Kim has many qualities which lead to this nomination. She is truly the role model for hard work and dedication to her team. Her leadership has always been to do her best to ensure the bedside staff have the resources and training needed to provide the best patient care. The team takes care of the patients and she takes care of the team. The team knows that she is available for questions and concerns. She assists directly in hands-on care whenever needed. Anything from answering call bells, delivering meals, turning/cleaning patients, taking out trash...no job is beyond her.

Even after working with her for many years she is always showing me new ways to connect with the team. She knows her staff... whether permanent NH staff or travelers. She develops this unique rapport with each and every one. There is just this "knack" for knowing how to best connect with people... and motivate them to do their best, even in difficult situations. Our unit jokes that we are best motivated with food... somewhat true... but she finds other creative ways to motivate too. With hand hygiene... she created this game-like competition with the staff. It is great fun to watch the team enjoy competing with each other and sharing some good laughs during shift huddle. Sometimes there comes times when things need to be more serious; especially when discussing patient care issues. Kim sits down to discuss with the team...and even in the simple act of sitting, she is sending a message to us to pay attention and think about the message. She finds a way to make a personal connection with the team...showing us all how we would want staff to care for our family members. Making those connections helps us all to maintain our human touch.

Kim shows us how to take pride in our work...how to maintain a team connection. She has an amazing ability to think "outside the box" and demonstrate creative problem solving. This can be to find creative solutions to staffing challenges, to find ways to provide additional education to staff, or engage with other departments like rehab, RT, radiology...etc.

Overall, I have to say Kim is the reason we have had such success in the neuro ICU over the years. She has an amazing heart and such resilience as I have never seen. I, just like the rest of the team, have such respect for her. Simply put...Kim connects with all people on a personal level. This leads to a positive, team focused and PATIENT-focused environment of care. And it's because of the trust she has built with all of us. Kim is the heart of the Neuro ICU.