Kathy's strong leadership skills are evident across the system and at MCNA. She is a skilled communicator with colleagues, peers, physicians, and patients. One of her greatest gifts is her ability to listen and stay calm in the heat of a discussion, whether with a frustrated surgeon or an irate (sometimes irrational) patient or family member. She thrives in the team environment and always looks for a solution that benefits all.
Several months ago, we learned in Multidisciplinary Rounds that we had a patient who was not adhering to his weight-bearing status. He was unwilling to put on his call light and wait for staff to come to assist him and was getting up on his own. The patient care staff referred to him as being 'noncompliant'. We discussed how every behavior fulfills an unmet need, and that our job as caregivers is to identify those needs rather than judge them. Kathy said she would go talk to him. In the context of the discussion, Kathy learned he was a Vietnam veteran, had PTSD, and was a self-described 'control freak'. Kathy took the time to listen to him, to explain that what he perceived as 'edicts' from staff were important steps to keep him safe and assure a positive recovery. She negotiated which ones he could live with, and how he'd like to be asked to do them. His resistance evaporated once he felt he was being heard and his opinions were being considered. She is a role model for all.