Ketamine Infusion Development Team
February 2026
Ketamine Infusion Development Team
Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center
Milwaukee
,
WI
United States
Justin Katsma, RN,
Michelle Porter, RN and
Katie Wallander, RN
Michelle Porter, RN and
Katie Wallander, RN
I would like to recognize the incredible team of nurses who helped implement the use of Ketamine infusions for treatment-resistant depression. Justin Katsma, Michelle Porter, and Katie Wallander worked in close collaboration with a psychiatrist to establish Ketamine as a treatment option for Veterans struggling with depression that has not responded to standard therapies.
Over 1.5 million Veterans are diagnosed with Major Depression, and approximately 10% of those cases are resistant to traditional treatment options. Ketamine infusions have emerged as a promising alternative, with studies showing significant improvement in global depression scores within just 24 hours of administration. Until recently, Ketamine infusions were not available at our VA medical center, and patients had to be referred to outside facilities. In fact, at least eight Veterans have been referred to external hospitals for this treatment over the past two years.
The Ketamine nursing team collaborated with licensed clinical psychiatrists, anesthesia staff, clinical nurse specialists, pharmacists, nurses, nurse educators, and nurse managers. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology, they developed a comprehensive process and procedure for Ketamine infusion administration. Guided by the national directive, the team created a standard operating procedure, an order set, patient education materials, and nursing documentation templates. They also developed a pre-infusion information sheet for Veterans, which included guidance on what to expect the day of the infusion, suggestions for comfort items to bring, and a QR code linking to emotional wellness tools such as mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and other Whole Health resources.
This team trained 32 perioperative RNs in Ketamine infusion care and administration. These Ketamine champions now work closely with three to four psychiatrists actively involved in the program, as well as with MSAs for scheduling and Charge nurses for infusion assignments. They partnered with pharmacy staff to develop and refine workflows for ordering, delivering, and storing the medication to ensure safe, timely, and efficient administration. When concerns arose about noise levels and privacy, the team worked together to improve the environment, making it more private, calm, and conducive to
healing.
From October 1, 2024, to August 30, 2025, 12 patients received a total of 118 Ketamine infusions without any major complications.
Veterans rated their experience as "good" to "very good" across eight different criteria: comfort, noise level, safety, privacy, responsiveness of care providers, concern for comfort, information received prior to administration and wait times. Patient comments included:
• "Excellent experience."
• "Professional and understanding treatment."
• "Attentive and made every effort for comfort."
• "Excellent staff and providers-everyone is kind and respectful."
This team has significantly expanded treatment options for Veterans with treatment-resistant depression by successfully implementing a safe, effective, and compassionate Ketamine infusion program. Their dedication, collaboration, and innovation have made a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.
Over 1.5 million Veterans are diagnosed with Major Depression, and approximately 10% of those cases are resistant to traditional treatment options. Ketamine infusions have emerged as a promising alternative, with studies showing significant improvement in global depression scores within just 24 hours of administration. Until recently, Ketamine infusions were not available at our VA medical center, and patients had to be referred to outside facilities. In fact, at least eight Veterans have been referred to external hospitals for this treatment over the past two years.
The Ketamine nursing team collaborated with licensed clinical psychiatrists, anesthesia staff, clinical nurse specialists, pharmacists, nurses, nurse educators, and nurse managers. Using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) methodology, they developed a comprehensive process and procedure for Ketamine infusion administration. Guided by the national directive, the team created a standard operating procedure, an order set, patient education materials, and nursing documentation templates. They also developed a pre-infusion information sheet for Veterans, which included guidance on what to expect the day of the infusion, suggestions for comfort items to bring, and a QR code linking to emotional wellness tools such as mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, and other Whole Health resources.
This team trained 32 perioperative RNs in Ketamine infusion care and administration. These Ketamine champions now work closely with three to four psychiatrists actively involved in the program, as well as with MSAs for scheduling and Charge nurses for infusion assignments. They partnered with pharmacy staff to develop and refine workflows for ordering, delivering, and storing the medication to ensure safe, timely, and efficient administration. When concerns arose about noise levels and privacy, the team worked together to improve the environment, making it more private, calm, and conducive to
healing.
From October 1, 2024, to August 30, 2025, 12 patients received a total of 118 Ketamine infusions without any major complications.
Veterans rated their experience as "good" to "very good" across eight different criteria: comfort, noise level, safety, privacy, responsiveness of care providers, concern for comfort, information received prior to administration and wait times. Patient comments included:
• "Excellent experience."
• "Professional and understanding treatment."
• "Attentive and made every effort for comfort."
• "Excellent staff and providers-everyone is kind and respectful."
This team has significantly expanded treatment options for Veterans with treatment-resistant depression by successfully implementing a safe, effective, and compassionate Ketamine infusion program. Their dedication, collaboration, and innovation have made a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve.