Lisa Watkins provides patient centered care as demonstrated by developing unique relationships with many of our patients and their families. Lisa has the ability to develop a great rapport with many patients and families, making the best of their worst days, and their journey much more endurable. She treats many of our patients as if they are her own family and she has a good time with them. Shortly after Lisa started in Oncology she commented one day that "The patients' courage inspires me". Lisa has supported and personalized the care of her patients as they face other life events such as family issues and end-of life concerns. Lisa is actively involved with and advocates for her patients as demonstrated in the following examples.
We had a patient from Loves Park, IL who learned late in the day that he needed to start on chemotherapy. Lisa stayed late to coordinate all of the pre-treatment tests, port placement consult and did chemotherapy teaching to ensure the patient did not have to drive back a second day from Loves Park.
Another example of advocating for patients involved a young lady who was coming to Monroe Clinic for IV antibiotic therapy from an ordering physician in Madison. Lisa noticed it was a challenge for her to come in for antibiotic infusions on a consistent schedule. Lisa contacted the physician in Madison to discuss and develop an alternative, safer and more effective treatment regimen for the patient.
Lisa exemplifies excellent clinical skills and decision-making capabilities becoming a certified Oncology nurse in 2014 through the Professional Development Program. She completed her PDP project focusing on patients starting on oral chemotherapy, ensuring patients were properly educated on the side effects, safe handling and compliance with taking the medication. Lisa actively participated in presenting the first Interdisciplinary Case study in 2015, working closely with Clinical Education, Dr. D and the patient to research and prepare the presentation. Lisa is currently assisting in teaching a Central Venous Access Device Class for all Registered Nurses on a quarterly basis.
Lisa is kind and consistently treats patients, families and co-workers in a compassionate and respectful manner. I admire the relationships she builds with so many of our patients. The patient and his partner looked forward to seeing Lisa each visit and if they didn't see her, they would ask where she was. When she had to say good-bye to the patient, she stayed in touch with his partner.
She has the ability to use humor to ease tension and calm a situation, and that is also a way of sharing her compassion. We recently had a patient pass away. We received a letter from his wife afterwards and she commented that Lisa did the chemotherapy teaching almost 3 years ago. She and her husband still remembered that visit and how Lisa helped them realize that receiving treatment in Monroe versus in Zion, IL would be the best thing for them. Lisa commented to the couple that coming for treatment and managing the cancer would become their "new normal". The wife commented in the letter what a lasting impression Lisa made on them. These are just a few examples of how Lisa provides exceptional care while treating patients with dignity and respect.
Lisa develops productive one-on-one relationships with the healthcare team as demonstrated by: working well with the Beacon support staff during the building and implementation of the Beacon module and the Oncology team in creating workflows within Beacon. Lisa possesses natural leadership qualities that she applies in Oncology and on the committees she serves on. She shares her past experiences to improve processes within the department on a daily basis. Lisa has also assisted with precepting new hires in Oncology over the past several years. Lisa frequently goes above and beyond her normal duties and is recognized her as an outstanding nurse by patients, families and staff.