Kim was my nurse for five days of my two week hospitalization. During that time I developed post-op. afib. and had to be cardioverted. Afraid and worried about the outcome, I observed Kim as she skillfully got everything ready for the procedure. Before I was sedated, she touched my hand and said "We'll take good care of you". When I awoke after the procedure, there she was with her same warm smile, reassuring me that it went well. Her compassion warmed my soul. As an advanced practice nurse myself, I think I knew both too much and not enough about what to expect during my hospitalization. Kim took the time to explain everything from meds, to how I was feeling, why my heart rate was doing what it was, to assisting me when needed, as well as supporting my family.
She would praise my accomplishments, no matter how small, and invited me to set goals for myself. She provided care with compassion, kindness, skill and directness that not only helped me to recover, but to heal and allay my fears. Because of Kim I continued on my recovery at home with that same rigor. I don't think I would be doing so had it not been for Kim showing and demonstrating the way for me.