Kristy McCool
Summary
Dynamic EMR coordinator with over 20 years of nursing experience, specializing in EHR optimization and workflow enhancement. Proven success in advancing patient safety initiatives and creating effective user training programs. Skilled in project coordination and team collaboration, resulting in substantial operational efficiencies and quality improvements in healthcare delivery.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
EMR COORDINATOR
CMU Health
01.2019 - 08.2025
- 20 years of experience with Epic EHR in both inpatient and ambulatory settings.
- Obtained certification as a clinical content builder and have completed additional EpicCare Ambulatory classes.
- Served as representative on Ambulatory Physician Advisory Committee.
- Created and implemented Epic training programs for all staff, physicians, and residents.
- Provided ongoing Epic support and training to all staff, physicians, and residents.
- Facilitated communication between Epic end users and analysts to address EHR needs.
- Created and managed EHR related tickets in TeamDynamix, ensuring timely resolution of issues.
- Proficient in optimizing ambulatory clinic workflows to enhance productivity.
- Conducted meetings with Operations Team, providers, and clinic staff to identify workflow issues, clarify EHR workflow requirements, provide solutions, and provide necessary training.
- Developed and implemented project plans, established timelines, tracked progress, and provided updates to stakeholders.
- Enhanced collaboration between project teams and stakeholders to maintain alignment throughout projects.
- Worked alongside Epic analysts to ensure seamless account creation for new users.
- Developed an eFax workflow that reduced costs significantly while improving patient safety.
- Developed a workflow for managing and tracking incoming referrals improving efficiency, patient safety, and reporting capabilities.
- Collaborated with Epic analysts to establish new departments and locations, ensuring accurate scheduling, billing, and clinical workflows.
- Assisted in developing EHR workflow that enabled ambulatory pharmacists to bill for Coumadin management services.
- Streamlined point of care ultrasound workflows by working with physicians, sonographers, and Epic analysts, reducing backlog of hundreds of unbilled studies.
- Developed efficient fetal non-stress test workflows, resulting in elimination of unbilled tests.
- Partnered with IT and Epic analysts to implement lab specimen label printing in select clinics, reducing labeling errors.
- Implemented immunization barcode scanning within EHR, enhancing patient safety and improving documentation accuracy.
- Created non-Epic virtual visit workflow during COVID-19 pandemic to maintain service continuity.
- Designed standardized documentation templates for pediatric department, improving quality metrics and maximizing billing.
- Implemented Epic interface with Parachute Health through collaboration with clinic staff and analysts.
- Conducted training sessions for clinic staff on electronic medication prior authorizations in Epic.
- Analyzed project data to identify improvement and optimization opportunities.
- Obtained clinical data reports for tracking quality metrics and supporting research initiatives.
- Implemented change plans aligned with strategic initiatives to improve operational efficiency.
- Assisted in risk assessments by recognizing potential challenges and suggesting actionable solutions.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT COORDINATOR
CMU Health
05.2017 - 01.2019
- Engaged with insurance payors to evaluate quality metric scores and pinpoint improvement areas.
- Analyzed payor reports to identify patients, subsequently contacting them to schedule appointments to close care gaps.
- Collaborated with patients to eliminate barriers hindering gap closure in care.
- Reviewed patient records to confirm care gaps and submitted documentation to payors for resolution.
- Developed clinic policies and procedures aligning with patient-centered medical home initiatives.
- Participated in numerous audits of patient-centered medical home initiatives.
RN HEALTH COACH
CMU Health
06.2012 - 05.2017
- Acquired certification as chronic care professional from health sciences institute.
- Educated patients and caregivers on effective chronic condition management.
- Assisted patients in setting smart goals with regular follow-up for progress assessment.
- Participated in educational workshops to maintain competency in chronic care practices.
- Reviewed professional literature to stay updated on best practices in chronic care.
- Developed training materials, including a monthly newsletter for clinic staff and providers to enhance evidence-based patient care education.
- Managed medication prior authorization requests for family medicine department efficiently.
- Assisted patients in locating community resources to overcome healthcare management barriers.
CLINICAL NURSE EDUCATOR
Covenant HealthCare
Saginaw
01.2009 - 06.2012
- Conducted classes for newly hired registered nurses to enhance clinical skills.
- Collaborated with nurse educators to provide competency training and evaluation programs.
- Monitored new employee progress during orientation, providing tailored support to enhance onboarding experience.
- Resolved preceptor concerns to facilitate smooth onboarding for new hires.
- Organized orientation for new resource team staff by creating schedules and notifying preceptors.
- Developed computerized orientation packets for all roles within resource department enabling progress tracking.
- Created newsletter to streamline communication of key information between staff meetings.
- Performed chart reviews to ensure documentation met organizational standards for resource RNs, LPNs, and CNAs.
REGISTERED NURSE, RESOURCE TEAM
Covenant HealthCare
Saginaw
01.2006 - 06.2012
- Utilized intensive care unit nursing skills while floating to medical-surgical cardiac and neuro step-down units.
- Served as express nurse and reach team nurse, assisting in cardiac and respiratory emergencies.
- Mentored non-critical care nurses during patient emergencies to enhance clinical competencies.
- Developed and implemented clinical training programs for new nursing staff to ensure effective onboarding.
REGISTERED NURSE, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Covenant HealthCare
Saginaw
08.2003 - 01.2006
- Managed comprehensive care for critically ill patients, ensuring adherence to ICU protocols and guidelines.
- Responded quickly and effectively to code blue situations for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and advanced cardiac life support.
- Responded to life-saving situations using appropriate resuscitation techniques and emergency protocols.
- Assessed health status and delivered direct patient care to ensure optimal recovery.
- Prioritized multiple tasks while maintaining excellent standards of care delivery.
- Demonstrated effective communication skills when interacting with patients and families.
- Advocated for patient needs and preferences, acting as a liaison between patients, families, and healthcare providers.
- Supervised cardiac monitors, mechanical ventilators and alarms and oxygen delivery devices.
- Observed strict safety measures, including checking medication dosages before administration to patients.
- Administered medications, monitored dosages, and observed patient reactions in a high-stakes environment.
- Managed patient pain and discomfort through effective pain management strategies, enhancing patient comfort.
- Recognized changes in patient conditions, promptly notified physicians, and implemented appropriate interventions as necessary.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive care plans.
- Participated in clinical rounds with physicians, offering insights from nursing perspective to inform patient care decisions.
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans to address specific patient needs.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of nursing interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses and outcomes.
- Assisted in complex procedures, ensuring patient safety and adherence to protocols.
- Maintained sterile environments and followed infection control guidelines consistently.
- Implemented infection control measures to prevent the spread of infections within the ICU.
- Documented patient progress and communicated changes to healthcare team members.
- Assisted in the performance of diagnostic tests and interpreted results to guide nursing care.
- Educated families on treatment plans and provided emotional support during crises.
- Coordinated discharge planning, ensuring patients transitioned safely from ICU to next level of care.
- Assisted with end-of-life decisions by providing guidance and education regarding available options.
- Functioned as charge nurse and assumed patient care in absence of nurses ending or arriving for shifts.
- Trained new nursing staff and students, sharing knowledge and best practices in critical care nursing.
- Participated in quality improvement activities aimed at improving the overall standard of care provided to ICU patients.
- Contributed to the development and revision of ICU policies and procedures to improve patient outcomes and workflow efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Saginaw Valley State University
Bay City, MI12-2008
Associate of Science - Nursing
Davenport University
Midland, MI08-2003
Skills
- EHR optimization
- Clinical content development
- Workflow improvement
- Patient safety initiatives
- Quality improvement
- Healthcare compliance practices
- Project coordination
- User training programs
- Data analysis techniques
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Team collaboration
- Communication skills
- Customer service excellence
- Confidentiality practices
Certification
- Registered Nurse License- Michigan State Board of Nursing, issued 8/8/2003
License number 4704240893 - Clinical Content Builder- Epic Certification, issued 11/2022
Timeline
EMR COORDINATOR
CMU Health
01.2019 - 08.2025
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT COORDINATOR
CMU Health
05.2017 - 01.2019
RN HEALTH COACH
CMU Health
06.2012 - 05.2017
CLINICAL NURSE EDUCATOR
Covenant HealthCare
01.2009 - 06.2012
REGISTERED NURSE, RESOURCE TEAM
Covenant HealthCare
01.2006 - 06.2012
REGISTERED NURSE, INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Covenant HealthCare
08.2003 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Saginaw Valley State University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Davenport University