When Kathy Ramirez was in nursing school at Washburn University, she found her calling the day she spent a clinical rotation in the operating room.
“I fell in love right away. I was in an eight-hour surgery and I was upset when it was time to leave. I knew that I wanted to start my nursing career in the OR.”
And Kathy got lucky enough to do just that, spending the first 18 years of her career working in the operating room, recovery and pre-op at LMH Health. She returned to school at Washburn to earn her master’s degree in nursing and transitioned to a new career as a nurse practitioner.
“I had a special interest in urology after working with one of the surgeons, and that’s where I landed. It’s been such a great fit. I love urology and helping people with all of their urologic issues.”
Kathy is passionate about caring for women. She spends half of her time at Sunflower Pelvic Health where she sees women living with incontinence, prolapse and other female specific issues.
“These are problems that impact your quality of life and get worse when you don’t treat them. It’s important to remember that you’re treating a person that could be your mom, your sister, or your best friend. The joy I get from helping people improve their quality of life is immense. That’s why I do this.”
Kathy wants her patients to know that while she can’t turn back the hands of time, she can help improve your symptoms. But it’s important to remember that it will take time.
“Don’t expect us to be able to alleviate all of your issues within one visit. Some of these issues may have been going on for years, and it may take us a while to identify the true issue and come up with a great plan for you. We want to help improve your quality of life.”
My philosophy of care is comprehensive and very individualized. What a 25-year-old male may want versus an 85-year-old female are very different things. I specifically ask patients about their goals and what I can improve most for them. That’s a really solid way to get people on board and involved in their own care.
- Kathy Ramirez, APRN
• American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
• Sigma Theta Tau International
• Phi Kappa Phi
Washburn University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Washburn University
Master of Science in Nursing
Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS
Biology and pre-nursing curriculum
LMH Surgery Department Perioperative Staff Nurse 1999 - 2017
Excellent
Very nice
Excellent listener. Kathy is collaborative; works with patient to determine next steps.
Kathy is wonderful, easy to understand and discuss health concerns. I feel at ease asking questions and getting her honest opinions. love her!
Kathy Ramirez is one of the BEST providers I have had contact with at LMH. She is knowledgeable, caring, takes the time to listen to the patient and their concerns. She is a very valuable asset to LMH and the urology department.
I felt very satisfied with my appointment. I was very pleased with how Kathy and the occupational therapist worked together to explain my situation.
I felt like I was listened to and was heard That Is everything to me.
Kathy is excellent. She listened and spent time explaining options.
Kathy was very professional and caring. She answered all my questions.
Kathy spent as much as I needed to feel ready for my upcoming surgery. I am confident knowing she will be assisting in the surgery.
