(Aug. 2, 2024) – KHA's Heart of Health Care Worker Award highlights hospital employees who have made a significant contribution to the betterment of their hospital. This week, KHA honors Nathan Jameson, Girard Medical Center, Girard, for his service and contributions to health care.
Jameson has been a registered nurse in the Senior Behavioral Health Unit at Girard Medical Center since graduating from Pittsburg State University in 2017. Jameson's nursing skills have been developed through his work with elderly patients. Caring for people is not just a job for him. He truly cares about the physical and mental well-being of the patients within his care.
When Jameson identifies a need, if it's within his ability, he'll find a solution. When patients arrived without clothing except paper scrubs or hospital gowns, he used his funds to purchase sweatpants and tops. He made sure to accommodate all patient sizes. Jameson's concern was for the dignity of the patient. Another example occurred last summer when some senior behavioral health patients wanted to spend time outdoors on the patio. Psychiatric medications often have a side effect of photosensitivity, which makes exposed skin and eyes more sensitive to light. Jameson, again using his funds, ordered ball caps and sunglasses for those who wanted to be outside.
Jameson is soft-spoken and uses his quiet presence to de-escalate many situations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when psychiatric nurses were reassigned to assist medical patients, he worked for the first time in a medical unit. He quickly became a favorite because he was easy to work with and assisted his coworkers without being asked.
In addition to his work in the Senior Behavioral Health unit, Jameson is an active member of the Employee Engagement Committee. On his days off, he frequently delivers home-baked goods around the hospital as a thank-you.
Jameson, and other Heart of Health Care Worker Award nominees, will be recognized during the KHA Awards Luncheon at the 2024 KHA Annual Convention on Sept. 5, 2024, at Sheraton Overland Park/Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park.
--Shelby Stacy