Lisa McKenzie
North Augusta,SC
Summary
Versatile and dedicated registered nurse with more than 30 years of experience in various acute care settings providing top quality care and expert clinical skills as well as collaboration within a multidisciplinary team environment to safely and effectively care for patients.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse - Perioperative Services
Wellstar MCG
Augusta, GA
01.2021 - Current
- Organized patient records, test results, and medical information for the surgical team's review.
- Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring vital signs and promptly intervening when necessary during procedures.
- Conducted pre-surgical health assessments and identified potential risks.
- Implemented and monitored pain management protocols for postoperative patients as per established guidelines.
- Safeguarded the well-being of staff members and patients in all aspects of operative procedures.
- Provided postoperative care by monitoring vital signs, administering medications, changing dressings, and offering emotional support.
- Educated families on perioperative nursing care practices and procedures.
Registered Nurse - Critical Care
Augusta University Medical Center
Augusta, GA
11.2008 - Current
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Assisted physicians during examinations or surgical procedures.
- Created, implemented and evaluated patient care plans with medical team.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions and side effects.
- Evaluated patients, recognized and addressed complications and coordinated treatment with other members of critical care team.
- Maintained thorough, accurate and confidential documentation in electronic medical records.
- Assessed patient needs, prioritized treatment, maintained patient flows and assisted physicians with non-invasive procedures.
- Advocated for patients by supporting and respecting basic rights, values, and beliefs.
- Monitored patients after surgery, answered questions, and provided home care strategies.
- Collected lab specimens, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests and lab results.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Trained and mentored new RNs on best practices, hospital policies and standards of care.
- Maintained a safe environment for all patients by adhering to infection control policies and procedures.
- Actively participated in quality improvement initiatives within the department.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory agencies such as The Joint Commission and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Registered Nurse - Home Hospice
Regency Home Health Care
Augusta, GA
12.2008 - 01.2012
- Provided emotional support and comfort to families during difficult times.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other healthcare professionals to develop individualized treatment plans for each patient.
- Instructed patients on proper self-care techniques at home following discharge from the hospital.
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care for assigned patients.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
- Monitored and managed various treatment and care interventions.
- Evaluated effectiveness of interventions through ongoing assessment of patient responses.
Clinical Informatics Specialist
Augusta University Medical Center
Augusta, GA
10.2006 - 11.2008
- Recommended changes or improvements in existing training processes as needed.
- Adapted teaching methods according to the needs of individual learners or groups.
- Created multimedia presentations with PowerPoint and video conferencing tools.
- Designed and developed training materials for new employees in the organization.
- Documented all training activities including attendance records, feedback forms, surveys.
- Conducted onboarding sessions to orientate new staff members about company policies and procedures.
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to tight deadlines.
- Resolved any issues raised by participants during the training session in a timely manner.
- Provided constructive feedback and positive reinforcement to keep trainees motivated.
- Evaluated modes of training delivery to optimize training effectiveness, training costs or environmental impacts.
- Scheduled classes based on availability of classrooms, equipment or instructors.
- Worked collaboratively across departments and with various stakeholders to deliver comprehensive, effective training sessions.
- Assisted with implementation of new technologies and upgrades for existing clinical information systems.
- Performed quality assurance testing of clinical information systems prior to deployment.
- Conducted user training sessions on the proper usage of clinical information systems.
Ambulatory Care Nurse
Augusta University Medical Center
Augusta, GA
07.2002 - 09.2006
- Performed comprehensive physical assessments on patients including charting findings in the EHR system.
- Coordinated communication between providers, staff, family members and community resources to promote optimal patient care.
- Monitored vital signs, administered medications, and performed other treatments as ordered by physicians.
- Conducted follow up calls post-discharge from hospitalization to assess needs for further assistance or referral sources.
- Provided patient education to ensure understanding of disease process, medications and treatment options.
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to provide exceptional patient care services.
- Recognized emergent situations requiring rapid assessment and intervention; responded quickly to stabilize the situation.
- Ensured compliance with safety standards within the ambulatory care setting by monitoring equipment operation and maintenance regularly.
- Conducted specified laboratory tests to help detect conditions and determine diagnosis.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
- Assessed risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, providing appropriate interventions when needed.
- Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency of nursing processes.
Medical Surgical Nurse
Augusta University Medical Center
Augusta, GA
01.2001 - 07.2002
- Provided direct patient care for medical-surgical patients with various diagnoses such as heart failure, COPD and diabetes.
- Participated in multidisciplinary rounds to discuss treatment plans for complex cases.
- Monitored vital signs, assessed patient condition and notified physicians of any changes or concerns.
- Reviewed lab results, X-rays, scans and other diagnostic tests with physicians.
- Educated patients and families on medical and surgical procedures, medication regimens, and pain management.
- Maintained a safe environment by following infection control policies and procedures.
- Ensured proper documentation of all nursing interventions in the electronic medical record system.
- Managed post-operative pain control measures for surgical patients utilizing pharmacological agents.
- Performed wound care, medication administration and IV therapy according to physician orders.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
- Performed comprehensive assessments to identify patient needs, devise care plans, modify care solutions, and support patient rights.
Cardiovascular Nurse
Sterling Medical Corporation
Augusta, GA
04.2000 - 01.2001
- Maintained current knowledge base regarding evidence-based practices related to cardiovascular nursing.
- Performed complete physical assessments of patients with cardiovascular conditions, including taking vital signs and recording medical histories.
- Conducted post-operative assessments to evaluate effectiveness of treatments.
- Provided emotional support for patients and their families dealing with difficult diagnoses or prognoses.
- Assisted physicians in the management and treatment of acute and chronic cardiac conditions, such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias and valvular diseases.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for patients.
- Identified changes in patient condition or behavior that require intervention or notification of physician and provider.
- Advocated for patient needs with interdisciplinary team and implemented outlined treatment plans.
- Responded to emergency situations with speed, expertise and level-headed approaches to provide optimal care, support and life-saving interventions.
Medical-Surgical LPN
University Hospital and Clinics
Augusta, GA
05.1999 - 04.2000
- Assisted with postoperative recovery by monitoring vital signs.
- Monitored patients for changes in condition, reporting any observed changes to the physician or nurse supervisor.
- Assisted physicians with procedures, such as wound care and suturing.
- Collaborated with other healthcare team members to ensure quality patient care.
- Provided patient education on medications and health conditions.
- Performed routine laboratory tests such as urinalysis, CBCs, and EKGs.
- Performed patient assessments, including vital signs and physical examinations.
- Administered prescribed medications or started intravenous fluids, noting times and amounts on patient charts.
- Provided pre- and post-operative nursing care.
- Collected blood, urine or sputum from patients to perform routine laboratory tests.
Agency Nurse
Firstat Nursing
Atlanta, GA
09.1997 - 05.1999
- Provided comprehensive patient care across 26 Metro Atlanta Hospitals and medical facilities, demonstrating proficiency in diverse acute care and clinical settings such as home health care, correctional healthcare, and private duty care.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess patient needs and provide appropriate interventions.
- Provided direct patient care, including wound care, medication administration and IV therapy.
- Adhered strictly to infection control guidelines while providing quality patient care.
- Responded quickly and effectively to emergent situations requiring immediate attention.
- Assessed patient conditions, monitored behaviors and updated supervising physicians with observations and concerns.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Mother-Baby Nurse
Georgia Baptist Medical Center
Atlanta, GA
09.1996 - 09.1997
- Counseled patients on nutrition, exercise, stress management and breastfeeding concerns.
- Provided comprehensive nursing care for postpartum mothers and newborns.
- Participated in discharge planning activities for new mothers and babies leaving the hospital setting.
- Responded quickly to any medical emergencies related to the mother or baby.
- Maintained accurate records of all patient interactions including vital signs, treatments administered and patient progress notes.
- Educated new parents on infant feeding, bathing, circumcision and other newborn care techniques.
- Collaborated with physicians to develop patient treatment plans based on individual needs.
- Helped patients and families feel comfortable during challenging and stressful situations, promoting recovery and reducing compliance issues.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Medical Surgical Nurse
Georgia Baptist Medical Center
Atlanta, GA
04.1993 - 09.1996
- Provided direct patient care for medical-surgical patients with various diagnoses such as heart failure, COPD and diabetes.
- Participated in multidisciplinary rounds to discuss treatment plans for complex cases.
- Maintained accurate documentation in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with other health care team members to facilitate quality patient care.
- Managed post-operative pain control measures for surgical patients utilizing pharmacological agents.
- Performed wound care, medication administration and IV therapy according to physician orders.
- Monitored vital signs, assessed patient condition and notified physicians of any changes or concerns.
- Implemented strategies to reduce risk factors associated with hospital acquired infections.
- Provided emotional support and encouragement to patients and their families during times of distress.
Gastroenterology Nurse
Peachtree Gastroenterology
Atlanta, GA
11.1992 - 04.1993
- Provided nursing care for patients with various medical diagnoses and treatments.
- Educated patients on their medical condition, treatment plans, and self-care management techniques.
- Assessed and monitored patient health conditions, including vital signs such as temperature, pulse rate and blood pressure.
- Managed multiple tasks simultaneously while prioritizing urgent requests from physicians or nurses.
- Educated patients, caregivers and families on diagnoses, treatment options and disease prevention.
- Used sterile techniques to prepare patients for procedures.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
- Prepared medical equipment and tools to aid physician during examination and treatment of patients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT01-2019
Associate of Science - Nursing
Aiken Technical College
Graniteville, SC07-2008
Diploma - Practical Nursing
Augusta Technical College
Augusta, GA09-1992
Skills
- Care Planning
- Strong Clinical Judgment
- Medical assessment
- IV and venipuncture certified
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Patient and Family Education
- Culturally-sensitive care
- Direct Patient Care
- Medication Administration
- Critical Care
- Infectious disease control
Certification
- Registered Professional Nurse since 2008
- Certified Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) since 2008
- Certified Basic Life Support (BLS) since 1992
- Certified Medical Surgical Nurse (CMSRN) since 2018
- Certified Basic Life Support Instructor (BLSI) since 2018
Timeline
Registered Nurse - Perioperative Services
Wellstar MCG
01.2021 - Current
Registered Nurse - Home Hospice
Regency Home Health Care
12.2008 - 01.2012
Registered Nurse - Critical Care
Augusta University Medical Center
11.2008 - Current
Clinical Informatics Specialist
Augusta University Medical Center
10.2006 - 11.2008
Ambulatory Care Nurse
Augusta University Medical Center
07.2002 - 09.2006
Medical Surgical Nurse
Augusta University Medical Center
01.2001 - 07.2002
Cardiovascular Nurse
Sterling Medical Corporation
04.2000 - 01.2001
Medical-Surgical LPN
University Hospital and Clinics
05.1999 - 04.2000
Agency Nurse
Firstat Nursing
09.1997 - 05.1999
Mother-Baby Nurse
Georgia Baptist Medical Center
09.1996 - 09.1997
Medical Surgical Nurse
Georgia Baptist Medical Center
04.1993 - 09.1996
Gastroenterology Nurse
Peachtree Gastroenterology
11.1992 - 04.1993
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Western Governors University
Associate of Science - Nursing
Aiken Technical College
Diploma - Practical Nursing
Augusta Technical College