One of Us: Lisa Okoniewski
One of Us is a series that provides a glimpse into the working world of USA Health, one employee at a time.
What’s your job title, and what does it entail?
My job title is patient care coordinator I, and it entails many different things, including taking messages for the patient to send to their doctors and nurses. I answer patients’ questions, and if a patient is returning a phone call, I transfer them to the nurse or to another department or area. If a patient needs to reschedule an appointment with one of our doctors, I reschedule the appointment, and if it’s not with one of the MCI doctors, I transfer them to the other doctor’s office.
What is your favorite or most rewarding part of your position?
It is rewarding to help the patients, whether it is to get a message to their doctor or nurse or even to just listen to them and try to help them with their sorrow or issues. It makes me feel happy when I can make someone’s day better or make them feel special. I think my favorite thing is talking to the patients and getting to know them as human beings, not just as our patients.
What originally made you want to join USA Health?
I was looking for a career change after my mother passed away from pancreatic cancer. I knew about USA Health and decided to see if they were hiring. Thankfully, I was hired on at the MCI phone room.
How long have you been with USA Health?
Since March 20, 2021.
What has working with USA Health taught you?
Working here has taught me that everyone needs someone’s understanding, and no matter where we work, everyone is a human being first, then a patient. I have learned to be a better listener and to make sure all patients know they are important.
Do you have any goals you want to achieve in the health system?
I am hoping to be accepted into the graduate program at USA to achieve my master’s in clinical mental health counseling or master’s in psychology with a behavioral and brain sciences emphasis. My goal is to help people with their grief or issues in their lives. I think everyone deserves to have an outlet to be able to talk and discuss how they are feeling, especially since I know how it feels to have no one to talk to about grief or other issues in life.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime outside of work?
I have many pastimes, including traveling to Florida and the beaches. My boyfriend owns a jet ski, so we go on adventures in Florida and Alabama, and we have seen many cool and exciting things, including dolphins swimming next to us. I enjoy spending time with my granddaughter, who is 5 and keeps me young. I love to take walks, shop and read.
Do you have any advice for people who want to work in the health system?
Enjoy your job! Be patient with others, especially now with all that’s going on in the world and since you never know when you might be the patient and not the healthcare worker.
