Jessica Wilson

Jessica “JJ” Wilson came to DLS with a decade of phlebotomy experience under her belt and a heart for patient care. After working across inpatient and outpatient settings on the mainland including as a traveling phlebotomist on the East Coast, she was ready for a change of pace (and climate). “It was time to defrost and move to Hawaii,” she shared. “I count my lucky stars that DLS offered me a position, and every year I’ve become more and more grateful knowing I was hired by one of ‘The Best Places to Work’ in Hawai‘i!”

JJ started as a Big Island float, gaining valuable insight into how each site operated. When the new lab in Pāhoa opened, DLS entrusted her to run it solo – a challenge she embraced wholeheartedly. “Every day offers a new challenge and opportunity to learn and grow,” she said. From time management to problem-solving, she’s learned to navigate solo site operations while remaining connected to her island-wide teammates. “Even though I’m by myself in Pāhoa, I did have the opportunity to build some great relationships… We truly are a family.”

What drives JJ most is the patient connection. “Each patient has a phlebotomy story,” she explained. “Maybe they just got a cancer diagnosis, just found out they’re pregnant, or maybe they’re elderly and I will be the only conversation they have for the day.” Her goal is simple: “I want my patients to know I share in their concern, share in their excitement, sometimes maybe even share a tear.” For JJ, it’s not just about drawing blood. It’s about building trust, offering comfort, and making sure every patient leaves a little happier than when they arrived.