My story begins when my mom was hospitalized at Guthrie County Hospital for 17 days last year. She then was transitioned to skilled care. Mom lost her battle with infection during her stay at the care center and the gates of heaven welcomed her.
Upon her arrival at the hospital, Mom was very sick with a UTI which caused her to experience severe confusion and weakness. She was also very dehydrated. Mom was 90 and had been hospitalized only a few times in her lifetime. Being in the hospital was very scary for her having the fear in her later years she may never go home.
I explained to her in the ER that day that there was no reason to be scared that the nurses that I work with will take very good care of her. With comfort and a few tears and many thanks, that is why today I would like to recognize Kate Thompson.
From day one of my mom's admission, Kate displayed a very kind and caring attitude towards Mom and her condition. When Kate would enter her room, she would always sit down, hold her hand and talk to her. Kate would tell Mom what she was going to do for her and always asked how she was doing and feeling and if there was anything she needed. Immediately, she built a strong bond with Mom and Mom developed complete trust in her in a very short amount of time being at Guthrie. Mom had ways of doing personal things and was a real creature of habit. Kate catered to her every need. This provided great comfort and was so important to all of my family, knowing Mom was right where she needed to be and receiving top notch care. Kate has a voice tone and a sincere look in her eyes of a very compassionate person and one who loves being a nurse. This was not once in a while, it was always. Not only directed to my mom but to me and my family and friends that came to visit. As a result, not only did Mom develop a strong bond, Kate and I have a friendship that I cherish very much.
There were many days that I had questions about my mom's condition as I so wished she would get better. When I had questions, Kate would do her best to answer or consult with the other nurses or doctors and always get back to me. There were days when I didn't always like the answers that were given and it was during those times Kate's kindness and caring for me and my feelings were very visible. We had many walks in the hallways and hugs to make my tears go away. The amount of comfort and concern that came from Kate was a blessing. As a family member, you are not always going to agree with the path chosen for medical treatment of your loved one, even though deep down you know it is right. That little bit of extra reassurance provided by Kate was very helpful.
Mom would always ask Kate at the end of her shift, when will you be back? It was something Mom always looked forward to and she would keep track! Kate was there when it was explained to Mom that she would not be going home and would transition to skilled care. Having Kate there to explain to Mom why was a huge help. And Kate could share some good news with Mom, that she would have Kate's sister, who will graduate soon as an RN caring for her at the facility. This immediately built a bond for Mom and she wasn't even there yet. Thank goodness! Talk about two peas in a pod; two wonderful sisters sharing the same compassion for nursing and caring for others!
I'll end my story with all of us here at Guthrie County Hospital should be very proud to have Kate on our nursing staff! Her expertise as an RN along with her kindness and compassion for her patients is a true asset to our hospital.