Kathleen Mackenzie, Behavioral Health Clinical Nurse Manager, is “Like the Keel of a Ship through Stormy Waters”

Mackenzie Named Day Kimball Healthcare's Employee of the Month for June, 2015

Some things about behavioral health care are universally true, no matter the time or place: it’s critical to the community, it has the power to change lives, and it’s extremely hard work. There’s one more thing that’s held constant at Day Kimball Healthcare for the last ten years, and that’s Kathleen Mackenzie, clinical nurse manager. Her colleagues have described her as strong, courageous and committed – the common thread and steady keel that has helped to grow and strengthen the department to what it is today. And that’s why they’ve voted her Day Kimball Healthcare’s Employee of the Month for June.

As clinical nurse manager of the Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit at Day Kimball Hospital, Kate (as her friends call her) is responsible for the management of patient care on the unit, leading and supporting staff to ensure effective and compassionate care. She also works closely with behavioral health crisis workers in the Emergency Department to facilitate prompt and coordinated care for those patients who require admission to the inpatient unit. And she serves as a behavioral health liaison to the rest of the hospital as well, building relationships and processes to enhance patient care.

A resident of Putnam, where she lives with her husband Chas and their three children, Kate has deep ties and a strong commitment to the Northeast Connecticut community. When her colleagues from across DKH gathered recently to celebrate her selection as Employee of the Month, that dedication shone through in her only comments, which were to thank her team instead of simply accepting congratulations for herself.

“These are tough times in health care, and especially in Behavioral Health. But together we get it done, and we do it really well, and I’m so proud to be a part of that team. So thank you,” she said.

As Kate’s colleagues each said a few words a common theme emerged - Kate’s steady presence and consistent vision in providing the best possible care for patients over the years. She has been, as John O’Keefe, VP, Patient Services noted, “the common thread” in behavioral health services at Day Kimball over the last decade. During that time the need for behavioral health services has grown exponentially nationwide, and the need in Northeast Connecticut has been no exception.

“Over all that time and through all that change she has stayed the path,” O’Keefe said, adding “she has kept the true vision of what our hospital and our community needed in behavioral health. [She brings] a certain way of helping others to understand what the changing needs are and how we can change and grow to better meet them. The fact that she understands the ins and outs of the Emergency Department and can help to bridge that gap from the ED to behavioral health services is also a rare gift, and I know our patients who come to us for help in crisis are better served because of it.”

Dr. Andre Bessette, Chief Psychologist of Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health at Day Kimball, echoed O’Keefe’s statements. “I liken Kate to the keel of a ship – it’s the stuff you don’t see happening under the water line that really sets the course. We have the best keel around in Kate. She helped to sail me through some difficult waters as I was getting acclimated when I first came on board at Day Kimball, and now our child and adolescent program is in a great position,” Bessette said.

Albert Vario, Director of Behavioral Health, praised Kate’s dedication to her patients and her impact she has on the quality of behavioral health care at DKH. “Kate is completely dedicated to the many people we support through our programs,” he said. “She is a tireless advocate for a clientele that oftentimes is unable to advocate for themselves, and she is completely invested in the recovery of each of our patients. We are a better organization and a better provider of behavioral health services because of Kate and her limitless energy, enthusiasm and love of what she does.”

As others addressed Kate, a mingling of professional and personal memories and praise was expressed, as perhaps is only possible in a small community like Northeast Connecticut and a tightly-knit organization like Day Kimball Healthcare.

Chief medical Officer and VP, Medical Affairs and Quality, Dr. John Graham, recalled carpooling with Kate to take their children to school as her now full-grown son, who attended the celebration, smiled at the memory. Dr. Graham also related how his wife, who taught Kate at Three Rivers Community College, still raves about her and is proud of the work she’s now doing.

Barbara Chubbuck, administrative assistant in the DKH Human Resources Department, said excitedly, “I knew you when you were a unicorn!” referring to Kate’s childhood little league team, which Barbara coached. “She’s got a lot of things going for her, but I think it all started when she was a kid – maybe her coach’s influence,” she joked.

But President and CEO Robert Smanik perhaps summed it up best when he said, “With Kate, it really comes from the heart. In every community hospital I’ve been a part of, behavioral health is critical. It’s needed everywhere, but there are always many challenges and it takes a remarkable group of people to do this kind of work. It takes not only clinical expertise but also courage and commitment – and Kate delivers all of that with a smile on her face every single day. It’s truly a gift, and I couldn’t be more impressed.”