As the Director of Professional Practice and Magnet Program Director at Wellstar Paulding Medical Center, Kim has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and commitment to advancing nursing excellence. Under her guidance, our facility achieved Magnet recognition with distinction, earning 20 exemplars, which is a testament to her vision, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of the highest standards in patient care. She oversees academic partnerships and the nurse extern program, fostering a robust nursing pipeline to ensure future generations of caregivers are well prepared and supported. Her commitment to cultivating talent is evident in her mentorship and strategic oversight, which have strengthened our connections with educational institutions and expanded opportunities for aspiring nurses. Her leadership has contributed to high first-year retention among new graduate nurses.

Engaging directly with bedside nurses, Kim encourages participation in evidence-based practice and research, empowering staff to advance clinical knowledge and improve patient outcomes. She actively promotes education and board certification, inspiring her team to pursue professional growth and ensuring that our nursing workforce remains highly skilled and knowledgeable. Kim promotes shared leadership and ensures nurses’ voices are heard at both local and system levels. As a Care Link board member, she champions patient access to primary care regardless of ability to pay. She actively serves on the Patient Community Advisory Council to integrate patient input into daily practice. Kim regularly supports unit teams and management in achieving excellence with unit-specific designations. As the leader of the education team, Kim sets the standard for best practices and quality education throughout the medical center. Her efforts have resulted in a culture of continuous learning and improvement, where every nurse is equipped to deliver exceptional care.