To fully appreciate Kim's actions, you first have to understand my thoughts that fallday. I was not looking forward to this surgery. I had several previous surgeries for other variousissues over the recent years and was worn out. I was tired of having to go through another recovery and surgery to feel better, but yet here I was again and this one was going to be a "biggie." I was having bilateral hip surgery and the recovery promised to be long and challenging. After the surgery was complete it was going to be a challenge just to walk and it was going to put me out of commission for many weeks. The recovery promised to be a "marathon" (not a sprint) as I was told. It would be lengthy and I was dreading it, to say the least! But here I was, getting ready to be wheeled into the OR and undergo another surgery once again.
Enter Kim She came to my room to get me and as she wheeled me into the OR, made the usual polite small chit-chat along the way. Kim was very nice and took my mind off of the day's business at hand. Then as I scooted from one bed to the other, she noticed that I had tears in my eyes. Kim was looking for a box of tissues for me, and even though she had no idea what was going through my mind, she was so sympathetic. I was waiting for the nerve block procedure to get underway and Kim talked me through it with so much kindness and empathy. I remember telling her how I was not looking forward to this whole ordeal and while I would never expect a medical professional to be rude, I was touched by how genuine and caring she was. Kim showed so much empathy for my situation and assured me that everything would be okay. Kim could have told me to "buck up" (which I probably needed to hear!) but in those several minutes it was so comforting to have her there when I was the most scared.
After I woke up from my surgery, my last thought was of Kim (since that's when I had fallen asleep). I asked about where she was and of course what seemed like just a minute later she came over to say hello. I was trying to thank her for putting my mind at ease and walking me through the events that day; I hope I was able to communicate my thanks and appreciation to her!
It's easy to see why Kim is so good at her job, her care and concern for her patients is real and evident in how she treats them. Whether she sees them for long-term care or just for a few minutes, Kim has a way to put any patient at ease which she absolutely did for me at a time when I really needed it.
Thank you again, Kim for all you did, you are a blessing to your patients!