Saint Luke's Health System

Nikki became a nurse because of her grandmother, who was a nurse during World War II. In nursing school, she studied obstetrics and specialized in high-risk pregnancy to help people through a life-changing period. She is now our Heart Conditions in Pregnancy Clinical Coordinator, proudly certified in Inpatient Obstetrics and Nurse Education. Specialty nursing certification validates the exceptional knowledge and specialized skills that Nikki brings to her role, ensuring she provides the highest quality of care to her patients every day. “I recently worked with a postpartum patient who experienced a lot of anxiety while dealing with multiple health conditions,” said Nikki. “I sat down and spent some one-on-one time with her. Five minutes later, she gave me a teary-eyed hug and told me how thankful she was that I had listened to her. These are the moments that mean the most to me. They can be short and simple but so impactful.” Aside from working with patients, Nikki also participates in various research projects. She is currently involved in the Heart Outcomes in Pregnancy Expectations (HOPE) study, which aims to improve the nation’s maternal morbidity and mortality rates. She says her team is resourceful, and they always find a way to band together to do the absolute best work for their patients. Nikki's dedication to both compassionate care and groundbreaking research make her an invaluable part of #TeamSaintLukes. ?? #CertifiedNursesDay

Amelia started at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City as a childcare center employee. Today, she's working her way toward becoming a nursing assistant through Saint Luke's Nursing Assistant Academy. Saint Luke's Nursing Assistant Academy is a six-week training program that teaches trainees how to provide excellent care while meeting patients' needs. Amelia and 29 other students are currently learning hands-on content in class and then practicing it on-shift at the hospital. "Every department has been a respectful environment," said Amelia. "In the future, I want to be a registered nurse after being a nursing assistant." Amelia, originally from Jamaica, found her passion for health care thanks to her two inspiring aunts—one a medical assistant and the other a nursing assistant at Saint Luke's. Their dedication motivated her to pursue a career in health care upon moving to the U.S. during high school. "It's been pretty good at the Academy," Amelia said. "All material in class is done on the unit. I feel like I've known everyone for years even though it's only been a few weeks." #TeamSaintLukes ?? Learn more about Saint Luke's Nursing Assistant Academy: https://heyor.ca/VeyECy

Researchers with Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute and the UMKC Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality are working to address the national maternal mortality crisis with the Heart Outcomes in Pregnancy Expectations (HOPE) Study. Dr. Anna Grodzinsky, cardiologist at Mid America Heart Institute and investigator in the HOPE Study, explains the importance of this leading-edge research and how pregnant women can help in a commentary for The Kansas City Star: https://heyor.ca/9b7tt4

For children in foster care, visits with their natural parents are important, but they can be stressful without a place to meet to have a relaxed visit. Carrier House, part of Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City Crittenton Children's Center, provides a home-like setting where families can cook a meal or play a game together, free from the distractions of public spaces. Some foster children, especially those with sensory disabilities, need even more support. Bright lights or loud noises can be overwhelming, making visits difficult. Carolyn Downham, longtime chair of the Crittenton board of directors, sought a solution. She reached out to Variety Children's Charity of Greater Kansas City, a nonprofit serving children with disabilities. They confirmed that a small renovation could turn a room at Carrier House into a sensory-friendly space with a sound machine, dimmable lighting, soothing furnishings, and toys to help relieve stress. Having donated to Crittenton for years, Carolyn saw an opportunity to make an immediate impact. “Rather than trying to find a bunch of people to come up with this money, I said, ‘I’ll just give it to you’,” Carolyn said. “In my mind, it was a small amount, but it’s going to have a big impact for these kids. I donate to places I’m passionate about, and I’m passionate about these kids.” Whether it’s creating a safe space, providing comfort, or supporting vital programs, every effort makes a difference. Learn how you can make an impact: saintlukesgiving.org

We are thrilled to announce Kirk Showalter, nursing house supervisor at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, has been named one of Ingram's Magazine's 2025 Heroes in Healthcare! Kirk was inspired to pursue a career in health care by his older sister, a pulmonary critical care physician. He shadowed her on a few occasions and realized how much he enjoyed the hospital setting and helping people. “While I admired the work the physicians did, I was especially drawn to the comprehensive, hands-on care provided by ICU nurses,” said Kirk. “This role aligns perfectly with my professional goals because it allows me to combine leadership with direct patient care.” Congratulations, Kirk! Read more about the honor: https://heyor.ca/EHeyMa

BJC Health System has been named one of America's Best Large Employers by Forbes. Now in its 10th year, the America’s Best Employers ranking celebrates organizations across the nation that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to fostering environments where employees can thrive. The ranking is based on independent survey responses from more than 217,000 U.S. employees working at companies with a national workforce of at least 5,000 people. “At BJC, we are committed to ensuring the good health and wellness of our patients, our caregivers, and our organization,” says Rich Liekweg, BJC Health System chief executive officer. “We are 44,000 caregivers strong, and are dedicated to exceptional care, high standards in quality and safety, and our deeply held values and purpose.” Learn more about the honor: https://heyor.ca/Zzds7q

Meet Dr. Sabrina Kidd, one of our expert colorectal surgeons at Saint Luke’s. Born at Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, Dr. Kidd has come full circle—returning to Kansas City after years of practicing in Northern California. She is glad to be close to family and part of Saint Luke’s once again. “I wanted to be part of a high-quality, well-recognized, and integrated health system in a wonderful city,” Dr. Kidd said. Dr. Kidd specializes in treating conditions like colon and rectal cancer, hemorrhoids, and diverticular disease. She uses minimally invasive techniques, including the DaVinci robot, to provide the best care for her patients. “I chose colorectal surgery because I liked the breadth of conditions and procedures involved,” Dr. Kidd said. “I liked that I could do a colonoscopy to prevent cancer, as well as a colectomy to potentially cure it.” She also emphasizes the importance of gut health and how diet plays a major role. “Limiting sugar, processed meats, red meat, and processed foods goes a long way in keeping your gut happy and healthy,” Dr. Kidd said. Beyond medicine, Dr. Kidd enjoys watching University of Michigan football with her husband, raising their two-year-old labradoodle named Snickers, gardening, and yoga. Learn more: https://heyor.ca/0WwHu3

We were pleased to present Maggie, a physical therapist, with the Saint Luke’s Sunshine Award after her quick actions potentially saved a patient’s life. Maggie was leading a physical therapy session when she recognized that the patient’s vitals were abnormal. She immediately contacted hospital nurses, who ordered an EKG and discovered the patient’s heart was beating irregularly and rapidly. They rushed the patient to the Emergency Department, which led to a four-day hospital stay. What could have been a scary moment had a positive outcome thanks to Maggie. Thank you, Maggie, for your level of professionalism! #TeamSaintLukes ??

Richard loves his role as a CT technologist at Saint Luke's Community Hospital, and it shows in his work. He was pleasantly surprised this week when hospital leaders presented him with the Employee of the Quarter award. Richard's compassionate approach to care creates a positive experience for all patients. Beyond his technical skills, he prioritizes comfort and takes the time to explain procedures to put patients at ease. His desire for continuous improvement is also apparent. He always anticipates needs, and doesn't have to be asked to help. Thank you, Richard, for your selflessness and commitment. #TeamSaintLukes ??

Each academic year, the Neurosurgery Residency Program through UMKC and Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City provides one resident the opportunity to train with a high-performing neurosurgery program, as recognized by U.S. News & World Report. Our Neurosurgery Residency Program is designed to expose residents to a wide range of neurological conditions and provide hands-on training and mentorship from nationally recognized neurosurgeons. Applications for the Neurosurgery Residency Program are now open. Learn more: https://heyor.ca/Wfg48r