When I think about what makes a truly exceptional nurse leader, I think of someone who lifts others up, who steps in when no one is looking, and who treats every patient and staff member like they matter. For us at ECU Health Pain Management, that person is Kim Edwards.

Kim doesn’t just manage a unit — she works right beside us and earns our respect every day. Our department sees around 90 patients in a fast‑paced shift, but Kim refuses to let anyone feel like a number. She walks the unit, greets patients personally, and brings warmth and reassurance to people in pain. You can see the relief on patients’ faces when she stops by. She makes a clinical environment feel human.

Kim is the kind of leader who rolls up her sleeves — literally — and gets right into the work. One day, a patient made a major mess in the bathroom. Many leaders would have paged environmental services or assigned someone else. But Kim quietly suited up in a gown, gloves, and protective gear and cleaned it herself. She didn’t announce it, didn’t complain — she just took care of it. That moment captured who she is: humble, hands‑on, and always willing to do tough jobs so her team can keep moving.

What sets Kim apart is how she treats her team. Her door is always open, and when you speak, she listens — really listens. She involves everyone in decisions. She trusts her staff and advocates fiercely for them. When I returned from FMLA with medical restrictions, Kim had never worked with me, didn’t know my work ethic, and didn’t know my story. But she fought for me anyway. She believed in me first. That is something you do not forget.

Kim understands that staff have full lives outside of work. When a child has an award ceremony or a family issue pops up, she doesn’t shame or guilt you. She steps in and covers your shift so you can be where you are needed. She gives you permission to be a parent, a spouse, a human being.

During emergencies, she doesn’t take charge — she takes direction. She asks, “What do you need me to do?” letting the charge nurse lead while she supports the team. When staffing is short, she becomes a bedside nurse. She will never ask for special treatment or stand back while others struggle.

Kim has also transformed our workspace. She has rearranged rooms to improve flow, replaced outdated equipment, and even gave up her office so providers could have more space. She always puts the team first.

Every afternoon, Kim gathers us for a brief huddle. The first thing she asks is, “Who helped you today?” It seems small, but this practice has changed our culture. We recognise each other more. After that, she reviews safety catches and discusses what we can improve. Only then does she move to business updates. These huddles bring the whole unit together, and she doesn’t forget the human side of things. If the budget can’t cover something the team needs, Kim buys it herself. Every month, she brings in cakes to celebrate birthdays.

Over time, Kim has taken a group of staff members and turned us into a real family. She lives by a simple rule: "You need help, I help you.” And she means it. Kim is the hardest-working, humblest, and most caring leader I have ever met. She puts patients first, she puts staff first, and she never asks for credit. She simply does the right thing.