Katie
Howard
August 2013
Katie
Howard
,
RN, BSN
Medical Intensive Care Unit
University Medical Center
Lubbock
,
TX
United States

 

 

 

Katie Howard gave a family a very precious gift; one last conversation with their only daughter.

"While taking care of a very sick young woman, Katie was able to be an advocate for both the family and patient. The young lady was having a hard time breathing throughout the night and the physicians had decided it was time to intubate her to secure her airway and increase oxygenation. The patient was very scared and unsure if she wanted this procedure to be done. Katie called her parents to ask their thoughts on the timing of the procedure. The parents of the patient asked Katie to not do anything until they could get to the hospital. The physicians wanted to intubate immediately but Katie stood up to the physicians knowing that this was probably the last time that this patient and her parents would ever speak to each other. This gave the parents a much needed last conversation with their only daughter. This is something that the parents will forever be grateful for and Katie was able to give them those last few words with them. I believe that although this is something that Katie would never think twice about doing, she made a huge difference in this family's life."

This is just one example of how Katie goes above and beyond for her patients and their families every day. She exemplifies "Service is Our Passion" bringing a special light to the night shift. Thank you Katie for providing our patients with excellent care!