Memorial Heroes: Katie Henry, CRN Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

What is your official title?

Certified Registered Nurse.

How long have you worked here at Memorial Medical Center?

2 years.

How did you come into this position?

I started my career in El Paso, Texas where I learned how to care for our tiny warriors. After a few years in critical neonatal care I came home to MMC to serve the community that I have lived in for the past decade. I had the privilege of completing my preceptorship at MMC while I attended NMSU for my BSN.

What was your motivation for a career in Healthcare?

I always wanted to work in medicine. My first daughter was born premature and spent time at MMC’s NICU. I was amazed at all the nurses did for my daughter. I knew then that NICU was where I belonged. I wanted to make the same difference for my patients and their families.

What is a typical day like for you?

We start every day with a team huddle to set a plan for tackling patient cares, deliveries, discharges etc. As NICU nurses we have to be flexible and ready for the unexpected: from a stat delivery, to critical or micro-preemie delivery or an infant becoming septic etc. we have a great team and we all work hard to maintain our patients health and safety.

How would you describe your role’s responsibilities?

As a nurse I have the privilege to be hands on with our littlest patients. On top of delicate assessments and tiny babies, NICU nurses have an important role in advocating for our patients and their families to the rest of our healthcare team.

In what areas do you help patients?

I think our biggest contribution as nurses is being a voice for our patients. Babies cannot talk and when parents struggling with the challenge of having a sick baby, they often lose their ability to speak and be heard. We are often their advocates. Most of us have been NICU nurses for long enough and have even shared in their experience of being NICU patients that we can empathize with the challenges that our patients and parents face, that in itself can mean the world.

What are some of your interests outside of work?

When I am not working, I am spending time with my family and friends. We usually do a lot of travelling to visit family, I am ready for things to get back to normal so we can keep up with our cross-country traveling traditions.

What is your favorite part about working for Memorial Medical Center?

MMC has been a huge part of my life. My daughter was discharged from this NICU. I look across the room and remember where her isolette was. As a nursing student I learned the basics of being a nurse in this hospital. I had the privilege of precepting in my chosen area in the unit that I work in every day. I have made wonderful, lifelong friends with so many of my coworkers. For me, working at Memorial is more than just working a job, it is an honor.