We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marie McKenzie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marie below.

Hi Marie, thanks for joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

Years ago while working in the ED I was assigned a sexual assault victim. She had been assigned to another nurse who refused the assignment, so she was moved to one of my assigned rooms.

I walked into her room, ready to comfort and care for her. She looked at me and said, “I don’t want you for my nurse.”
I walked out and informed the charge nurse, with the expectation that another nurse would be caring for her. That didn’t happen and I was told, “you are her nurse.”

I was the only nurse on shift that night who wanted to care for her, a rape victim.

I returned to her room, apologised, and informed her of the charge nurse’s decision.

With no other choice, she thought, she accepted my care. In the end she expressed satisfaction with my care, and how happy she was that I had been her nurse.

Lesson learned, don’t take the patient’s words or behavior personally. I remained professional and treated her with respect and kidness.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Once silenced by the aftermath of sexual assault, Marie McKenzie has devoted her life to empowering women to overcome their own sexual assault triggers and find intimacy with their spouses. Because of this, she founded the International Sexual Assault Recovery Institute.

With over two and a half decades of experience as a registered nurse, including her role as a sexual assault nurse examiner in the clinical and community settings, Marie blends her professional expertise with the tools and techniques that facilitated her own healing journey. Her mission is to reassure survivors that they are never alone and that the path to resolving their triggers is not only feasible but empowering.

Renowned for her award-winning and bestselling memoir, Things That Keep Me Up At Night, Marie chronicles her personal odyssey from sexual assault at the age of eleven to her triumphant transformation. Her book serves as a beacon of hope, encouraging others to find their voices, share their stories, seek support, and embrace a life imbued with purpose.

Marie doesn’t shy away from her calling, proudly declaring, “I guide women in conquering their sexual assault triggers and rekindling intimacy within their relationships.”
When Marie is not working with women on their journey, She collaborates with various organizations dedicated to helping those affected by diverse traumas. She enjoys the vibrant life of Orlando, Florida, alongside her husband, George.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

If I could go back I would absolutely choose to become an emergency department registered nurse.

Growing up in Jamaica I idolized my aunt, Herman, and wanted to be just like her. She was a successful and respected nurse for many years (now retired.)

After I migrated to USA I trained as a RN and entered the emergency department an area I fell in love with during my clinical rotations in nursing school..

The Ed was where I first encountered and cared for victims of sexual assault and where I found my passion to advocate and serve these survivors.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Besides training and knowledge, empathy and compassion are absolutely vital. My area of work and business require a deep understanding of human emotions and experiences, as well as the ability to connect with individuals on a personal level. Being able to truly listen to and validate someone’s feelings can make a world of difference in their healing process. Additionally, strong communication skills are crucial for effectively conveying information, providing support, and collaborating with other professionals or support networks. Lastly, a commitment to ongoing learning and self-care is essential for maintaining resilience and ensuring that I can continue to provide the best possible care for those I serve.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marielmckenzie.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/sexualassaultcoach
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marie.mckenzie
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sexualassaultcoach
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/McKenzieLMarie
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sexualassaultcoach
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@sexualassaultcoach