Describe what you do at ITS in one sentence:

 I’m a nurse who uses my clinical background to be the “interpreter” between healthcare’s operational needs, wants, and desires with our IT side as the solver of all problems and to help create the best possible IT process. 

Name something about the work you or your team does that you are most proud of: 

I am most proud of our Informatics team and our ability to help pull back the layers of an issue to allow us and other teams we interact with to better understand not only their processes and where we can make improvements for them but also how their workflow impacts other areas as well. I have the opportunity to work with every aspect of healthcare; Inpatient, Procedural,  Pharmacy, Lab, Rad and Ambulatory, Outreach, Registration, Referrals, Revenue Cycle, Compliance, Credentialing, Telemedicine, MyChart, Data Analytics, Medical Records and anything else you can think of. When we all take the time to see the big picture and understand the “Why” behind a process, we are supposed to be following in the long run leads to fewer issues and workarounds, and the established workflows deliver what they are intended to do. I feel most proud when someone walks away from an interaction with me with a new understanding or perspective of something. 

What is something you enjoy doing outside of work?

 Over the past 2 years, in my spare time, my boyfriend and I have remodeled 2 homes. I’m also starting my 2nd year in my DNP program for Executive Leadership here at UK. Between that and my 6th grader’s sports I’m currently enjoying prioritizing “me time” when able. With everything going on it's easy to get my head down and focus on the never-ending to-do list and I am practicing being kind to myself when it all doesn’t turn out the way I planned. I love all kinds of music and enjoy live music but haven’t had much time for it. I also have a secret love for DCI (Drum Corps International) you’ll find marching bands on some of my playlists. 

Best advice you ever received?  

There are 2 things, about 18 years ago when going back to school for my BSN I had to interview my nurse manager for a paper and I asked her what she would go back to tell her younger self. She told me, “The work will always be there no matter how much extra time you put in after hours, there will always be something else that comes up that needs your attention. Your family may not, so make sure you make time for them and yourself, the work will still be there tomorrow”.  I also received a graduation gift from high school. It’s a handmade plaque that says “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as unsolvable problems!” I keep that above my desk as inspiration to not be afraid to try and tackle any problem no matter how big.