Kim is an amazing, caring, and thoughtful nurse. She was so encouraging and empowering to not only my mom while she was in the ICU, but to our entire family. She gave us the hope and the peace of mind we needed to support my mom's journey to healing. Throughout my mom's time spent in the ICU, there were times she was too weak to have even family in the room as she had to focus on things that seem as simple to some, such as breathing. During the times we were not able to physically be there with my mom, Kim made it a point to come to find us in the waiting room no matter what and give us an update on whatever information my mom wanted us to have, to get one of us to spend time with my mom during a meal (per my mom's request), to let us know that doctors were doing their rounds, and everything in between. She ensured my mom's dignity at all times by helping her wash and style her hair, keeping her clean, and assisting her with any other task she needed help with without question. As a 58-year-old woman, these are all things that were important to my mom and are often the things that many take for granted.
When the day finally came for my mom to transfer out of the ICU, Kim went above and beyond to ensure a smooth transition. Kim transported my mom herself with the PCA Sarah and they helped to get her comfortable in her new room. A couple of days later my mom was ecstatic to see Kim stop by for a visit her just to check in and offer her words of encouragement, inspiration, and hope.
Kim went above and beyond every shift, every day she was there. We were lucky to have her there for my mom. This experience was never enjoyable but having nurses who truly care, take the time to educate patients and families, and express empathy is what makes time spent in the hospital, specifically the ICU, bearable. Without Kim and the other dedicated nurses and caregivers in the ICU, I truly don't believe the journey to recovery would have been nearly as possible.