To be successful and happy while working with oncology and end of life patients, you have to be a caring, compassionate, and intelligent nurse. Katie exhibits all of these qualities and more. Patients, as well as other nurses, talk about how incredible Katie is. She is so caring while taking care of and advocating for her patients.
Recently our unit had a 50-year-old patient with metastatic cancer that had been in the hospital for two weeks. This patient was suffering from an infection, neutropenia, and new paralysis. Toward the end of his stay, his spirits were really low. His wife mentioned that when his church group came in and sang with him he was happier than he had been in a long time. With the patient's permission, Katie reached out and had someone come in and play the guitar and sing songs with him and his wife. It was beautiful. The patient was a little embarrassed over it at first and wanted it kept a secret. By the end of this songfest, his room was filled with staff, family and new friends singing, crying, and worshipping together. Katie was responsible for bringing a whole unit together to improve the spirit of her patient. This patient and his family were so appreciative. They raved about how incredible this was for them and that his spirits were immediately improved. Katie provided the most incredible holistic care I have seen, helping to not only treat this patient's body but his mind and spirit, as well. Thank you Katie!