Certified Nurse Practitioner in Geriatrics
Lisa Burns realized early in life that she wanted to dedicate her career to helping seniors live healthier lives.
“I was very close to my grandparents growing up in North Dakota, and I think that’s why I’ve always had an interest in geriatrics,” Lisa explains. “My grandmother, who recently passed away at 106, was very near and dear to my heart and remains a constant reminder of the reasons why I chose this profession.”
As a teenager, Lisa volunteered as a “candy striper.” After high school, she received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of North Dakota and spent time in Arizona and Montana before returning to the Midwest and settling in the Twin Cities in 1995. Soon after, she enrolled at the University of Minnesota, where she earned a master’s degree in nursing. Prior to joining Consultative Health and Medicine, she spent 12 years as a geriatric nurse practitioner.
“Visiting residents on a regular basis in the environment where they are living day to day makes sense for all kinds of reasons. For one, it’s more convenient for the resident and their families. And because we really get to know our patients and their medical conditions, we are more likely to identify and prevent problems. We also work very closely with the staff at the facilities where we provide care, and that means better coordination of care, more consistent care and higher-quality care.”
“Being a nurse practitioner is a lot like being a quarterback,” she notes. “We regularly huddle with Dr. Johnson, the nursing staff at the facility, social workers, other care providers and family members to make sure everyone understands the game plan. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved!”
Lisa resides in Apple Valley and has three children, two dogs and a cat. In her spare time, she enjoys family time at the lake, outdoor activities and Scrabble.