Kimberly LeGrand
September 2022
Kimberly
LeGrand
,
RN
Cardiac Telemetry
Atrium Health Union
Monroe
,
NC
United States
Kim is able to build this rapport with all her patients, and she makes them all feel like they are one in a million.
When caring for a patient goes above and beyond, you can always tell in the reactions of families and significant others. It is daily that Kim makes a difference in the lives of her patients and their families. A friendly face, a kind word, a note of encouragement, honesty, respect, and love are just a few of the ways that Kim makes a difference to all those she meets. She can light up a room with her laugh and personality, but she can also comfort those in some of the darkest moments.
One daughter recently called to follow up with the team after the passing of her father. She specifically remembered how Kim made her dad feel more than a patient. “Those days that Kim was there, my dad smiled more than he had in a long time, and after his passing, she made us feel more than just a grieving family. We were her family, her friends that were in a dark time, and she showed us true human love during that time.”
In another instance, an elderly patient was admitted with multiple issues, and his wife with dementia and their contracted caregiver stayed overnight. The wife was very upset as Kim’s day started, and even though it wasn’t her patient, she went in to help. Kim connected with the wife. The wife was visibly distressed, not understanding, and abusive towards the caregiver. Kim masterfully cared for the patient, the wife, and the caregiver all at the same time. She quickly calmed the wife, took her for a walk, and was able to get the caregiver to call the family and plan for the wife to go home and for another family member to come to stay with the patient. Arm in arm, Kim walked the wife downstairs, assisted her into the car, helped her buckle, helped place the wife’s rolling walker in the car, and promised the wife we would take the best care of her husband. It was plainly evident in her body language and voice that the wife trusted Kim and it immediately de-escalated the situation. Kim is able to build this rapport with all her patients, and she makes them all feel like they are one in a million. She is truly an asset to the team, and she brings joy, skill, patience, compassion, and teamwork to the forefront of all she does.
One daughter recently called to follow up with the team after the passing of her father. She specifically remembered how Kim made her dad feel more than a patient. “Those days that Kim was there, my dad smiled more than he had in a long time, and after his passing, she made us feel more than just a grieving family. We were her family, her friends that were in a dark time, and she showed us true human love during that time.”
In another instance, an elderly patient was admitted with multiple issues, and his wife with dementia and their contracted caregiver stayed overnight. The wife was very upset as Kim’s day started, and even though it wasn’t her patient, she went in to help. Kim connected with the wife. The wife was visibly distressed, not understanding, and abusive towards the caregiver. Kim masterfully cared for the patient, the wife, and the caregiver all at the same time. She quickly calmed the wife, took her for a walk, and was able to get the caregiver to call the family and plan for the wife to go home and for another family member to come to stay with the patient. Arm in arm, Kim walked the wife downstairs, assisted her into the car, helped her buckle, helped place the wife’s rolling walker in the car, and promised the wife we would take the best care of her husband. It was plainly evident in her body language and voice that the wife trusted Kim and it immediately de-escalated the situation. Kim is able to build this rapport with all her patients, and she makes them all feel like they are one in a million. She is truly an asset to the team, and she brings joy, skill, patience, compassion, and teamwork to the forefront of all she does.