Kim recently conducted a Dobutamine stress test on a patient in the echo lab. After the test, the patient walked to the restroom and became rapidly unstable. The patient had active chest, jaw, and arm pain. The patient was hovering over a trash can vomiting and Kim was actually hugging the patient comforting her. I observed Kim and watched her as she cared for this patient. Kim held the patient in her arms and embraced her like she had known her forever. The patient's condition increasingly became unstable. The charge nurse facilitated transfer to the cath lab while Kim responded to the E.D. to obtain morphine for the patient to ease her pain. Kim's swift actions and caring demeanor assisted in keeping the patient calm and actually assisted in saving this patient's life. Kim established such a great rapport with this patient in such a short amount of time; the patient didn't want Kim to leave her side when she took her to the cath lab for her procedure. The patient actually begged Kim not to leave her side.
Kim came back to the echo lab and was visibly upset. After speaking to Kim, I learned Kim was concerned for the patient's welfare and prognosis. Kim wasn't sure if she would ever see the patient again. The patient ultimately discovered she had 100% blockage in two arteries. Kim went to check on the patient in her room several days later but the patient had been discharged. Ironically, Kim saw the patient in the breezeway the day of discharge. The patient hugged her and thanked Kim for taking such good care of her.
On another recent incident, Kim was caring for a patient who was a veteran. The patient started crying and told Kim on this particular day many years ago in war time, his best friend was supposed to get married. Instead, he buried him that day because he had been killed. The patient apologized to Kim that he was crying and Kim continued to pat him on the back while consoling him. Kim told him she had as much time as he needed and to go ahead and let it out. The patient eventually gained his composure and left his appointment. He thanked Kim as he departed and told her she made him feel better.
Kim shows compassion and truly cares about her patients. She genuinely listens and shows empathy. On a daily basis, she serves as a patient family advocate when communicating and educating family members about heart health and test instructions for loved ones.
Kim met her calling when she became a nurse. Her positive attitude radiates throughout the echo lab and promotes teamwork. Kim gives 200% on a daily basis and is a valuable asset to Carle. Kim is an exceptional addition to the Echo lab and we are so thankful to have her on our team.