Leigh Hartig, BSN, RN
Summary
Experienced Registered Nurse with over 10 years in bariatric surgery and medical-surgical nursing. Led multidisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes through quality improvement and evidence-based practices. Developed staff training programs and championed patient-centered care initiatives.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
BARIATRIC SURGERY NURSE COORDINATOR
Mayo Clinic Hospital
Phoenix, AZ
01.2023 - Current
- Coordinate the continuum of care for bariatric surgery patients from initial consultation through long-term postoperative follow-up.
- Facilitate communication among patients, surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, and multidisciplinary team members to ensure seamless care delivery.
- Provide comprehensive patient and family education regarding surgical procedures, recovery expectations, lifestyle modifications, and long-term success strategies.
- Conduct telephone triage and clinical assessments to support patient safety and timely intervention.
- Manage insurance authorization requirements and documentation for bariatric surgery candidates.
- Ensure program compliance with Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) standards.
- Educate incoming surgical residents on bariatric patient management and program protocols.
PRECEPTOR
Mayo Clinic Hospital
Phoenix, AZ
05.2014 - Current
- Mentored and trained newly hired nurses, graduate nurses, and travel nurses.
- Evaluated clinical competencies and provided constructive feedback to support professional growth.
- Served as a role model for evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and professional excellence.
AMBULATORY GENERAL SURGERY NURSE
Mayo Clinic Hospital
Phoenix, AZ
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Delivered preoperative and postoperative education to surgical patients and their families.
- Triaged patient phone calls and electronic portal messages, ensuring prompt clinical assessment and intervention.
- Served as a liaison between patients, surgeons, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams.
- Assisted with wound care management and minor office procedures.
- Coordinated care across multiple clinical settings to optimize patient outcomes and continuity of care.
RELIEF TEAM LEAD
Mayo Clinic Hospital
Phoenix, AZ
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Coordinated staffing assignments and patient care resources for nursing teams.
- Supported staff and patients during critical situations and high-acuity events.
- Fostered collaboration among nursing staff, physicians, and allied health professionals.
- Served as a resource for electronic medical record workflows and clinical documentation.
- Ensured adherence to organizational policies, procedures, and quality standards.
- Promoted a positive work environment focused on patient satisfaction and staff engagement.
INPATIENT REGISTERED NURSE, MEDICAL-SURGICAL UNIT
Mayo Clinic Hospital
Phoenix, AZ
02.2015 - 01.2021
- Provided comprehensive nursing care to acute medical-surgical patients in a high-acuity hospital setting.
- Applied critical thinking and evidence-based practice to enhance patient outcomes in acute care.
- Collaborated effectively with physicians, therapists, pharmacists, and interdisciplinary team members.
- Provided culturally competent care and advocated for diverse patient populations to ensure equitable treatment.
- Exhibited servant leadership, professionalism, and compassion while maintaining accountability in a fast-paced environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ12-2014
Associate degree - Coursework
Glendale Community College
Phoenix, AZ01-2012
Skills
- Patient triage
- Surgical education
- Clinical documentation
- EPIC records
- Continuum coordination
- Patient education
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Leadership skills
- Time management
- Patient advocacy
Quality Improvement
- Evidence-Based Practice Conference Poster and Podium Presenter (2015)
- Bronze Quality Certification.
- Active participant in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives
Awards Recognition
- Evidence-Based Practice Conference Poster and Podium Presentation Recognition (2015)
- Multiple DAISY Award Nominations
Professional Development Achievements
- Developed three new Registered Nurse positions within the Department of Surgery at Mayo Clinic
- Created and delivered staff education supporting Magnet accreditation initiatives
- Participated in Safe Patient Handling educational videos and live staff training events
- Epic Super User
- Safe Patient Handling Champion
Leadership Committee Involvement
- Unit Based Council Member, 2015-Present
- Unit Based Committee Co-Chair, 2025- Present
- Nursing Excellence Champions Subcommittee Member, 2025- Present
Timeline
BARIATRIC SURGERY NURSE COORDINATOR
Mayo Clinic Hospital
01.2023 - Current
AMBULATORY GENERAL SURGERY NURSE
Mayo Clinic Hospital
01.2021 - 01.2023
RELIEF TEAM LEAD
Mayo Clinic Hospital
01.2019 - 01.2021
INPATIENT REGISTERED NURSE, MEDICAL-SURGICAL UNIT
Mayo Clinic Hospital
02.2015 - 01.2021
PRECEPTOR
Mayo Clinic Hospital
05.2014 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Grand Canyon University
Associate degree - Coursework
Glendale Community College