Ellen Katz
May 2023
Ellen
Katz
,
RN, BSN
Family Medicine
INOVA Fairfax Family Practice- Fair Oaks
Fairfax
,
VA
United States
Ellen has a way with patients that makes them truly believe that she cares about them and wants to help them, she never gives up, even when others would.
Ellen is exceptional. She is by far the most compassionate nurse I have ever worked with. There is not one single story I can pick because in every interaction with patients, Ellen is kind, nonjudgmental, invested and supportive. She owns a problem, far beyond our expectations of staff, and makes it her personal mission to help every patient. That can be in their own personal goals, lifesaving choices, or helping them navigate the healthcare system. She agrees to work with patients that others refuse to because she believes every patient deserves personalized care, even those that are frustrated and acting out against us.
There is one specific patient interaction that involves Ellen that we all remember to this day. Unfortunately, this patient did not survive but he had a fighting chance because of her. She took a call on our advice line from a male patient complaining of shortness of breath and chest tightness. He was downplaying his symptoms and Ellen immediately started triage for a heart attack. He refused to seek care and absolutely refused to call 911, kept saying it was everything but a heart attack. Ellen did not take no for an answer, she pushed and pleaded for him to get care, even said she was going to call them herself and drive to his house and make sure he went! The patient did get help but by the time he made it to the ER it was too late, and he passed. I know Ellen thinks about that patient in every interaction she has had since. I truly believe if he had not agreed to her plan she would have taken it upon herself to make sure it happened, no matter what it took.
There is another story of her with one phone in each ear talking to 911 while she spoke to the patient in her other ear because the patient was scared and did not want to be alone. That is our Ellen, an incredible nurse with the kindest heart.
There is just not enough space to tell every story.
Ellen has a way with patients that makes them truly believe that she cares about them and wants to help them, she never gives up, even when others would. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award and I know it would mean so much to her!
There is one specific patient interaction that involves Ellen that we all remember to this day. Unfortunately, this patient did not survive but he had a fighting chance because of her. She took a call on our advice line from a male patient complaining of shortness of breath and chest tightness. He was downplaying his symptoms and Ellen immediately started triage for a heart attack. He refused to seek care and absolutely refused to call 911, kept saying it was everything but a heart attack. Ellen did not take no for an answer, she pushed and pleaded for him to get care, even said she was going to call them herself and drive to his house and make sure he went! The patient did get help but by the time he made it to the ER it was too late, and he passed. I know Ellen thinks about that patient in every interaction she has had since. I truly believe if he had not agreed to her plan she would have taken it upon herself to make sure it happened, no matter what it took.
There is another story of her with one phone in each ear talking to 911 while she spoke to the patient in her other ear because the patient was scared and did not want to be alone. That is our Ellen, an incredible nurse with the kindest heart.
There is just not enough space to tell every story.
Ellen has a way with patients that makes them truly believe that she cares about them and wants to help them, she never gives up, even when others would. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award and I know it would mean so much to her!