For more than 30 years Suzanne has been involved in direct patient contact in a wide variety of health care settings. This has given her an in-depth understanding of what patients need and how to increase trust, satisfaction, and their motivation to take care of their health. She has been a healthcare organizational consultant for almost 20 years, guiding major changes in many hospital, home care, hospice, and rehabilitation organizations. She consults with out-patient and in-patient health care leaders and staff to create productive teams and system improvements and create loyal customers and staff. She is nationally known for her practical, creative, humorous and time-saving strategies to improve systems and interpersonal effectiveness of inter-personal communication. Suzanne is a dynamic speaker who possesses the unique capacity to motivate the entire health care team to change the way they interact with patients and each other. Suzanne has authored numerous articles, audiotapes, and videotapes. She is known as the Referral Coach for physicians and office managers who want to double their referrals.

Background:

Suzanne O?Connor graduated from Villanova University with a BSN in 1968 and earned a Masters in Psychiatric Nursing from Boston University in 1973. She is ANA Certified as a Psychiatric Clinical Specialist and is an active member of the National Speakers Association and the New England Independent Health Care Consultants. She started as an out-patient therapist in Malden?s Community Mental Health Center and a Psychiatric Laison Nurse at Malden Hospital (1972-75). Since 1975 Suzanne has been a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Emergency Department and consultant to in-patient and out-patient units at Massachusetts General Hospital In the PCNS role, Suzanne has over 30 years of experience with acute and chronic patients and families with a wide range of behavioral and adjustment needs. Suzanne has taught graduate students at Boston College, Boston University, Simmons College, University of Hartford, and Institute of Health Professionals.