Former patient joins care team at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital

At the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, every caregiver brings skill, heart and hope to every shift. But a special few know what it’s like to be on the other side of the hospital bed.

Riley Klim is one of them.

How MUSC Children’s Hospital care shaped one patient’s future

Diagnosed at age 2 with nephrotic syndrome – a chronic kidney condition that causes the body to lose too much protein – Riley spent much of his childhood in and out of the children’s hospital. Ranked 26th in the nation for pediatric nephrology by U.S. News & World Report, the hospital is recognized for its excellence in treating complex kidney conditions like Riley’s.

Some visits lasted a few days, others stretched for weeks. Through it all, Riley found inspiration in the care he received.

“The nurses showed me a level of compassion I’ll never forget,” Riley said. “It gave me a passion to help others.”

Inspired to give back through health care

Today, Riley works in the hospital’s emergency department as a technician, assisting doctors and nurses with vital signs, lab samples, splints and dressings – even emergency procedures like CPR and airway support. He also helps transport patients, stock treatment rooms and comfort families during some of their most difficult moments.

“Walking the halls of the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital as a staff member feels so different than walking them as a patient,” he said. “It’s wild to think about how I was once in the same position as the patients I take care of.”

That perspective makes a difference. Riley remembers sharing his story with the mother of a young patient newly diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome.

“She was almost in shock to see how well I was doing and said it gave her hope for her child,” Riley said. “That’s something I’ll never forget.”

From patient to caregiver: A full-circle story of healing

In 2018, Riley served as CMNH Champion for MUSC. The role gave him a platform to raise awareness, support fundraising efforts and represent the hospital at events alongside leaders like MUSC President David J. Cole, M.D., FACS, and musician Darius Rucker. He also served on the Youth Patient Advisory Council, offering insight from a patient’s perspective.

Those early advocacy experiences helped shape his path toward a career in health care.

“My medical past reminds me that at the end of the worst day to keep fighting for the people I can help,” Riley said. “To be a part of the MUSC team is a wonderful thing. Not only am I part of a place that gave excellent care to me, now I get to give that same care to others.”