Ms. McKibben is the RN case manager for the Crawford CBOC. The patient was diagnosed with a glioblastoma and there is a clinical trial that he is eligible for. Our CITC department said we don't do clinical trials. Katie called the supervisor of CITC at Pittsburgh VAMC. She was walked through exactly how to get this patient into the clinical trial and then she was emailed the exact wording on it from Choice guidelines. Katie went above and beyond, working tirelessly for almost two weeks, to coordinate with the clinical trial manager, the financial advisor at Hillman Cancer Center, the nurse case manager of the neuro-oncologist, the nurse case manager of the medical oncologist, and the patient's daughter.
Katie used her compassion and empathy to help this patient transition in a very difficult time of need. She realizes the value of each patient and the dignity they deserve even in the worst possible scenario. I'm proud to work with her and know our veterans are each getting the highest quality of care while she exhibits her exemplary skills focusing on the VA's ICARE values.
She received the following message from the patient's daughter who is beyond thankful for her help:
Thank you so much, Katie! I'm sure you understand how much this means to me. Navigating insurance, appointments and a new baby while grieving someone that is still with you is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. You have taken a lot of the burden off our shoulders and I am so grateful for you and the work that you put in to make this happen. I will never forget what you have done for my dad and my family. Even a 1% chance of getting something that can slow this down and keep Dad healthy longer is a blessing.