(July 12, 2024) – The Kansas Hospital Association's Heart of Health Care Worker Award highlights hospital employees who have made a significant contribution to the betterment of their hospital. These individuals are nominated for this award because they routinely go above and beyond the call of duty.
Kim Hermesch knows how to create great food. As Nemaha Valley Community Hospital's dietary supervisor, Hermesch recognizes food's role in healing. She knows her patients, colleagues and community and is responsive to their needs.
Hermesch loves her job and has boundless energy. She takes great pride in her work and has shown patience in teaching new staff members how to prepare items in the dietary department. She has great respect for everyone she encounters, and it shows in all her interactions. Besides being an outstanding cook, she is very crafty and has great ideas to promote a positive atmosphere, including going all out for the recent Cinco de Mayo celebration.
Hermesch has trained many new hires and encourages all to work as a team and stay on task. She works many weekends and looks out for the nursing staff. She will make special breakfasts and other homemade meals for them upon request. When a patient or their family member is having a bad day, she has often gone out of her way to make them a special treat, such as a malt, sweet treat or sometimes even their favorite food. When her supervisor was on leave, she stepped up to the plate and ensured everyone was fed on time and supplies promptly ordered. During Dietary Week, she didn't miss a beat. She led the kitchen staff to go above and beyond to create a great week to celebrate great food.
Hermesch, 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