Kathryn Sickenberger
October 2020
Kathryn A
Sickenberger
,
RN
Critical Care Unit
Cascade Valley Hospital
Arlington
,
WA
United States
Kathy spent time with the patient’s family to explain the diagnosis, treatment, and plan of care.
During a morning shift change, Kathy noted a change in a patient’s condition compared to the previous day. She ran to get the hospitalist who saw the patient immediately. Kathy provided a detailed report about the patient from her knowledge of previous days as she and the doctor evaluated the patient together. The duo witnessed that a life-threatening/limb-threatening condition had developed in the patient and coordinated a STAT imaging and orthopedic surgical emergent consult. Imaging confirmed Kathy’s suspicion of necrotizing fasciitis and the patient was taken immediately to the operating room for emergency surgery. Kathy spent time with the patient’s family to explain the diagnosis, treatment, and plan of care. The family was highly appreciative of the care and communication. This is just one example of Kathy’s extraordinary knowledge and skill.