May 2014
Kim
Belton
,
BSN, RN, CCRN
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Morristown Medical Center
Morristown
,
NJ
United States
Kim Belton is one of the nursing coordinators for four different departments within our area of responsibility: Pediatric Intensive Care, Acute Inpatient Pediatric Unit, Aresty Day Hospital, Pediatric Infusion Center. On any given day, you will find Kim helping our pediatric patients and families, assisting nurses admit patients, helping other departments, assisting physicians and trouble-shooting wherever the need is. There are many stories to tell describing her compassion and collegiality as a nurse. She is there, not just for the team, but knows every patient admitted to our areas and has met their families.
On one occasion, Kim placed an IV on a baby when no one else could. This frightened, anxious patient and family considered her a God-send. Years later, this same child came to the hospital for a test requiring an IV and Kim's expertise was remembered by the patient. Kim went down to the radiology unit and initiated the IV for this child, keeping the patient relaxed and ready for the test.
Kim is also a resource to the doctors and residents as well as all of the nursing staff. On many occasions she will take the time to "gently" suggest a course they might need to consider in escalating care. Kim is always on target with her assessments and will always take a "teaching moment" to steer a resident in the right direction. Many times she is so diplomatic, that the resident will think that it was their decision in first place. This makes us all smile inside.
Kim noticed that the child in the elevator coming up from radiology looked pale and dehydrated to her. The accompanying family member said that this change had occurred quite abruptly. Instead of going to the meeting she was chairing, Kim followed the child and family to his room. She quickly got the residents involved and the patient transferred to PICU. Kim's swift intervention probably saved this child's life as she stayed to assist with line insertion and stabilization of the patient.
Kim goes unnoticed because she is not a primary nurse, but she is the silent partner, ever vigilant with her keen sense of urgency and ability to take charge and keep staff, babies and children of all ages with family members safe and calm.
On one occasion, Kim placed an IV on a baby when no one else could. This frightened, anxious patient and family considered her a God-send. Years later, this same child came to the hospital for a test requiring an IV and Kim's expertise was remembered by the patient. Kim went down to the radiology unit and initiated the IV for this child, keeping the patient relaxed and ready for the test.
Kim is also a resource to the doctors and residents as well as all of the nursing staff. On many occasions she will take the time to "gently" suggest a course they might need to consider in escalating care. Kim is always on target with her assessments and will always take a "teaching moment" to steer a resident in the right direction. Many times she is so diplomatic, that the resident will think that it was their decision in first place. This makes us all smile inside.
Kim noticed that the child in the elevator coming up from radiology looked pale and dehydrated to her. The accompanying family member said that this change had occurred quite abruptly. Instead of going to the meeting she was chairing, Kim followed the child and family to his room. She quickly got the residents involved and the patient transferred to PICU. Kim's swift intervention probably saved this child's life as she stayed to assist with line insertion and stabilization of the patient.
Kim goes unnoticed because she is not a primary nurse, but she is the silent partner, ever vigilant with her keen sense of urgency and ability to take charge and keep staff, babies and children of all ages with family members safe and calm.