Cheryl Christopherson Email & Phone Number

PRIMARY CARE OUTPATIENT RN CARE MANAGERCHARGE NURSE/ TEAM LEADER (12/2015 TO 03/2018): Maintain daily oversight and communication with interdisciplinary teams to oversee workflow of 20 different medicine specialty clinics (including but not limited to Infectious Disease, Dermatology, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nephrology, Neurology, Pulmonology, and Rheumatology) for up to 200 Veterans/day. Create/coordinate area assignments for 2 RN’s, 2 LPN’s, 3 health technicians, and 3 program support assistants. Supervise clinic nursing practice and patient care delivery. Triage Veteran walk-in/health portal/telephone questions in a timely fashion. Participate in new hire recruitment, staff training, development, and performance evaluation. Assist with promoting teamwork, coaching, and mentoring staff.STEP DOWN UNIT STAFF NURSE (12/2014 TO 12/2015, 02/2017): Provided prescribed medical treatment in acute care setting to Veterans with medical, surgical, cardiac, psychiatric, and/or dual diagnosis. Developed nursing care plans for recently admitted Veterans in coordination with medical care team. Monitored Veterans using telemetry as appropriate. Collaborated with health care team members to facilitate positive patient care outcomes. Documented patient condition using electronic medical health record software CPRS.

Client: Project ECHO- University of New MexicoSTAFF TRAINING: Training staff to utilize adult learning principles when training community health workers. (3hr training)Client: New Mexico Department of Health in partnership with rape crisis centersMESSAGING: Develop messaging strategies for a statewide sexual violence prevention initiative. Field research with experts and community members. Design messages and determine message dissemination strategies. Provide communication plan updates to leaders as requested either via in person meetings or group presentation.Client: Presbyterian Healthcare Services in cooperation with Bernalillo County Community Health Council- CDC REACH grantCOMMUNICATION PLAN: Developed and initiated implementation of a comprehensive, culturally appropriate communication plan in support of healthy food and beverage options, physical activity, and opportunities for prevention of chronic diseases through clinical and community linkages. Collaborated with grant partners including community clinics, Bernalillo county, community supported agriculture group, mid-region council of governments staff. Managed multiple sub-contractors to provide deliverables.Client: New Mexico Center for Nursing Excellence in partnership with Presbyterian Healthcare ServicesCONSULTATION AND DISCUSSION FACILLITATION: Provided consultation regarding field research tools and process. Prepared and co-facilitated two 4-hour discussion groups with key NM nurse stakeholders in regards to impact nursing has on meeting NM health needs.Client: First Choice Community HealthcareCUSTOMER SERVICE AND COMMUNICATION TRAINING: Evaluated and restructured employee customer service and communication curriculum. Co-facilitated two customer service and communication trainings. (2- 4hr trainings)

1. Delivered sub-acute inpatient care for diverse patient population with complex conditions such as but not limited to Gi surgery, burn flaps, musculoskeletal trauma, CAD, CHF, COPD, pulmonary HTN, HCC, HCV, cirrhosis, and neurological conditions.2. Acted as unit resource nurse in collaboration with unit charge nurse to assist all nurses with patient care tasks and unit admissions/transfers/discharges. 3. Performed telemetry monitoring, tracheostomy care, chest tube management, colostomy care, etc. 4. Coordinated with interdisciplinary team to ensure positive outcomes and safe discharge planning. 5. Submitted evidence based practice research and process improvement suggestions to enhance patient care and satisfaction. 6. Approximately 1080 hours precepting student, graduate, and new-hire nurses. 7. UNMH 4West Sub-Acute Care Shared Governance, Social/Community Service chairperson.

1. Performed ECG testing (avg. 130/month)2. Monitored, interpreted and documented ECG rhythms for up to 100 designated patients

Administered prescribed medication to inmates and observed ingestion or other application under supervision of nurse/physician

Performed phlebotomy. oximetry, ECG, glucometry, urinalysis, and other duties within EMT-I scope of practice

1. Educated customers regarding surgery services processes2. Communicated patient status information to concerned parties

Bachelor'S Degrees, Summa Cum Laude, Registered Nurse, Exercise Science, Summa Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: Student Nurses Association

Certificates, Electronics Technology, Emt-I

Exercise Science

Biomedical Electronics Technology

Biology, General