MORRIS – Kimmy Halbleib of Morris is the type of care provider patients remember. She’s funny, she makes patients smile and feel comfortable, and she goes out of her way to help with the little things. These are just some of the reasons Halbleib, a certified nursing assistant on Morris Hospital’s 2 South nursing unit, was selected Fire Starter of the Month for September.

“Kimmy is one of the kindest, most hardworking employees at Morris Hospital. All patients adore her,” said Morris Hospital physical therapist Renee Joder in nominating Halbleib as Fire Starter of the Month. “She is safe, courteous, professional, fun and compassionate with all her patients. She is the one I would want taking care of my family.”

A CNA since age 17, Halbleib worked in the nursing home setting for eight years before joining Morris Hospital in 2009. She describes her job as being fun most days because she gets to meet new people – the patients she cares for. When interacting with patients, she thinks about how she would want to be treated, or in the case of elderly patients, how she would want her grandmother to be treated.

“I like to joke around with the patients and make them laugh or smile,” Halbleib said. “When they smile, I smile because I know I’m doing it right.”

Cara Marco, 2 South manager at Morris Hospital, said Halbleib is a great example of a Fire Starter because of the relationships she develops with her patients and co-workers.

“I had a patient call me just this past week after she was discharged because she wanted to recognize Kimmy for the role she performs here,” Marco said. “Additionally, the nurses trust Kimmy and know that their patients are in great hands when they can’t be in the room.”

At the end of each day, Halbleib goes home feeling fulfilled knowing that she made a patient smile or laugh. Especially good days are the ones when she gets a hug and thank-you from a patient being discharged.

“The best part is being remembered by patients,” she said, whether it’s a repeat patient who asks for her by name or a former patient who calls out, “Hi, Kimmy” when they’re here for testing and see her in the cafeteria. “That’s the most rewarding of all.”

In early civilizations, fire starters were the individuals who had the important job of keeping the flame alive. As Fire Starter of the Month, Halbleib received a Grundy County Chamber of Commerce gift certificate, a Morris Hospital logoed clothing item of her choice, a special “Fire Starter” lapel pin, and a designated parking spot for the month.