January 2020
Kimberly
Pfeifer
,
LPN
Operative Care: Minor Procedures Clinic
VA Portland Health Care System
Kimberly acted with professionalism and empathy to a condition I was unfamiliar with.
First of all, Kimberly does ICARE! Here is how... I am not easily embarrassed. I was getting a biopsy of my prostate (not a pleasant process. I did as instructed and was prepped. During the process, the doctor kept hitting my bladder or something made me feel like I needed to "go." I said so and without hesitation Kimberly said, "It's okay people get that feeling but don't really to 'go,' It's okay and you are fine and it's normal." That helped. Then she said if something does happen it's normal and OK and" I will take care of it!" The second she said that I was OK. She acted with professionalism and empathy to a condition I was unfamiliar with. I've not had an accident in front of any woman, her reassuring me was a total help. In the end, I didn't have to "go" but her take-charge attitude and empathy for my condition and telling me it was "normal" was fabulous. I wish all nurses would follow her example and make the patient feel comfortable even when they aren't. To make one feel comfortable and livable in an embarrassing situation is an art. Thanks, Kimberly! Have a good year.