I started working in the dialysis industry almost thirty years ago. How is that even possible!!! All I know is that my son was a toddler and now he has two of his own! I started as an LPN in a hospital-based program in Fargo, ND. It was a great way to learn. We were an all nurse clinic with a 2:1 ratio. We had a great connection with our patients...we even had time to play cribbage with them!
Times have definitely changed, but my passion for quality has not. After a couple of years, I went back for my RN. At that time there were no openings for RN's in the ONE dialysis clinic in Fargo, so I moved to Denver and started a twenty-year career with DaVita. From a staff RN in the chronic and acute settings, Facility Administrator to Director of Clinical Services, I had many great opportunities, including traveling the world helping dialysis clinics/staff, that helped me grow personally and professionally.
I've always had the "innovative bug", being one of those crazy few that actually like change! For me, status quo was status no. I continually sought ways to make things better for the patients and staff. In the past five years, I took that passion to the next level. First, I went back to school and got my Masters in Healthcare Innovation. I enjoyed that program so much that I stayed on and taught a few courses! Secondly, I took that (very scary) leap of faith, quit my (twenty year) job and joined my husband and our business partner in our company ScheduleWise. We are a patient and staff scheduling tool made specific for the dialysis industry. This tool is currently in over 2300 clinics nationally. We pride ourselves on offering more than a tool, rather our support and guidance as you use the tool to create a smooth workflow, allowing your nurses to be nurses and technicians the time needed to provide quality care!
In my spare (work) time, I am working on a second project called SurveyWise. The website is up and running and two tools are in the works to help dialysis clinics/organizations become and remain survey ready. I look forward to continuing to find ways/tools to help dialysis clinics and organizations go from good to great!
In my spare (non-work) time, I enjoy time with my husband, three boys, two daughters in law and FIVE wonderful grandchildren! Yes, life is good. Very good.