Amber Linza
Salida,CO
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven nursing leader with progressive experience across acute care, education, utilization management, and program operations. Proven ability to lead teams through high-acuity environments, including the COVID-19 pandemic and regulatory survey readiness. Strong background in staffing optimization, interdisciplinary collaboration, and system-wide education initiatives. Brings a unique combination of clinical expertise and financial acumen through utilization review and prior authorization experience. Recognized for strong communication, team development, and the ability to drive operational efficiency while maintaining a patient-centered focus.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Pain Clinic Program Coordinator / RN
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC)
07.2024 - Current
- Lead operations of a multidisciplinary pain management program, coordinating clinic and procedural services to optimize patient access and throughput
- Partner with physicians to manage clinic, OR, and procedural schedules, improving efficiency and resource utilization
- Oversee staffing plans and daily clinic operations, ensuring high-quality patient experience and workflow consistency
- Manage prior authorizations, appeals, and medication approvals, ensuring compliance with payer requirements and minimizing delays in care
- Coordinate pre-procedure requirements, referrals, and follow-up care to ensure continuity across the patient care continuum
- Serve as EMR super-user and informatics liaison, improving workflow efficiency and staff utilization of system capabilities
- Collaborate with vendors and device representatives to ensure timely availability of implants, equipment, and supplies
- Maintain regulatory compliance through chart audits, documentation review, and adherence to accreditation standards
- Strengthen referral relationships and support program growth through outreach and communication strategies
- Support onboarding and training of staff and providers, fostering a collaborative and team-oriented culture
Prior Authorization Review RN (Utilization Management)
Optum
07.2022 - 07.2024
- Performed utilization review and prior authorization for outpatient procedures, imaging, and inpatient/observation admissions
- Determined medical necessity and appropriate level of care using evidence-based guidelines and payer criteria
- Managed cases across multiple payer sources including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, UHC, BCBS, Humana, and UMR
- Reviewed inpatient admissions for appropriate classification and length of stay optimization
- Coordinated with providers to obtain clinical documentation and support authorization decisions
- Escalated complex cases to Medical Directors and participated in appeals processes
- Managed authorizations for Part B medications, ensuring regulatory and payer compliance
- Maintained high productivity and accuracy in a metrics-driven environment while ensuring HIPAA compliance
- Applied strong clinical judgment to balance patient care needs with cost-effective resource utilization
Education Manager
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC)
05.2021 - 06.2022
- Directed hospital-wide education and professional development initiatives aligned with regulatory standards and organizational goals
- Expanded and enhanced RN Skills Days, increasing competency validation and staff engagement across departments
- Redesigned new hire orientation programs to improve onboarding efficiency and clinical readiness
- Coordinated education across departments, aligning training with clinical and operational priorities
- Oversaw competency management and regulatory compliance for clinical staff
- Identified performance gaps and implemented targeted education to improve patient care outcomes
- Supported survey readiness through education, policy alignment, and competency tracking
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning and professional development across the organization
Medical Surgical RN Supervisor
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC)
07.2019 - 04.2021
- Provided 24/7 leadership for the Medical-Surgical unit, overseeing staffing, scheduling, and daily operations
- Led teams through the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring safe staffing, workflow adaptation, and continuity of care
- Contributed to successful The Joint Commission (TJC) survey readiness through compliance oversight and staff education
- Managed staffing models based on acuity and census to ensure safe and efficient care delivery
- Collaborated with leadership on budgetary planning for staffing, supplies, and equipment needs
- Oversaw onboarding, orientation, and competency validation for nursing staff
- Participated in key committees including Code Blue, Rapid Response, Trauma, and Medical Services
- Implemented evidence-based practice changes to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency
Medical Surgical Charge Registered Nurse
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC)
11.2017 - 06.2019
- Led shift operations, staffing coordination, and patient assignments based on acuity and unit needs
- Served as acting manager in absence of leadership, ensuring operational continuity
- Supported staff through real-time clinical guidance, problem-solving, and mentorship
- Assisted with hiring, onboarding, and staff development initiatives
- Ensured compliance with policies, quality standards, and patient care expectations
- Addressed patient concerns and facilitated service recovery
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC)
07.2014 - 11.2017
- Delivered evidence-based care to medical, surgical, pediatric, and swing bed patients
- Performed comprehensive assessments and developed individualized care plans
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes
- Provided patient education and advocacy while maintaining accurate documentation
Education
Master of Science - Leadership
Grand Canyon University
01-2021
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
01-2014
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University
01-2011
Skills
- Program management
- Process improvements
- Training coordination
- Scheduling proficiency
- Expense tracking
- Staff evaluation
- Staff development
- Team oversight and leadership
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Certified American Heart Association BLS Instructor (2021–2023)
- Certified De-escalation Instructor
- Prior Certifications:
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
- Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course (ENPC)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Timeline
Pain Clinic Program Coordinator / RN
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC)
07.2024 - Current
Prior Authorization Review RN (Utilization Management)
Optum
07.2022 - 07.2024
Education Manager
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC)
05.2021 - 06.2022
Medical Surgical RN Supervisor
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC)
07.2019 - 04.2021
Medical Surgical Charge Registered Nurse
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC)
11.2017 - 06.2019
Medical Surgical Registered Nurse
Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC)
07.2014 - 11.2017
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University
Master of Science - Leadership
Grand Canyon University
LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Salida Pregnancy Resource Center, Board Member, 2026, Present
CORE LEADERSHIP STRENGTHS
- Operational Leadership & Throughput Management
- Staff Development & Team Engagement
- Regulatory Compliance & Survey Readiness
- Budgeting & Resource Allocation
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Patient Experience & Service Recovery
- Utilization Management & Payer Navigation
- Process Improvement & Change Management