While there have been several patients I have seen Kim effect in a special way through her caring and compassion. Kim gave an alcoholic patient the benefit of the doubt and saw someone who was interested in changing his life for the better. I know there were a few times Kim saw him when he was drunk and belligerent. Nevertheless, she hung in there and encouraged him to cut back on his drinking so he could get the help he needed on a physical and emotional level. It can be hard not to pass someone off as "another drunk" who isn't going to change. Kim looked for the best in him and gave him the support he desperately needed. He ended up getting into a nursing home for rehab, and she called to check in with him. He told her he was very happy where he was and he said thanks for all the help and encouragement!
Another instance, I saw Kim doing some palliative care work with a husband and his wife. The husband had a stem cell transplant due to leukemia, but it appeared the leukemia had returned despite the best medical efforts to eradicate it. I think the husband knew his options were running out, but his wife didn't want to hear about it. The wife, who has her own health problems, was not taking care of herself, and Kim talked with the husband and wife about the importance of taking care of each other and oneself. Kim was truly doing social work, along with her nursing. But in everything I have seen her do for our patients, I can testify she makes my job easier. I feel like she values my thoughts and opinions on a case, and she is very responsive to working together. Teamwork can make such a difference in a case, and I find it quite natural with Kim.