As I’m sure you’re aware, this is not Mom’s first visit to your unit. Kathleen Smith was Mom’s nurse on a previous visit and we were impressed by her then. Upon this recent admission we had the pleasure and comfort knowing that Kat would be caring for Mom once again. This time, Kat knew the situation was much more serious and even thought this is just the beginning of Mom’s journey, Kat has already helped us more than you know by means of mental preparation and education. Mom has great admiration for Kat and they’ve created a bond. Having such faith in someone caring for you would help any patient in their healing process.
Kat just goes above and beyond the others, taking the time to explain things to us in terms we understand. She’s researched things for us, made suggestions for us, and showed that she cares. She even called the Dialysis Unit on her own time to see how Mom’s first treatment was going and to let us know she was thinking of us because it was an anxious day for all. We’ve watched Kat with student nurses and commented on how lucky they are to have such a mentor. We’ve watched her stay past her shift change to make sure things are to her liking before she left. We’ve watched her easily adapt to many different personality types.
You have a truly remarkable employee in Kathleen Smith, one that Robert Packer Hospital should be proud of.