From the beginning of her career, Kim was inspired by the standard of care around her and the dedication of the teams she worked alongside. That environment motivated her to keep growing and eventually apply for a Nursing Excellence Scholarship. Receiving the $5,000 grant became a turning point. It wasn’t just financial support - it was an affirmation. “It gave me confidence,” she says. “It showed me that others believed in my potential.”

As a Nurse Practitioner in the Acute Pain Service, Kim has helped reshape how perioperative pain is managed across the hospital. In 2019, she became the inaugural recipient of the Ann Cook Clinical Nursing Scholarship, which allowed her to explore new models of care for patients undergoing surgery. That work paved the way for one of her proudest achievements: establishing a dedicated perioperative pain management clinic with colleague Wendy McDonald. “We knew patients needed more structured support, especially those preparing for major surgery,” Kim says. “Setting up the clinic meant we could reduce anxiety, improve pain planning and help people feel more in control.”

The clinic has since become a vital part of patient care, offering early assessment, education and ongoing follow-up to reduce complications and improve recovery. It is an example of how Kim blends evidence-based practice with real-world compassion. “Pain is never just physical,” she explains. “If we take the time to listen, to understand what someone is carrying into the hospital, we can make their entire surgical experience safer and more humane.”

Kim’s leadership and advocacy have been widely recognised within St Vincent’s. She was awarded the Chief Nursing Officer’s Leadership and Excellence Award, a reflection of her unwavering commitment to mentoring colleagues and elevating nursing practice. Those who work alongside her describe her as steady, meticulous and deeply generous with her knowledge. Kim simply says, “I just want to help our nurses feel confident, and help our patients feel cared for.”

For Kim, every achievement comes back to the people she serves. Whether she is developing new clinical pathways, guiding junior staff or supporting a patient through a frightening moment, her mission is constant. “When someone tells me they felt truly supported,” she says, “that is the greatest measure of success.”