Editor’s Note: National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Week 2022 is Sunday, January 23, through Saturday, January 29. To celebrate, the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology is featuring stories from our outstanding CRNA team.
While working on her first undergraduate degree, Katie Denich, CRNA, worked in veterinary clinics where she often assisted with surgeries. It was there that her interest in anesthesia first developed.
"I had a family friend, who is a nurse, ask me if I would ever be interested in pursuing anesthesia as a career," Denich said. "At the time, I was fairly unfamiliar with what a CRNA was, but she worked with them frequently and had nothing but good things to say about them. A little research into the field was all I needed, and I was hooked."
Denich holds a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Nebraska Omaha, a bachelor’s in nursing from UNMC, and a doctorate in nurse anesthesia practice from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Denich started as a CRNA with the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology in 2017.
"Katie brings great insight and new ideas from her training at the University of Kansas," said Tim Glidden, director of nurse anesthesia. "She leaves a positive impression everywhere she goes, and her positivity and work ethic are second to none. She is compassionate about patient care and is an excellent role model for our SRNAs."
For Denich, teamwork is one of the best things about Nebraska Medicine, and it’s easy to understand why. Nebraska Medicine cares for some of the most complex patients in the region and offers care and procedures that are not always available elsewhere. The institution also places high value on educating future providers. "It feels good to be part of a team that is able to provide such high-level care in so many disciplines," she said. "I really do enjoy getting to be a part of that process."
"Katie's positive attitude, flexibility, and adaptability on a daily basis is greatly appreciated and valued by our department," said Tiffany Olson, associate director of nurse anesthesia. "She is able to meet any challenge that comes her way head-on."
CRNAs at Nebraska Medicine take care of patients in a myriad of ways, and that’s something that makes Denich proud. CRNAs provide anesthesia and pain management in the surgical, therapeutic, and diagnostic areas. They also work in obstetrics, providing anesthesia for procedures like cesarean sections and labor epidurals. These are just a few of the tasks in which CRNAs are involved, providing safe, high quality patient care.
Like many CRNAs, Denich said she witnesses heroic moments every day. "Each day is unique, but every day involves doing everything we can to keep a patient safe and comfortable. It is all part of the privilege we are afforded working in this job," Denich said. "I know from being on the other side of things that sometimes what we consider a small task can mean the world to those we care for."
At the start of every shift, Denich looks forward to enjoying the teamwork displayed in the department. Team members ask for opinions and advice on complex case management. It isn’t uncommon for the team to ask what they can do to help, to effectively utilize each person’s strengths and areas of expertise.
By the end of her shift, Denich hopes she’s done everything possible to provide the best care for patients. "We have the privilege and responsibility of caring for people at what is potentially one of the most stressful times in their lives," she said. "I just hope that I am able to not only care for their medical needs, but also offer support and compassion to my patients and their families."
"She’s a phenomenal team player," Glidden said.
In addition to her duties as a CRNA, Denich stays involved by serving on the CRNA hiring committee. She has also served on the strategic executive committee and other cultural committees at Nebraska Medicine.
"Katie excels in these roles," said Olson. "She creates a comfortable environment for interviewees and provides us valuable feedback from those interviews."
"As a recent graduate, Katie brings valuable insight to graduates seeking an academic work environment," Glidden said.
Denich’s husband, Nick Denich, is also a CRNA at Nebraska Medicine. The two have essentially worked together for the past ten years. They were both nurses in the Nebraska Medicine CVICU, and they both attended graduate school at the University of Kansas Medical Center. After graduation, the Denichs accepted jobs at Nebraska Medicine as CRNAs.
In her free time, Denich enjoys relaxing with her husband, daughter, and dogs. Prior to the pandemic, the family enjoyed traveling and exploring new cities, which they hope to be able to do again in the future. Denich also likes running, hiking, and nice dinners with good friends. She has one daughter who will start college next fall.