Dynamic and qualified adult nurse practitioner with extensive clinical experience across diverse care settings, including rural public health clinics and large university healthcare systems. Proven expertise in clinical program development and leadership, combined with a strong commitment to patient advocacy in all nursing roles. Demonstrates a self-directed, solutions-oriented approach alongside exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Extensive experience in developing and delivering comprehensive patient and provider education, dedicated to enhancing the quality of patient care through effective care coordination, evidence-based practices, and relationship building.
Work History
Nurse Practitioner, Bone Health and Osteoporosis Program
Shoreline Orthopaedics
Holland, MI
05.2023 - Current
Developed a nurse practitioner-led bone health and osteoporosis service line within a large independent orthopedic practice.
Designed evidence-based protocols for the delivery of osteoporosis-related care to vulnerable populations within the practice.
Conducted comprehensive patient assessments to develop individualized care plans.
Prescribed medications or treatments based on patients' medical assessments.
Coordinated with multiple hospital systems and infusion centers to streamline IV and injection medication administration processes, reducing patient wait times.
Developed strong relationships with local primary care providers and specialists to facilitate seamless referral processes to the Bone Health Program.
Advocated for patients to ensure they received necessary resources and support from healthcare providers and insurance companies alike.
I became well-versed in the pre-authorization and appeal processes of all major insurance providers for the approval of specialty medications.
Participated in quality improvement initiatives to promote safe and effective patient care within the organization.
Coordinated care with other healthcare professionals, promoting optimal patient outcomes.
Assistant Professor
Kirkhof College of Nursing, Grand Valley State University
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2018 - 05.2023
Developed and implemented innovative nursing curricula to enhance student learning outcomes in the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner Program
Conducted research on population health and healthcare practices for geriatric populations, contributing to peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient care models within clinical settings.
Led departmental meetings focused on strategic planning and continuous improvement of nursing education programs.
Revised course objectives, course materials, instructional strategies, and assessment strategies for Population Health, Leadership in Complex Systems, Informatics, and Clinical Simulation courses.
Promoted diversity and inclusion within the classroom through culturally responsive teaching practices and diverse reading materials. (Awarded 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Grand Valley State University Excellence in Teaching Award)
Nurse Practitioner / Program Manager
Holland Hospital Bone Health Services
Holland, MI
04.2011 - 08.2018
Developed a comprehensive Bone Health Service (BHS) program within a community hospital setting. Eventually, the service area expanded to three counties and became a regional referral center.
Provided osteoporosis screening and treatment for hospitalized fracture patients and community-dwelling individuals at risk for osteoporosis
Participated in the development of strategic, business, and marketing plans to effectively meet BHS program objectives
Supervised, coordinated, and prioritized nursing staff assignments, clinic workflow and data collection
Collaborated with clinical, business, and IT staff in the development of policies, protocols, and programs to optimize quality patient care in inpatient and ambulatory care settings.
Led initiatives to improve patient engagement through innovative educational resources and support programs.
Nurse Practitioner, Osteoporosis Center
Spectrum Health (now Corewell Health)
Grand Rapids, MI
09.2009 - 04.2011
Developed Osteoporosis Program for a large multi-hospital system
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes and streamline care processes, including transition from inpatient to outpatient care settings
Conducted comprehensive patient assessments and developed individualized care plans.
Prescribed and managed pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to address the underlying causes of osteoporosis.
Facilitated community health workshops, increasing awareness and prevention of osteoporosis in vulnerable populations (oncology, neurology, and geriatrics).
Delivered bone health-related education to physicians, advanced practice providers, and registered nurses through podium presentations on national, state, and local levels.
Nurse Practitioner
Holland OB GYN / OB GYN Associates of Holland
Holland, MI
05.2002 - 09.2009
Provided direct primary care and women's health care to a female population from adolescent to geriatric
Director of Student Health Services / Nurse Practitioner
Hope College
Holland, MI
08.1995 - 05.2002
Directed Student Health Services, serving the student body of 3,000+
Provided direct primary care and women's health care to students.
Supervised a staff of registered nurses and ancillary personnel.
Developed and implemented a travel program to provide appropriate travel immunizations and TB screening to students and staff.
Initiated a student health insurance program to assure appropriate and timely access to care for out-of-area students.
Nurse Practitioner
University of Michigan Family Practice
Ann Arbor, MI
08.1994 - 08.1995
Provided primary care for adolescent and adult populations
Clinical Nurse Specialist
University of Michigan Hospitals
Ann Arbor, MI
03.1989 - 08.1994
Clinical Nurse Specialist for Neurology, Epilepsy, and Heart Transplant Programs.
Coordinated research studies for epilepsy drug trials.
Coordinated care of heart transplant patients, prior to and following transplant surgery.
Developed and presented a weekly educational program for heart transplant candidates.
Supervised nursing and medical resident staff in carrying out complex transplant and research protocols.
Developed and disseminated educational materials for primary care providers of community-dwelling transplant patients.
Collaborated with another hospital system across the state to develop and implement a satellite heart transplant clinic to reduce travel time and expenses for patients.
Public Health Nurse
Louisa County Health Department
Louisa, VA
03.1987 - 03.1989
Directed pediatric and obstetric services, including clinic and home visit services.
Conducted home visits for a high-risk pediatric patient population, including an assessment of health status and the home environment.
Instructor- World Health Organization Program
Guangdong Regional Department of Health
Guangzhou, China
01.1986 - 01.1987
Developed and taught specialized curriculum to Chinese physicians enrolled in a WHO-sponsored MD exchange program
Duties included 25 classroom teaching hours weekly as well as bi-weekly field trips to various medical practice sites
West Michigan Bone Health Advance Practice Provider Consortium Organizer and Facilitator ( 2024-present)
Region 4 Representative to Board of Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners. Service Term 2020-2022
2013-2015 President of Lakeshore Chapter of Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners
Member of Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners
Member of Sigma Theta Tau
Member of Geriatric Advance Practice Nurses Association
Chair of Graduate Academic Affairs Committee, Kirkhof College of Nursing, GVSU (2021-2023)
Kirkhof College of Nursing representative to GVSU Equity and Inclusion Committee.( 2019 -2022)
Faculty Advisor- Kirkhof College of Nursing Graduate Student Association (2019-2022)
Certification
Nurse Practitioner- Board Certified
Adult 1994-2027
Licensed Registered Nurse State of Michigan 1989-Renewable in 2026
PROFESSIONAL PUBLICATIONS and PRESENTATIONS
McKay, A. (2015). A Hospital-Based Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) Model of Care Using Own the Bone. AOA News (Newsletter of the American Orthopaedic Association), 48:2, 10.
2018-2023 Multiple doctoral level lectures on clinical topics, nursing leadership, systems change, population health and simulation
McKay A. (2023). Primary Care Based Intervention for Early Detection and Treatment of Osteoporosis in a Female Diabetic Population. Accepted for publication by the International Journal of Nursing Research
11/2019 Podium Presentation: Great Lakes Geriatric Advance Practice Nurses Association
9/2019 Podium Presentation: Midwest Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research Center
11/2018 Poster Presentation: Great Lakes Chapter of Geriatric Advance Practice Nurses Association
11/2016 Poster Presentation: Great Lakes Chapter of Geriatric Advance Practice Nurses Association
2014 Podium Presentation: Continuing Medical Education, Lakeshore Physician Health Organization (Holland, MI.)
11/2013 Poster Presentations: Geriatric Advance Practice Nursing Society (Dearborn, MI)
3/2013 Podium Presentation: Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners, Annual Meeting (Ann Arbor MI.)
2/2013 Podium Presentation: Lakeshore Chapter of Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners (Holland, MI.)
8/2011 Podium Presentation: Medical Grand Rounds, Spectrum Health Physician Organization (Grand Rapids, MI.)
5/2010 Podium Presentation: Michigan Oncology Nursing Society (Grand Rapids, MI.)
5/2010 Poster Presentation: American Association of Nurse Practitioners, (Chicago)
2010 Podium Presentation: Michigan Council of Nurse Practitioners, Annual Meeting (Lansing,MI)
2009 to Present: Numerous community-based presentations, including, but not limited to:
Spectrum Health Community Health Education series (2009 and 2010)
Holland Hospital Physician Lecture Series (2012 and 2015)
Hope Academy of Senior Professionals (2012 and 2016 and 2024)
Parkinson's Support Group (2017 and 2024)
Talk of the Town WHTC (2011)
Health Topics MAC-TV (2011)
Better Breather's Club (2012)
Center for Good Health Lecture Series (2012, 2014)
PROFESSIONAL SPEAKING and CONSULTING EXPERIENCE
Amgen Speakers Bureau (2017 to 2022)
Lansing Area Bone Health Consortium- Consultant (pro bono) -Lead in development of protocols for identification and bone health referral of at-risk Orthopedic, Rheumatology, and Neurosurgery patient population.
City on a Hill Ministries Health Clinic - Consultant (pro bono) Overseeing of grant-funded research for incorporating point of care mental health interventions into primary care services for an under/uninsured population
Family Nurse Practitioner/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner at Cook Family PracticeFamily Nurse Practitioner/Women's Health Nurse Practitioner at Cook Family Practice
Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program Coordinator at Loma Linda University School of NursingNeonatal Nurse Practitioner Program Coordinator at Loma Linda University School of Nursing