Kim Jaeger, RN
Congratulations to Kim Jaeger, RN, for receiving the Delta Omega Nursing Excellence Award. Kim is currently the program coordinator for the Mitochondrial Center of Excellence (COE), a role she recently stepped into.
Each year, the Delta Omega Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International recognizes a dedicated clinical nurse from each of the area hospitals who exemplify excellence in practice.
Kim has worked at Akron Children’s for 7 years. Prior to her current role, she worked in the epilepsy program and neurofibromatosis clinic.
According to Allison Lieb, neurology staff nurse and her nominator, “Kim cares deeply for her patients and co-workers, and it’s evident in how she shows up daily. She is newer to her role but has worked incredibly hard to become proficient and learn.”
Kim’s duties include triaging calls, collecting patients’ clinical data and records, assisting with travel arrangements, and following up on testing. The Mitochondrial COE works with patients locally, nationally and internationally.
“Some patients we see in clinic already have a confirmed mitochondrial disease and are looking for a specialist to help manage their symptoms, while others are seeking diagnostic confirmation or second opinions,” says Kim. “Some visits require coordination with other specialties within Akron Children’s or with nearby adult facilities.”
“Kim’s job requires a great understanding of mitochondrial disease as well as treatment, research and safe care,” says Alison. “She’s always trying to learn and grow, so she can teach our nursing group how to better serve these patients and families.”
Allison says Kim took over for a nurse who had been in the role for more than 20 years.
Kim credits Dr. Bruce Cohen, the Mitochondrial COE’s medical director and one of the world’s leading experts in mitochondrial diseases, with motivating her to learn as much as she can about mitochondrial diseases so she can continue to help build Akron Children’s program.
“The Mitochondrial COE is rapidly growing, and Kim is the only nurse dedicated to the program,” she says. “She’s always looking for a way to improve processes and make the experience easier on patients.”
Kim says one of the things that keeps her passionate about her job are the opportunities to learn and grow.
“Dr. (Bruce) Cohen has been such a great leader and teacher for our team, and it motivates me to help keep building our program,” she says. “Being able to share the knowledge I gain with other nurses and colleagues, as well as with patients and families genuinely fulfills me. It’s a great feeling to connect with patients and families and establish those relationships where they become comfortable when calling to have someone that understands their disease, needs and concerns.”
For Kim, receiving the Delta Omega award is an honor and serves as a personal reminder to continue to strive to be the nurse she has always aspired to be.
“A couple things I always live by as a nurse are to remember your first day as a nurse and confirm if you are being the best version of yourself mentoring others where you are now and to treat patients and families as if they were your child, niece, nephew, parent or grandparent on the phone or at the bedside,” she says.
