Kim Rent honoured with the 2024 Kelly Currie Nursing Excellence Award

(Photo left to right: AnneMarie VanSickle, Clinical Director; Kim Rent, RPN; Kim Mullins, WHGH Vice President, Patient Care & Chief Nursing Executive)

West Haldimand General Hospital (WHGH) is proud to announce that Kim Rent, a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) in the Ambulatory Care and Perioperative Department, has received the 2024 Kelly Currie Nursing Excellence Award.

Kim, who joined the WHGH team in 2016, was recognized for her compassion, dedication, and commitment to providing exceptional care to patients. The award, one of WHGH’s highest honours, was presented at a special ceremony in November celebrating Kim’s remarkable contributions to nursing and her embodiment of the award’s core values: compassion, leadership, and community spirit.

“I was absolutely speechless,” Kim said about receiving the award. “I grew up in Haldimand and love being part of a healthcare team that helps our community achieve better health outcomes. I think most of the nursing staff at WHGH are here for this same reason: to help our community. To be acknowledged by my peers for work that is so rewarding is truly humbling.”

Kim also spoke about what makes WHGH a unique and supportive workplace. “The best part of being a nurse at WHGH is the people I get to work with every day. Everyone is friendly, hard-working, and supportive. Not many people are lucky enough to work in such a positive environment.”

Kim credits her mother, Faye Thompson, a retired Registered Nurse, as her inspiration for pursuing a career in nursing. She grew up witnessing her mother’s dedication and the lasting impact it had on their community.

Remembering Kelly Currie:

The Kelly Currie Nursing Excellence Award was created in memory of Kelly Currie, a beloved nurse and leader who dedicated 31 years to the profession. Kelly, who passed away in 2020, left a lasting mark on the WHGH community, particularly through her work improving end-of-life care. Known for her compassion, dedication, and advocacy for high-quality care, Kelly’s legacy continues to inspire others. The hospital’s palliative care suite, renamed the Snowy Owl Room, is a tribute to her commitment to patients and the community.

Kim, who had the opportunity to know Kelly, shared her admiration for her.

“Kelly was the absolute best. She embodied everything great about nursing and humanity. She made you want to be a better person. I didn’t have the privilege of working as closely with her as some of the other nominees did, but I know their dedication to high-quality care was inspired by her.”

Honouring Excellence:

Kim was one of six exceptional nominees for this year’s award, including Victoria Choi, Anne McCormick, Alexis Jepma, Jakki Accadia, and Miranda Meadows.

(Photo left to right: Victoria Choi; Jakki Accadia; Miranda Meadows; and Kim Rent)

“Each nurse nominated is TRULY a rock star,” said Kim.” I have worked alongside all of them. Each is a highly dedicated, compassionate, skilled asset to WHGH and to our community as a whole. They all give their best every day.”

WHGH congratulates Kim Rent and all the nominees for their incredible dedication to improving the lives of patients in our community.

“Kim’s work truly reflects the heart of nursing,” said Kim Mullins, WHGH Vice President, Patient Care & Chief Nursing Executive. “Her ability to connect with patients on both a medical and emotional level is remarkable. She leads by example, setting a standard for excellence in every interaction.”