic 3 year old boy, snuggly 1 year old boy, and a smiley baby girl! Her hands and heart are FULL to say the least! Cierra is passionate about leading and developing women to use their unique gifts to serve and encourage others. She founded Miami Mom Collective to encourage, equip, and empower Moms with relevant resources and a meaningful community. Follow her on Instagram to stay connected.

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