Katharine Fletcher, BSN, RN

This happened when early vaccination was offered to our employees as first responders. The vaccination ratio varied in our unit; some staff were waiting to make the decision of whether to accept the vaccine or not. Others accepted the vaccine right away and were fully vaccinated. Others were in the process. As you all can remember, those were scary times. Katie had just finished her vaccination series. Also, in perioperative services, we test patients that are coming for surgery. Any patient that screens positive for any of the COVID symptoms or that tests positive is canceled and not allowed to enter the pre-op area. On this particular day, a patient was admitted to our pre-op unit. For some reason, his COVID test result was overseen, and it was positive. He came via IEHP transportation and had no family with him. I was called to look into what had happened and to resolve this issue. As I arrived at the nurses' station, I have to say, we were all very concerned. We weren't used to having a known COVID-positive patient among us. The unknown and fear seemed to take over. We also had a pregnant staff among us. Katie immediately took the chart and said: "I will take care of him; I am vaccinated." And she did. She was determined, and she went ahead and did what she knew was the right thing to do. We had the patient already in an isolation room; we found the isolation cart, and Katie went in to talk to that patient, explain the situation, and take care of his needs. I just can't explain how solemn that moment was. I have no words to commend Katie for her strength, compassion, teamwork, and valor. Thank God that things are better today. Thank you, Katie, for your exceptional gesture in a time of great need.