Shannon Kilmartin
April 2019
Shannon
Kilmartin
,
RN
Medical Intensive Care Unit
Stormont-Vail HealthCare
Topeka
,
KS
United States

 

 

 

I would like to share my story of why Shannon Kilmartin made a difference to me and my family. My husband was admitted to the Stormont Vail Pavilion MICU. He was admitted with many severe illnesses related to influenza. During our 3-week stay, ALL the nurses were absolutely the best. They were so professional and very compassionate to me and my family during this very difficult time. Of all the nurses, though, Shannon stood out as one who shared cheers when my husband would have good days, and hugs when he would have bad days. She was notified, even when she wasn't on duty, about my husband's status. She even brought me donuts one morning to celebrate him having a good night. She was constantly cheerful yet she could convey the seriousness of my husband's situation with care and compassion. She put me at ease when I asked a million questions about his care. She always explained everything she or the doctors were doing for my husband. Even though she didn't know my husband personally (he arrived at the hospital heavily sedated and intubated) she acted as though he was one of her family members. My husband passed away after battling for 3 weeks. The nurses sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers to me expressing their sadness of his passing and thanking me for sharing our faith with them. The nurses actually said that we (my family) were inspiring to them. When, in fact, the nurses in the Pavilion MICU were such an inspiration to us. They were our angels in the MICU. I was able to hug and thank many of the nurses because they actually took the time to come to my husband's funeral. I just want to express my eternal gratitude for the care and friendship that each nurse had for me and my family. Shannon touched us in a very special way though. Of all the nurses, I became closest with her. Your hospital is so lucky to have her on staff. She definitely is one special nurse!