Kim was my nursing preceptor in Interventional Radiology/Cardiac Cath Lab. Coming from a tertiary care medical center, I was astounded by the level of not only professional but also personal nursing care that she offered to patients. What may seem like small things to Mercy caregivers actually mean a lot to our patients. From the eyes of an outsider, I have noticed that.
Greeting patients familiarly, managing patient/family anxiety, being knowledgeable about procedures and educating, offering a choice of meal from food services post-procedure, taking time to talk to the patient and family, holding hands, giving hugs and going the extra mile to ensure total care of the patient is something Kim taught me as "the Mercy way." I have taken this to heart, including it in my daily practice and have been rewarded ten-fold by patients and families expressing their appreciation of their care.
Kim is a true professional in seeing the total picture, giving advice using evidence-based practice but also being open-minded in receiving practice suggestions in a gracious way.
She has a thorough understanding of how the entire institution functions and by teaching me how all departments inter-connect, has identified resources that I may tap into.
Kim is a true team player that is often the pivotal link in promoting good communication between several disciplines and in making the IR team a cohesive unit. I have witnessed her professional and respectful communication with nurses in all other units. And she does all of this with a smile and gentle tone that encourages respect and positive communication.
I have been a nurse for 35 years and Kim Tillotson and Mercy Hospital's culture have enlightened me as to why I became a nurse in the first place. Thank you for the enlightenment. Kim exemplifies the kind of nurse that we should all strive to be.