The Employee Spotlight for June shines on Kimberly Johnson, Licensed Practical Nurse at Keystone Pediatrics Chambersburg!
Kimberly began working for Keystone in July 2010. She previously worked as a second shift nurse manager at a nursing home, but wanted to find a job with a daytime schedule, and one where she could spend holidays with her family.
It didn’t take long to realize Keystone was a good fit for her.
“The best part of my job is the children,” she said. “I love to watch them as they grow through the years. They feel like your own. When they grow older and come in with some differences or difficulties, it is very rewarding to see how the providers help them throughout their teenage years. I love our patient commitment and how I feel we put them first. I’m proud to work somewhere that continuously makes revisions to meet the needs of our patients and their families. In most cases we find a way to see a patient, no matter what the situation may be.”
Kimberly describes a typical day at her office as “very, very busy.” She is Dr. Kaufman’s primary nurse, and has to be prepared for any challenges that could arise.
“I come in early every day to be sure exam rooms are open and ready for when our first patient arrives at 8 a.m. or before,” she said. “Every nurse knows your day can change rapidly. I love that type of challenge. It keeps our day busy and it goes by quickly. Change and challenges are great and refreshing as we grow.”
She also enjoys the people she works with.
“The providers here love to teach and never make us feel as if any question is irrelevant,” she said. “It feels like my home away from home here. I look at this group as my work family and feel we would do anything for each other. When times get tough, we are all here for each other.”
Kimberly and her husband, Tony, who live between Roxbury and Lurgan, have two adult children. Her daughter Brandy served in the US Army as a combat medic for three years, and later spent time as a surgical technician.
“Her dreams and career were short lived after an accident and God having other plans for her,” Kimberly said. “My son Shane works as a diesel mechanic, and is a volunteer firefighter for the Pleasant Hall and West End Fire departments. I know this is a huge risk and worry a lot about him. But I rest comfortable knowing that I’ve raised two children who want to help others no matter what the cost might be.”
Something people might be surprised to learn about her is that she spent twenty years working in CAD operating (computer aided design, software and hardware) and even managed a design department before becoming a nurse.
“I knew that my next career would have to be something I would love just as much,” she said. “I am now a pediatric nurse, and I love these children.”
When she’s not at work, Kimberly and her husband love to help others in whatever way they can. She also enjoys refinishing antiques, gardening, decorating and cleaning their home, and spending a lot of time with her grandson, Carter.
Thank you Kimberly, for all you do for Keystone and our patients!