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For more than three decades, Kim Ray has dedicated her life to caring for others, educating future nurses and advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities. Her journey has been guided by a servant’s heart, a commitment to lifelong learning and a deep belief that nursing is far more than a profession — it is a calling.
Born and raised in Monticello, Ray graduated from Drew Central High School in 1994 and immediately began pursuing her dream of working in healthcare. She earned her certified nursing assistant license that same year through the University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee, then known as Great Rivers Vocational-Technical School. She obtained her licensed practical nurse credential in 1996, became a registered nurse through the Baptist School of Nursing in 1998 and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2023.
Ray said she never questioned whether nursing was the right path for her.
“I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare,” she said.
Part of that inspiration came from her childhood. Ray watched her mother care for an uncle with Down syndrome and saw firsthand the difference compassionate caregiving could make in someone’s life.
“That caregiver role influenced me,” she said.
After earning her RN license, Ray worked at Drew Memorial Hospital before feeling drawn to home healthcare. She joined Southeast Arkansas Home Health, where she provided private-duty nursing care for patients with complex medical needs in their homes.
In 2002, another opportunity presented itself — one that would allow her to shape the future of nursing.
Ray became a practical nursing and CNA instructor and clinical coordinator at UAM College of Technology-McGehee. For years, she taught students essential nursing skills while instilling professionalism, compassion and high standards of patient care.
“It was so joyous teaching students and seeing confusion turn into a light bulb moment,” Ray said.
Under the program’s leadership, the nursing program became one of the top-performing programs in Arkansas, achieving a 100 percent licensure exam pass rate for several consecutive years.
While she cherished her role as an educator, Ray once again felt called in a new direction.
In late 2019, she learned of an opening for a nurse position at Advantages of Southeast Arkansas in Monticello. The organization serves individuals with developmental disabilities across a 14-county region, providing services designed to maximize independence, employment opportunities and daily living skills.
Ray believed she could make a difference there.
“I felt called to help the individuals in this area,” she said.
When she arrived in January 2020, the organization had never had a nurse on staff. Ray built the nursing program from the ground up, developing systems, educational programs and health oversight services for consumers and staff.
Just as everything was beginning to fall into place, the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
“We had to call and get guidance for our facility because guidelines were out for nursing homes and hospitals, but not for places like our facility,” Ray recalled.
Despite the challenges, she helped navigate the uncertainty while ensuring consumers continued receiving the care and support they needed.
Today, Ray oversees healthcare services for individuals attending Advantages, educates caregivers and staff on safety procedures and provides health education to consumers. One of her favorite initiatives is the organization’s weekly diabetes club.
“We have a diabetic club once per week where I educate the consumers and we talk about different aspects of diabetes,” she said.
For Ray, however, healthcare is about far more than medications and medical appointments.
“What I find most rewarding is my consumers and their happiness and getting to see them thrive,” she said. “I get a joy and peace out of watching them.”
That commitment often extends beyond her job description.
She coordinates care between consumers, healthcare providers and pharmacists. She arranges preventive health services, including bringing the UAMS mammography van to the facility so consumers can receive screenings close to home.
On one occasion, her dedication even led her to a consumer’s home, where she personally mowed his yard because she saw a need and wanted to help.
Those acts of kindness reflect the philosophy that has guided her entire career — serving others wherever and whenever she can.
Ray’s expertise has also earned national recognition.
She is a Certified Developmental Disabilities Nurse, a specialized credential awarded to registered nurses who provide care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Certification requires thousands of hours of experience in developmental disabilities nursing and successful completion of a rigorous national examination.
As of 2025, Ray was the only registered nurse in Arkansas to hold the credential.
Even with decades of experience, Ray remains committed to growth.
“I still learn something every day,” she said. “You can learn from anyone. My consumers teach me, the staff teach me, administration teaches me. No matter how much experience I may have, I strive to never stop learning.”
Her office walls display artwork created by consumers, reminders of the people who continue to inspire her every day.
When asked what motivates her during difficult times, her answer came without hesitation.
“My consumers,” she said. “They brighten my day.”
She credits the success of the program to teamwork and collaboration.
“It takes a team to care for our individuals, and I think we have the best,” she said. “DD nursing will challenge you to pull all the tricks out of your hat. You constantly have to think outside the box.”
Looking back on her career, Ray says some of the most meaningful moments have come from helping people find the resources and support they need.
“Whenever I’ve been able to help someone and point them to resources, that has always impacted me in a positive way,” she said.
Her proudest accomplishment is not a degree, certification or title.
“Dedicating my career to helping others inside and outside of work,” she said. “Over decades of nursing and nurse education, I’ve supported all ages throughout the lifespan. Serving others with selfless empathy has been at the center of my journey. I believe God has directed my path, placing the right people in my life and putting those who need help in the right place at the right time.”
Outside of work, Ray enjoys spending time outdoors, particularly tending to flowers and working in her yard.
She also remains deeply connected to the community that shaped her.
“I love that we are a close-knit community,” she said. “I like the closeness, that it is a small town but big enough. I was raised here.”
For the thousands of patients, students and individuals whose lives she has touched throughout her career, Ray’s impact extends far beyond nursing.
Her compassion, dedication and unwavering commitment to helping others embody what it means to be a healthcare hero.
