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Kathleen (Kathy) A. Fisher, RN, DSN, CRNI
Joined INS in early 1980’s while maintaining
a membership with L.I.T.E.
Took and passed the first certification exam
in mid 1980’s. Have maintained certification ever since.
Started in specialty of infusion therapy
November 1979 as Coordinator of the IV Therapy Team at Providence Hospital in
Washington, D.C. I previously worked as a medical nurse for 5 years at
Providence, but always had an interest in infusion therapy.
I was given a choice of nursery or infusion
therapy in 1979 after an injury preventing me from being able to lift and move
patients. I chose infusion therapy. The team, at that time, only did difficult
catheter placement and was called by the unit nursing staff for assistance. Upon
accepting the coordinator’s position, my instructions were to make the team a
patient and nursing staff service to provide advanced infusion therapy at the
hospital.
In the 18 years I held the job the team grew
to a 24 hours, 7 days a week service. Our services increased from only placing
peripheral venous catheters to caring of central vein catheter (of all types)
and educating the nursing and medical staff. The education of the staff was my
favorite part.
Five years ago, I felt the need for a
challenge and decided to try home infusion nursing. I am currently in home care
doing infusion therapy and other forms of nursing. This allows me to continue
what I like most, teaching.
I have been active in the local chapter of INS
since the 1980’s. I held office of secretary and membership board member in the
past and currently serve as Treasurer for the second term. Along with the board
seats and other projects of the organization, I have found friends, colleagues
and the opportunity to grow in the specialty.
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