Kimberly Simmons
February 2016
Kimberly
Simmons
,
RN
Interventional Radiology
Midland Memorial Hospital
Midland
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

Kimberly was nominated by another nurse here at Midland Memorial for her extraordinary and compassionate care of her father. Her father coded while in Interventional Radiology and the daughter rushed downstairs to find her dad lying there helpless, but not alone - Kimberly was at his side, being his advocate. Kimberly stayed there until they got him intubated and stable enough to transfer to Critical Care. Then she gave the daughter a hug and explained what happened. She didn't know at the time that she was his daughter or even that she was a MMH employee, but Kimberly still showed so much compassion and told her that she would keep her father in her thoughts. The patient is doing well now and whenever these two nurses run into each other in the cafeteria, Kimberly always asks how he is doing.
"I know in my heart that nursing is what Kimberly is meant to do. I knew it the moment I saw her fighting for my dad. I want her to know that she truly touched my heart that day and that each time she asks how Dad is doing, I appreciate her even more. Kimberly, on behalf of all our family, thank you so, so much! You are the true epitome of what a compassionate, caring nurse should be."
Kimberly's peers say she is loved by all patients and has a special connection with our dialysis patients as she was once a dialysis nurse. She goes as far as using her own money to pay for her patients' lunch or ride to make sure they are all taken care of.
Because of Kimberly's compassionate and caring efforts, her patients experience a level of care that exemplifies the impact nurses have in creating an environment where patients and families feel at home.