Thank you for letting me share our experience this weekend with our daughter's MRI and sedation. Kim Hill and the anesthesiologist were incredible!!!! Both were kind and listened to our daughter's concerns. Nurse Kim was there every step of the way and reassured A that she would be all right and that she was in good hands.

One very special thing that she did that might seem minor to some but was HUGE to me was she held A's glasses during the MRI. I asked her if it would be possible for her to please place them on her as she woke up from sedation. Her eyesight is extremely bad (-9.5) and she panics if she is unable to see when she wakes up or does not have access to her glasses. Kim was so kind to do this one simple thing that meant the world to A and as a mom, to me.

While she has had sedation before, this was a bit different and new for her. I made it a point to let Kim know and the anesthesiologist that A metabolizes medications quickly and they listened. For me, this was tremendous!! I say this because, in other settings, I have been dismissed and even given the "look" as if I am being an overprotective parent, yada yada. I know this about myself, and my daughter, and I also am aware that it can be extremely relevant information given the circumstances. Without hesitation, they both listened to me and did not even question what I said but made sure to note it in order to be prepared. As chance would have it, it ended up being quite helpful because they had a difficult time getting her to a state of stillness for the MRI and had to give her more medication in order to keep her sedated. The anesthesiologist was so kind, and he talked to her and told A exactly what he was doing and that helped tremendously with her anxiety.

I will add, being able to be there while she was given the medication was a huge relief for A, and for myself. Having extreme anxiety, one of A's greatest fears is not being in control in conjunction with being in a room with strangers. Having me present and holding her hand while she was given the medication was such a relief for her, and for me. Because Kim was so amazing with A (and A was as much at ease as she could be, considering the circumstances) my husband and I left to go to the waiting room and we both felt 110% confident that our only daughter was absolutely in the best hands.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about the kindness we received from the moment we checked in until we left Children's Hospital. I even hugged Kim after she helped A into the car as we were leaving. While I realize that A is 16, and her anxiety can be extremely crippling for her, Kim was the exact person we needed to handle A's care. She was so kind, soft-spoken, incredibly caring, and most of all, it was extremely evident that she truly loves being a nurse and caring for people. My husband and I appreciate her so much. Having had many surgeries myself, as well as the care that A has received while in different hospitals, I can honestly say that nurses are the backbone of it all. I have so much respect for the job that they do and the kindness and compassion that show to both the family and the patient. I would like to recognize Kim Hill for her kindness, compassion, and the valuable asset she is to Children's Hospital. While we hope to not return to Children's anytime soon lol, if it is necessary, we can only hope we have Nurse Kim by our side. 

Note: This is Kim's 2nd DAISY Award!