Gateway Reporter

Kathe Leads by Example When Helping Patients

Kathe Ware, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, CNOR, a hospital administrator and vice president of nursing at Bon Secours Southern Virginia Medical Center (pictured above, left), has been a leader in our ministry for six years. Her colleague, Robin H. Heese, BSN, RN, a circulator nurse in the hospital’s surgical services unit (picture above, right), recently recognized Kathe for her ability to lead by example.

“Kathe responded to a medical emergency that occurred during the MRAC [art] show one Saturday night,” Robin shares. “I was discharging a patient when I overheard a gentleman talking to the operator at the front desk speaking highly of Kathe. He shared how thankful he was that she took time out to respond to his wife’s medical situation during her off time. After the show, he was impressed that Kathe also took time out to come by the hospital emergency room to check on his wife’s status and speak with him. This selfless act truly displays leadership qualities and shows how Kathe extends the care and compassion of sweet Jesus in her daily life. I am proud to be a part of her team as we work together to help those in need.”

Robin has worked with Kathe for several years. Over that time, she has seen Kathe’s leadership abilities in action.

“Kathe is a wonderful leader who shows compassionate care to all she encounters, both at work and during her leisure time, as evidenced by her act at the MRAC show in which I recognized her,” Robin adds. “She shows good judgement, is a great leader helping not only to delegate tasks but also pitching in helping to get the job done.”

Robin continues, “Kathe believes in recognizing others for their accomplishments and encourages her associates to follow in her work ethic to always pursue increasing our knowledge base and continued learning and growing in our career. She is a joy to have as a team player in the ministry as we work collaboratively for the betterment of our patients and our community showing the love of Jesus, sweet Jesus.”

Kathe started her medical field career in the Air Force then went on to be a paramedic and firefighter for 15 years before becoming a nurse.

“I have always felt called to service, whether in providing care to patients, fighting a fire or to serve as a leader in health care,” Kathe shares. “As a leader, providing support for those in direct care of our patients is an honor and a privilege. I am so grateful for the leaders, most notably my current leadership, that have given so much of themselves to mentor me and support me in my journey.”

Overall, Kathe takes pride in being part of our ministry.

“It makes me proud to work in an organization that places a priority on living out our calling in so many ways. … The focus is so much on doing, not just what is expedient, but what is truly right. I can come to work and go home at night knowing the ministry, of which I am a member, is going to always strive to walk in the footsteps of Christ in all things. I am grateful for the opportunity to share in that Mission. It is humbling to know that we, in some small way, make our world a little bit of a better place.”

Connecting with patients and their families is a priority for Kathe.

“I have been one of those family members, worried about someone I loved. It is one of the most difficult things to endure. Families are truly part of the care continuum. They are so important to the healing of our patients. Often, we come to patients and families during some of the worst moments in their lives. We are their life raft. We can help ease their suffering and provide healing and peace. It is our duty to do so, and there is no greater privilege.”

Kathe recently received a Leader Award in the Called to Shine program, our ministry’s digital recognition program which allows employees to recognize anyone across the ministry at any time, with personalized messages. Our leaders can allocate points to recognitions they send, and employees can redeem these points for merchandise, experiences and much more.

Original source can be found here