Forrest Health Names DAISY Award Winner for July

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (July 31, 2024) Forrest Health has named Kim Kennedy, RN, nephrology, as its DAISY Award winner for July. The DAISY award, which is presented monthly to a deserving nurse or nurses, exemplifies clinical expertise and compassionate care and is recognized as a role model in the nursing community.­

Kim recently had a patient who soiled her clothes, and was embarrassed, explained her nominator. “Kimberly went to Walmart and with her own money bought her the exact same clothes, size and color, because she wanted her patient to be comfortable. The patient's suffering was made easier because of her. She is an example of what a nurse should be. She sees her patients as a vocation, and not as a job. She will get them something to eat, and run errands for them. She teaches other nurses, and exemplifies compassion, understanding and dedication.”

On another occasion the patient did not want to put on a gown, but her clothes were dirty and not wearable. “Kim showed compassion and understanding, no judgment, and asked the patient what sizes and where she got her clothes,” the nominator said. “Kim took her money, went and purchased clothes for the patient and brought them back to her. The patient was made comfortable, and commented on Kim’s kindness and compassion, which is rarely seen today. She does this with patients every day, and from her heart seeks to make them comfortable, and help rid their fears. She deserves to be recognized, as she works quietly, and does not let most folks know what she does for patients. She does exemplify the WE CARE heart of Forrest General. She deserves a Daisy Award for who she is as a nurse.”

Kim, who received her degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, has been employed at Forrest General for 26 years. She started as a scholarship nurse in nephrology before moving to neurosurgery then back to nephrology where she eventually became a coordinator. The Petal resident thinks nursing picked her. “I originally didn’t plan to be a nurse,” she said. “I never thought, ‘Somewhere down the line I’m going to be a nurse.’ I’ve always been a fixer, a helper. I think nursing picked me. I don’t really remember a minute when a light came on and it was like, ‘Oh, I’m going to be a nurse, and I want to help people.’ It was always there. I think I just realized when I was in college, when I first started, it was like, “I think I need to be a nurse.’ I always tell people who are going into nursing, ‘If you are going into nursing for the money or something like that, then you’re going wrong. You have to go into it to care for people, and you want to CARE for people.”

“A compassionate and committed nurse, like Kim, and others, who have been nominated for and honored with the DAISY Award during the past year, are an integral part of what makes Forrest Health such a caring place for your healthcare needs,” said Debbie Sanford, Forrest General Hospital Interim Chief Nursing Officer. “I am so proud of Kim and how hard she works to make our Forrest Health patients feel appreciated and cared for in such a warm manner.”

To nominate a nurse for a DAISY Award, visit www.forresthealth.org/daisy.

ABOUT FORREST HEALTH

Forrest Health is a system of healthcare organizations formed to increase access to quality health care in south Mississippi. Forrest General Hospital is its flagship hospital. In addition to Forrest General, Forrest Health hospitals include: Highland Community Hospital, Picayune; Jefferson Davis Community Hospital & Extended Care Facility, Prentiss; Marion General Hospital, Columbia; Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home, Poplarville; Perry County General Hospital, Richton; and Walthall General Hospital, Tylertown. Forrest Health is also home to The Orthopedic Institute and Institute of Neuroscience, both in Hattiesburg, as well as a variety of healthcare clinics throughout its 19-county coverage area.