Stroke survivor becomes ER nurse at Bayonet Point Hospital
At just 24 years old Mackenzie Beisner was a nursing student when she suffered a stroke in the middle of class. Her speech became incoherent, her vision blurred, and the right side of her body went numb. Her classmates rushed her to a nearby hospital. Initially misdiagnosed, Mackenzie’s stroke was only confirmed the following day after an MRI.
She was transferred to HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital’s nationally ranked inpatient rehabilitation center, where she spent several days relearning how to speak, walk and function. With the support of her family and care team, Mackenzie made a pact with her speech therapist: she would return to nursing school and graduate with a 4.0 GPA.
In August, Mackenzie fulfilled that promise, graduating as a valedictorian. Today, she works as an ER nurse at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, the very place that helped her heal and become whole again.
Mackenzie is now an advocate for stroke awareness in young adults. She says, “No one is going to fall through the cracks on my watch.” She wants physicians to take symptoms in younger patients seriously, emphasizing that strokes can happen at any age.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, stroke rates among adults ages 18–44 have increased by nearly 15% over the past decade, driven by rising risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the U.S., and nearly one in five strokes occur in adults under 55.
Mackenzie’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early recognition, compassionate care, and the life-changing impact of rehabilitation. Her journey comes full circle as she now helps save lives in the same hospital that helped save hers.
“Mackenzie’s determination and resilience were nothing short of extraordinary,” said Elecia Forsythe, Director of Inpatient Rehabilitation Services at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital. “Our team was honored to support her recovery and seeing her thrive as an ER nurse today is a testament to the power of comprehensive rehabilitation and the human spirit.”
Right now, the Inpatient Rehab Center at HCA Florida Bayonet Point Hospital, which is ranked in the top 10% of the nation, is the only inpatient rehab center in Pasco County.
World Stroke Day is observed on October 29, making this story especially timely and relevant.