Kim Schaefer, RN

Kim honestly helped saved my mom's life. She advocated for her harder and harder than anyone when she was suffering in unusual ways recuperating from heavy side effects from steroid treatment. She realized the meds she was taking to control her nerves were failing and as a result making her recovery impossible. She realized there were conflicting orders between doctors and advocated for a course of action that ultimately brought my mother desperately needed relief. Kim stayed involved in my mom's case and helped advocate for appetite enhancers when she wouldn't eat, for fluids when they were ordered to be cut off. Honestly, she has been by my side and my mom's for the last 2 to 3 weeks checking in on her, even if not her patient at the end of her shift. She has been gentle but honest and direct. Caring, devoted but never maudlin. She has been a caregiver, a cheerleader, a friend, a medical professional, and represents the best of what a nurse should be, even if our stay doesn't have a happy ending. Kim eased my mom's journey and my own in so many ways. I can't do it justice in writing. I think almost as importantly she listened. When I was frantic with worry she dug in and got answers that made a difference more than once. She really cared that my mom got the best chance she could and for that I am forever grateful.