When it comes to bedside neonatal care, Kathy is the epitome of the Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse. She has the clinical knowledge, skill, and 38 years of experience to support her practice. She has orientated countless new nurses. Where Kathy excels, however, is with parents. She treats each patient as if it were a family member.
One parent's comment was: "Since I myself am a nurse in one of the adult ICU units my knowledge only exacerbated my fears. Kathy handled me with the utmost respect and patience, which was so appreciated at such a terrible time. I was most at ease when I knew she was taking care of my son."
Another of Kathy's strengths is her compassion with end of life care. Recently, she cared for a terminally ill patient who had many siblings. Kathy made sure each sibling had some connection to the baby and spent time talking to the family regarding their wishes after the infant expired. Her sensitivity and open and honest communication with parents during end of life care is greatly valued by our parents.
Associates and parents look to Kathy for guidance. There is no situation in the NICU she cannot handle or assist in guiding someone to manage. When things get busy and overwhelming, Kathy is the voice of reason that helps diffuse the situation so everyone comes out okay and feeling supported. She is a true team player. She is certified in neonatal intensive care nursing. She has worn many hats in the NICU: charge nurse, PICC line inserter, NRP instructor, transport nurse, EMCO nurse, unit council chair, educator, just to name a few. The physician team sends nurses to Kathy for guidance. Her skills, compassion, and informal leadership are well known and respected.