My husband was admitted to the hospital due to a bleeding ulcer and his blood count needed to be monitored more closely. The doctors and nurses fought all shift long for my husband. I was apprehensive for the off-going nurse to leave at shift change, as I felt so confident in everything they were doing. Kim came in and quickly put my fears to rest, as she came to me and showed how much she cared for my husband and me also. She brought me a pillow and a warm blanket as she could tell I was exhausted from being up.
My family had to leave, and I was there alone. Kim came and spent time with me and again explained all that was happening with my husband. She was giving him plasma and platelets and she was careful to explain why he needed those. Kim made sure that he was covered with a warm blanket. When I noticed my husband begin to have movement and thought he might be waking up, she very lovingly explained that it was due to the brain swelling he was likely having because of the lack of oxygen to his brain. When his seizures became more frequent and active, it bothered me a great deal, as I did not want to see him thrashing. Kim gave him medicine to calm him and again explained everything to me.
It looked as though my husband was stabilizing and there were arrangements made to transport him up to Baylor in Dallas. Kim made sure to explain to me how very fragile his condition was. During the morning as I was sitting holding his hand, my husband vomited again and his heart stopped. Kim very calmly held my hand and told me that he did not have a pulse. I asked her to please save him. Kim sprang into action and did everything she could along with the team. I was waiting in the hallway outside ICU and Kim came out and told me that they had a pulse. The doctor came out to speak to me and explained everything that was happening. Kim also came out and explained as gently as they could, what his condition was. He had another cardiac arrest. Kim held my hand and hugged me as I told her that he needed to be let go. She understood how very difficult this decision was for me.
Kim is a very caring, knowledgeable, and sympathetic nurse that is a valuable asset to the organization. She cares for the patients but also cares about the family members. During a time when family members feel so helpless in what is happening to their loved one, a nurse like this one makes it easier, even when the final outcome is not a happy one.