Transforming family practice: One nurse’s story


7KLV LV WKH ¿UVW RI WKH $31V 7UDQVIRUPLQJ &DUH VHULHV EURXJKW to you by the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future.


By Janice Petrella Lynch, MSN, RN I


n the mid 1990s, Marcy Bergeron, MS, ANP, RN, felt the pro- fession she knew and loved was in crisis and patient care was at risk. “Patient assignments had more than doubled in many


facilities and mandatory overtime had become the standard, resulting in a demoralized nurse workforce and the inability to provide quality care,” she said. Going through appropriate organizational channels, she worked


to effect change. When unsuccessful, Bergeron decided to do something more. “Seeking higher education seemed to be the best solution. I hoped it would give me more control over my practice and allow me to advocate for safe care and influence care delivery by developing new care models,” said Bergeron, who enrolled at Northeastern University and earned a BSN and MSN, majoring in the adult primary care nurse practitioner tract. Simultaneously, she shifted her practice from inpatient nursing


to ambulatory care and learned about the many clinical opportu- nities there. “It was more exciting, challenging and rewarding than I had expected, and with this new perspective it was easy to make the decision to pursue my advanced nursing degree,” she said. Bergeron has worked in a wide variety of settings and spe-


cialties, including NICU, ICU, ED, cardiac step down, med/surg, urban health centers, family planning, diabetes education, urgent care, third world relief work, outpatient pediatric allergy, an HIV program and a group home for disabled children. As an NP, Bergeron has been a primary care provider for mostly


non-English speaking patients and immigrants with challenging conditions and cultural barriers to self-care. She always had an interest in chronic disease management, and now, as director of clinical operations and nursing for primary care at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, she created a primary care, nurse-led initiative addressing care transitions. Serving as nurse leader, along with a physician and administrative director, she oversees the operations of 21 MGH-affiliated primary care practices and health centers with more than 160,000 patients. Bergeron promotes professional nursing practice, leads Magnet efforts, mentors nurse


leaders and oversees primary care quality and safety with a physician colleague. “Practicing at an academic medical center with so many


Marcy Bergeron MS, RN, ANP


educated and talented people, I feel it has been critical to have an advanced degree. I have gained the respect of my colleagues and have the necessary knowledge base when tackling complex problems and diagnostic dilemmas,” she said. Modest about her achievements, Bergeron credits her colleagues for the success of the various initiatives she has led. Among her many accomplishments, Bergeron designed an


evidence-based diabetes care model, now the model for all MGH primary care practices; created and implemented a post discharge call effort resulting in higher reimbursements and decreased re- admissions; developed a patient education center that expanded to a web presence for 25,000 patients; optimized patient regis- tries as part of a widespread population management effort; and spearheaded establishment of a primary care nurse leader council. “In primary care we now have a much greater emphasis on


population health, caring for a group of patients outside of the traditional office visit.” Bergeron said. “This shift requires a dif- ferent nursing skill set and a new set of proficiencies, especially given the fact that patients are currently being discharged earlier and are much sicker. The telephone is our stethoscope, and keeping patients healthy and safe at home is our ultimate goal.” Bergeron shares words of wisdom with those who wish to


obtain an advanced practice degree. “Timing is important. Try to be at a place in your personal life where you feel you can do it and succeed. You will be challenged and it may be difficult at times, especially if you work full time. Spend time with other nurses who value and encourage your educational pursuits. Find a mentor who will provide you with the support and inspiration you need. Go for it!” •


Janice Petrella Lynch, MSN, RN, is nurse editor/nurse executive. 13


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18