Lisa Purser is the Patient Care Manager for IP3 Integrate Integrated Pediatric Pain & Palliative Care

Here's what Lisa’s nominators have to say about her:

“Lisa is a champion of our IP3 service, alongside the other services that she manages. During my time at UCSF, IP3 has tremendously grown under her direction.” Luvleen Kaur, IP3

“Lisa Purser has been an integral part in building our Integrated Pediatric Pain & Palliative care program into what it is today. Her direction has guided so many to work towards an amazing vision for care for the pediatric patients and their families. Her leadership and passion are inspiring and she even finds time to volunteer at EVERY UCSF BENIOFF CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL fundraiser!!!” Nikki Tobia, Special Events

Tell us about your UCSF journey:  24 years ago, I began my career at UCSF.   As a bedside nurse, I worked with an amazing team of nurses who took me under their wing and instilled several beliefs and values that shaped the nurse I am today: teamwork is key to success, trust your colleagues, always listen, be flexible, ask questions, utilize your resources, and most importantly, the patient/family always comes first (no matter how busy you are).  I quickly learned my passion was in pain management and palliative care.  Eager to learn how the system worked, I joined the hospital pain committee and the pediatric palliative care committee.  I became a nurse manager because I wanted to improve the quality of care we delivered at the bedside for our patients/families and improve the environment for our staff.

What I’ve enjoyed most over the course of the last 10 years in nursing management, is working collaboratively with many departments and specialty services within the organization.  

From building and moving into the new children’s hospital to collaborating with the Osher Center and developing an integrative therapies program for BCH, I’ve embraced the innovative opportunities and challenges sent my way.  Since nurses are fierce patient advocates, I’ve built a strong foundation for skilled nursing staff  and expertise for all my programs.  The Pediatric Prepare Clinic is a nurse/nurse practitioner run clinic and I’m so proud of how this program has grown. IP3 is an interdisciplinary team that provides comprehensive pain, palliative care consultation to our pediatric patients. In addition, I  worked collaboratively with Osher Center to develop an integrative therapies to BCH that is coordinated by nursing. We offer acupuncture and massage therapy services in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I continue to build the non-pharmacologic modalities offered at BCH as it is important to provide comprehensive care to our pediatric patients. I am always searching for ways to improve the patient experience and patient safety.  Anything we can do to make their journey just a bit easier is a key component to our success.

Do you have a favorite song? The Beatles: within you without you/tomorrow never knows.

If you had to choose an anthem what would it be?  Don’t rain on my parade.

What’s your ideal weather? I love the Texas  summer heat.  I love the sight and sound of the heat.

If you could go anywhere for a day, where would you go? If I could go anywhere for a day, it would be Monterey/Carmel CA. I love the emerald green water, and swimming at San Carlos Beach. 

What advice would you give To a woman entering your field today?  Be flexible, things are always constantly changing, and every problem you face is a learning opportunity.   Actively listen to people when they are talking. Trust your gut (that nursing gut feeling), and Always ask questions because no question is a stupid question.

Can you tell us about an important role model or mentor in your life?  My mentors have always challenged me and always ensured I had a well-rounded experience. They taught me to think outside the box.  Data drives change, look at every angle, and make sure you understand all sides of a story so you can make an educated decision. 

What do you like to do outside of work?  Outside of work, I like to spend time at the SF Giants Stadium watching a home game with my fabulous husband.

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