The Power of Small Gestures
In the bustling world of healthcare, where medical procedures, diagnoses, and treatments dominate the scene, it’s easy to overlook the impact of small gestures. Yet, as the story of Housekeeper Kim Webb demonstrates, these seemingly insignificant acts can make all the difference in a patient’s experience.
A recent patient found herself in Kim’s care. She noticed Kim’s friendly demeanor and the meticulous way she cleaned the room each day. It wasn’t just about tidying up; it was about creating a welcoming environment for someone who was already feeling vulnerable.
One day, the patient expressed her appreciation to Kim and asked if she would mind visiting with her for a while. Kindly, Kim explained that she needed to finish her work but promised to stop by if time allowed. True to her word, Kim popped in later. They chatted and Kim asked if there was anything else she could do. The patient asked Kim if she would mind bringing two jokes in for the next day for her to share.
The following morning, the patient woke up from her nap and found two jokes neatly written on a piece of paper placed on her bedside table. Tears welled up in her eyes as she was not used to being treated so well. When Kim returned later that day she hugged her and said everyone deserves kindness, regardless of their circumstances.
Housekeeping supervisor Pam Mohr noted, “As an observer, I’ve witnessed Kim’s commitment firsthand. She goes above and beyond her duties, ensuring that every patient’s stay is happy.”
We can all take a lesson from Kim and remember that sometimes, the smallest gestures leave the biggest impact.
