Kim Johnston
June 2021
Kimberly
Johnston
,
BSN, RN, RHIA, CPC
Medical/Surgical Unit
Baptist Medical Center South
Jacksonville
,
FL
United States

 

 

 

Kim put the patient at the heart of everything she did and we were left with the overwhelming reassurance that he was well taken care of.
I am compelled to write regarding my father, who was recently admitted to Baptist Hospital with a UTI. I wish to highlight the exemplary treatment he received while on the ward, in particular the actions of one of his nurses, Kim Milligan. I hope in doing so, her professionalism, competence, and ultimately human kindness can be recognized in some small way by the hospital.

On admission, Kim helped transition him from the ED ward as the mid-shift nurse. The following day she took care of him during the day shift, as well as administered antibiotics, and changed his dressings. I was particularly impressed by her dedication to patient care when, five days later, despite working on another floor, she still took time to check in on him and wish him good night. Given the current clinical and personal strain that the hospital and its staff must have been under from the pandemic, this stood out as a genuine act of kindheartedness.

Towards the end of his stay, Kim helped position my father and get him out of bed and into a wheelchair. She fed him his dinner and ensured that the night staff was aware of how to support his Dawkins dressing change. On discharge, she coordinated his outpatient PT and oral antibiotics to take home. She also clearly explained to me about his management of the blister on his right foot. This included clarifying the planned treatment from the podiatrist. Her clear explanation put me at ease, at a time of distress for the family.

I appreciate that many of these acts were simply part of her role and must be quite commonplace for her. However, she performed them all with competence and diligence. She put the patient at the heart of everything she did and we were left with the overwhelming reassurance that he was well taken care of. While being admitted to the hospital could rarely be called a positive experience, Kim's proactive care, professionalism, and genuine compassion for my father came as close as possible.

Kim is a complete credit to the hospital. Consequently, I would like to see her efforts in delivering exceptional nursing care, alongside her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, get wider recognition. I would be grateful if you could once again extend my gratitude to Kim, and ensure she gets the recognition she deserves.

Thank you Kimberly for all you do for our patients, families, and team members!