Kitty Lissimore
November 2024
Kitty
Lissimore
,
RN
Mental Health
Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Minneapolis
,
MN
United States
She has made a concerted effort to get to know how this patient interacts with the world, and she molds herself into exactly what he needs in that moment. She can connect with him in a way that others seem unable to, which is impressive, given that this patient is non-verbal.
The enthusiasm that Kitty brings to work with her every day in general is contagious. Not only does she work well with colleagues (making everyone laugh and smile through even the toughest shifts), but she is also an outstanding nurse to her patients. Time and time again, Kitty goes above and beyond for each of her patients, always finding some way to develop rapport. She has a natural ability to seek out the core needs of a patient and then tailor her care to those. She is gifted in how she impacts patients and is able to calm even the most agitated patients.
There is one patient in particular who has had numerous behaviors that have been difficult to contain- he has been quite violent, injuring countless staff members due to his various behaviors and diagnoses; much of his behavior is related to his low level of cognitive functioning. Almost all staff have been quite hesitant to work with him due to his unpredictability and aggressive history. But not Kitty.
Kitty has been able to not only work effectively with this patient, but she has also provided him the ability to thrive on the shifts that she is working with him. She is constantly working to engage with this patient and provides him attention and distraction, and the true compassion that is needed, but can be difficult to provide given his history.
She has made a concerted effort to get to know how this patient interacts with the world, and she molds herself into exactly what he needs in that moment. She can connect with him in a way that others seem unable to, which is impressive, given that this patient is non-verbal. Kitty works closely alongside this patient’s parents when they visit, striking a perfect balance of giving them time and space to spend quality time with their son while also being available and present for any questions. She also observes family interaction with the patient so she can emulate how he is cared for outside of the hospital. Kitty is truly a shining star and deserves recognition for her dedication and clear passion for what she does
There is one patient in particular who has had numerous behaviors that have been difficult to contain- he has been quite violent, injuring countless staff members due to his various behaviors and diagnoses; much of his behavior is related to his low level of cognitive functioning. Almost all staff have been quite hesitant to work with him due to his unpredictability and aggressive history. But not Kitty.
Kitty has been able to not only work effectively with this patient, but she has also provided him the ability to thrive on the shifts that she is working with him. She is constantly working to engage with this patient and provides him attention and distraction, and the true compassion that is needed, but can be difficult to provide given his history.
She has made a concerted effort to get to know how this patient interacts with the world, and she molds herself into exactly what he needs in that moment. She can connect with him in a way that others seem unable to, which is impressive, given that this patient is non-verbal. Kitty works closely alongside this patient’s parents when they visit, striking a perfect balance of giving them time and space to spend quality time with their son while also being available and present for any questions. She also observes family interaction with the patient so she can emulate how he is cared for outside of the hospital. Kitty is truly a shining star and deserves recognition for her dedication and clear passion for what she does