Sometimes superior nursing is not defined by superb critical thinking skills or adeptness at performing clinical skills. Sometimes the best nursing shines through in the subtle, compassionate things we do. Kim Schuettner exemplifies all of these characteristics as a nurse. Her expertise in multiple departments as well as her willingness to keep learning is evident. Kim is an advocate for her patients as well as for her colleagues. Many nurses look to her to take charge and get things done, however it is the things that she accomplishes without many people knowing that make her an excellent nurse.

Recently we had a very sick patient and I was the night time specialist and Kim came from home around 1 a.m. to make sure I had a break that I would not have received otherwise. When I was done with my break she headed to another department and then returned to the unit with scrap-booking supplies, camera and handprint/footprint supplies. She stayed until 4 am taking pictures, making hand & foot prints and creating keepsakes for a family that had never gotten to hold their infant and that would likely go home with empty arms. Kim took multiple pictures making the effort to hide as much of the equipment as she could. When we urged her to go home and get some sleep, her simple reply was “this family really needs this”. And she was right. I wish I could have been there when the parents of the child saw what she had done. Kim’s work literally brought tears to their eyes and they were so incredibly grateful. Sometimes the best nursing happens when we can give a family something to hold on to while they are trying to let go.

Another example of this compassion happened when I was working with her. Unfortunately the patient passed away but she coordinated with staff to provide post mortem care and allow the family time with their child. Kim helped bathe the patient and comforted the staff that was shaken by the death of the child. She then provided optimal clinical care for another child.

It is an honor to work with Kim. I have met very few people with a heart as big as hers along with a willingness to share clinical knowledge and skills. Kim is always willing to help her team and come into work and care for patients when she is not scheduled. Nursing is a profession that is multifaceted and I believe that Kim’s knowledge; skill, passion, and compassion represent the best of nursing.