Meet our Directors of Patient Services
Things are looking different in our Patient Care Services Department! In an effort to better meet the needs of our patients, families, and staff as well as maximize our resources, we have changed our nursing management structure. Lisa Susice, MSN, RN continues her role of Director of Patient Services (DOPS); however, her oversite has transitioned from Clinton and Franklin Counties to Franklin County only. Our Agency Advancement Coordinator, Jason Surprenant RN, has assumed the position of Director of Patient Services with oversite in Clinton County.
Susice and Surprenant are responsible for providing clinical leadership by directing the delivery of care and services for patients and families we serve. Although mostly operating behind the scenes by working with the interdisciplinary team to develop initial plans of care, facilitating bi-weekly Interdisciplinary Team meetings (to ensure patient needs are being met), advocating for patients, and providing other assistance as required by patients, families, or clinical staff; it is not uncommon to see the DOPS joining a nurse on a home visit, attending meetings with referral sources, speaking at healthcare or community events, and much more! As members of the leadership team, they help shape and execute a strategic plan that is designed to ensure patients and families receive exceptional end-of-life care.
In addition to his new DOPS role, Surprenant acts as our Agency Advancement Coordinator. His role is to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations relating to hospice care by developing, implementing, and maintaining an effective, ongoing, data-driven quality assessment and performance improvement program. He collects, analyzes, and reports on data collected from surveys that are sent out to caregivers. We use this valuable data to look for trends and ways we can improve the quality of care and education we deliver to those under our care.
Prior to joining Hospice of the North Country, Surprenant worked 3rd shift on all the Medical/Surgical Units and became a Team Leader (charge nurse) on the Medical/Surgical-Oncology unit at CVPH. Jason received certifications in both Medical/Surgical nursing and Oncology. Prior to nursing, he worked as a Research Scientist at Pfizer Drug Safety and Metabolism in Chazy. Jason has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing and Medical Laboratory Technology from Clinton Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the State University. “Hospice of the North Country is one of the highest rated hospices in the state, one of a few that received a 5 Star status,” said Surprenant. “I look forward to working with area providers to provide the best possible care for members of our community. I am truly blessed to work with so many caring and compassionate people.”
Susice attended State University of New York at Canton to earn her Associate’s in Applied Science, Nursing, degree; she continued her education at Western Governors University to earn her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Management. Lisa’s 22-year nursing career includes experience in addictions, occupational, medical, and overseeing a medical/surgical and an intensive care unit. “Hospice of the North Country has helped me realize healthcare does not have to be about cure, as care becomes more important when treatment is no longer a benevolent option for a patient,” said Susice. “I have learned to embrace death as much as life, I’m not saying it is easy for those who survive the death of a loved one, but it certainly can be beautiful when in familiar surroundings, shared by those who are loved, and experienced with dignity and peace. I look forward to many more years of helping patients and families create meaningful memories, when they mean the most.”
