Audreanna Cristo, MS, APRN, AG-CNS
Clinical Nurse Specialist
Colorado Springs,US
Introduction
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an advanced practice nursing degree that emphasizes clinical expertise, leadership, evidence-based practice, and the improvement of healthcare outcomes. Central to this degree are the eight DNP Essentials, which guide advanced nursing roles across clinical, organizational, and policy levels. My portfolio illustrates how I have achieved proficiency in each Essential through targeted coursework, leadership initiatives, and my DNP project focused on enhancing postoperative support for bariatric surgery patients within military healthcare. These Essentials have significantly shaped my professional growth, equipping me to effectively lead healthcare improvements and positively impact patient and population health outcomes.
About Me
- I am a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student and Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) specializing in Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (AG-CNS) care. With over 17 years of diverse military nursing experience, I bring a systems-level approach to improving patient outcomes, empowering nursing teams, and leading evidence-based change.
- My career has taken me from bedside care to strategic health leadership roles, including mentoring future Army nurse leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing clinical readiness across multiple states and time zones. I’m Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified and passionate about optimizing quality, safety, and performance within complex healthcare environments.
- Currently, my DNP project focuses on evaluating and enhancing postoperative support group participation for bariatric surgery patients. This work integrates change theory, stakeholder collaboration, and data-driven strategies to strengthen long-term outcomes and patient engagement.
- believe in purposeful leadership, health equity, and the power of human connection—whether I'm working with Veterans, active-duty families, or interdisciplinary teams. My mission is to lead with empathy, advocate with integrity, and deliver meaningful impact across every layer of healthcare.
Summary
Clinical Nurse Specialist with expertise in medical-surgical patient care and interdisciplinary collaboration. Skilled in leadership, patient advocacy, and education. Committed to promoting evidence-based practice and continuous improvement. Dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and fostering a collaborative healthcare environment.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
10
10
Certificates
7
7
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Language
Work History
Registered Nurse, ROTC Nurse Counselor
US Army
05.2019 - 08.2022
- Fulfill the role of Brigade Staff Officer, providing expert guidance and advice to the Brigade Commander, Professors of Military Science, and Recruiting Operations Officers in matters related to nursing operations and Cadet Actions.
- Strategically plan, execute, and oversee ROTC nurse recruitment, marketing, and retention initiatives, conducting thorough market assessments and recommending targeted nurse strategies.
- Mentor and guide aspiring prospects and more than 190 nurse Cadets across 30 host universities and their affiliated nursing programs, ensuring their professional development and success.
- Establish and nurture collaborative relationships, serving as a liaison between program staff, influential nurse faculty, Brigade Recruiting Officers, JROTC, USAREC, and MTFs.
- Coordinate and manage the Nurse Summer Training Program (NSTP) for Cadets, facilitating valuable experiential learning opportunities, and play a key role in the assignment and deployment of newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenants.
- Assume the additional role of Brigade MEDPROS Officer, actively contributing to Cadet Medical Actions, and providing integral medical coordination for Brigade-wide events and activities.
Registered Nurse, Practical Nurse Instructor
US Army
03.2018 - 05.2019
- Instructs a 44-week Phase II 300-68C/Army LPN program catering to active duty and reservist students.
- Designs and delivers comprehensive didactic and clinical lessons, enhancing students' understanding and application of nursing principles.
- Contributes actively to curriculum enhancement and continuous process refinement, ensuring program effectiveness.
- Integrates key elements of the U.S. Army Learning Concept into the Program of Instruction (POI), fostering a dynamic and relevant learning environment.
- Provides consistent and concise counseling throughout rotations, aiding students' development and progress.
- Collaborates closely with fellow team members, Medical Treatment Facilities (MTFs), Chief Nurse Officers in Charge (CNOICs), and Section Chiefs, ensuring alignment with established Program of Instruction.
- Demonstrates adept classroom management skills and applies adult learning theories, fostering an engaging and conducive learning atmosphere.
- Actively engages in peer review processes, supporting the professional growth and development of colleagues.
Registered Nurse, Ambulatory Procedure Unit
US Army
09.2016 - 03.2018
- Clinical staff nurse in the Ambulatory Procedures Unit (APU) at WRNMMC, delivering pre and postoperative nursing care across a 48-chair same day surgery unit, a 4-bed 2359 (short-stay) unit, and a high-volume 55-patient per day anesthesia prescreen clinic.
- Directly contributes to the well-being of more than 15,000 wounded warriors, active duty personnel, retirees, veterans, National Leaders, Secretary of Defense Designees, and their families annually.
- Provides critical support for 21 surgical specialties and coordinates care for over 250 surgeons, ensuring adherence to complex administrative and regulatory standards.
- Demonstrates strong leadership, accountability, and dedication to the hospital's journey towards high reliability through ongoing professional growth, effective communication, and mentorship for incoming Army and Navy staff nurses.
- Integral member of the unit watch bill, offering round-the-clock support for emergent surgical care and ensuring continuous patient readiness.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
US Army
07.2014 - 09.2016
- Clinical staff nurse on 5 East, a 28-bed Medical Surgical unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC), a 320-bed tertiary and academic medical center serving over 230,000 enrolled beneficiaries in the National Capital Region (NCR).
- Demonstrated leadership as Charge Nurse, overseeing a multidisciplinary team to ensure cost-effective, evidence-based, high-quality care for adult Medical Surgical patients with complex acute and chronic illnesses.
- Ensured seamless unit operations aligned with Joint Commission (JC) and regulatory standards, upholding hospital requirements.
- Managed a team of five to eight professional nurses and three to five paraprofessional nursing staff, as well as up to 10 additional personnel including Reservists, cadets/midshipmen, and students.
- Served as Team Lead for the Skin Wound Assessment Team, contributing to comprehensive patient care and wound management.
- Actively participated as a member of the Unit Practice Council and engaged in Customer Service initiatives to enhance patient experience and satisfaction.
Patient Administration Specialist
US Army
07.2007 - 07.2014
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
- Reduced errors in data entry by implementing a thorough verification process for patient information updates.
- Streamlined appointment scheduling process for increased patient accessibility and convenience.
- Assisted in training new staff members on office policies and procedures, enhancing overall team performance levels.
- Increased accuracy of insurance claims submissions with diligent review of required paperwork prior to submission.
Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nursing
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, CO 01.2024 - Current
Master of Science - Clinical Nurse Specialist
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, CO 08.2022 - 08.2024
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Mississippi University For Women
Columbus, MS 08.2012 - 05.2014
Skills
- Clinical expertise
- Geriatrics
- Patient Education
- Compassionate and Caring
- Program evaluation and improvement
- Inpatient and Outpatient Care
- Patient Assessments
- Critical Thinking
- Direct Patient Care
- Staff Supervision
- Team Coordination
- Patient and Family Advocacy
- Effective leadership
- Career counseling
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Health literacy
- Ethical leadership
- Mentoring
- Research
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft SharePoint
Affiliations
- American Nurses Association (ANA) Member
- Army Nurse Corps Association (ANCA) Member
- Colorado Nurses Association (CNA) Member
- National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists (NACNS)
- American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS)
Certification
- Action Officer Development (2022)
- Supervisor Development (2021)
- Lean Sigma Six (2021)
- Health Care Recruiting (2019)
- Basic Instructor (2019)
- Combat Casualty Care (2017)
- Tactical Combat Medical Care (2017)
- Medical Management of Chemical and Biological Casualties (2017)
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (2015)
- Certified Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (2024)
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
“Nurses dispense comfort, compassion, and caring without even a prescription.”
Val Saintsbury
Timeline
Doctor of Nursing Practice - Nursing
University of Colorado Denver
01.2024 - Current
Master of Science - Clinical Nurse Specialist
University of Colorado Denver
08.2022 - 08.2024
Registered Nurse, ROTC Nurse Counselor
US Army
05.2019 - 08.2022
Registered Nurse, Practical Nurse Instructor
US Army
03.2018 - 05.2019
Registered Nurse, Ambulatory Procedure Unit
US Army
09.2016 - 03.2018
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
US Army
07.2014 - 09.2016
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Mississippi University For Women
08.2012 - 05.2014
Patient Administration Specialist
US Army
07.2007 - 07.2014
Languages
English
Syllabi
• CNS Advanced Practicum I (135 hours)
• DNP Project Planning Course (45 hours)
• CNS Advanced Practicum II (135 hours)
• CNS Advanced Practicum III (135 hours)
• CNS Advanced Practicum IV (135 hours)
• DNP Project I (180 hours)
• DNP Project II (180 hours)
• DNP Project III (180 hours)
DNP Essentials
Essential I: Scientific Underpinnings for Practice
- Integrates nursing science with biophysical, psychosocial, analytical, and organizational sciences to develop and evaluate new care approaches. Supports innovation and translation of evidence into practice for improved patient and system outcomes.
Essential II: Organizational and Systems Leadership for Quality Improvement and Systems Thinking
- Emphasizes leadership in designing and evaluating care delivery models, managing change, measuring outcomes, and creating sustainable quality improvement initiatives within complex health systems.
Essential III: Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods for Evidence-Based Practice
- Equips DNPs to critically appraise, translate, and apply research findings into practice. Promotes data-driven decision-making, outcome evaluation, and continuous quality improvement through analytical and scholarly methods.
Essential IV: Information Systems/Technology and Patient Care Technology for the Improvement and Transformation of Health Care
- Prepares DNPs to use information systems and emerging technologies to support clinical decision-making, care coordination, data management, and quality improvement across diverse settings.
Essential V: Health Care Policy for Advocacy in Health Care
- Develops skills to influence health policy and legislation to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. Focuses on advocacy, political engagement, policy analysis, and leadership in public and organizational policy development.
Essential VI: Interprofessional Collaboration for Improving Patient and Population Health Outcomes
- Encourages collaborative practice and shared decision-making among interdisciplinary teams to achieve high-quality, coordinated, and cost-effective care for individuals and populations.
Essential VII: Clinical Prevention and Population Health for Improving the Nation’s Health
- Focuses on population health strategies, risk assessment, health promotion, and disease prevention. DNPs evaluate and lead initiatives addressing public health, social determinants of health, and disparities in care.
Essential VIII: Advanced Nursing Practice
- Demonstrates advanced clinical judgment, diagnostic reasoning, and systems thinking in delivering complex, evidence-based care. Reflects expertise in direct practice, mentorship, consultation, and leadership within the advanced nursing role.
The Essentials of Doctoral Education for Advanced Nursing Practice . American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2006, October). https://www.aacnnursing.org/our-initiatives/education-practice/doctor-of-nursing-practice/dnp-essentials
DNP Essentials Exemplars
Essential I: Scientific Underpinnings for Practice
Exemplars:
- Relational Connection Map
- Personal Leadership Philosophy Paper
- Logic Model
Rationale:
Shows how I integrated nursing science, leadership theories, and project planning frameworks to support practice change, aligning theory with action.
Essential II: Organizational and Systems Leadership
Exemplars:
- Business Proposal: Veteran-Centered Transitional Care Program
- Organizational Cultural Image
Rationale:
Demonstrates assessment of organizational culture and strategic leadership to design sustainable programs that promote health equity and address system-level gaps.
Essential III: Clinical Scholarship and Analytical Methods
Exemplars:
- PE Change Plan Table (structured project plan)
- Final Working Project Paper (bariatric support group evaluation)
Rationale:
Demonstrates the use of evidence appraisal, project planning, and outcome evaluation to design, implement, and measure clinical improvements.
Essential IV: Information Systems/Technology
Exemplars:
- Bariatric Support Group Digital Tool Criteria
- Data Tables (collected for support group outcomes)
Rationale:
Showcases evaluation and integration of digital platforms to enhance patient engagement and use of informatics to drive evidence-based decisions.
Essential V: Health Care Policy for Advocacy
Exemplars:
- Medicaid Inmate Exclusion Policy Presentation
- Policy Group Project (African American health disparities)
Rationale:
Demonstrates ability to influence health policy through advocacy initiatives aimed at increasing access to care for marginalized and justice-involved populations.
Essential VI: Interprofessional Collaboration
Exemplars:
- PE Change Plan Table (interdisciplinary project planning)
- DNP Poster (support group project dissemination)
Rationale:
Reflects collaboration with surgeons, dietitians, behavioral health, and other disciplines to plan, implement, and evaluate a patient-centered program.
Essential VII: Clinical Prevention and Population Health
Exemplars:
- Obesity in the Military Community Paper
- DEXA Scan Infographic
- Impact of Parental Incarceration Paper
Rationale:
Demonstrates population health focus by addressing obesity prevention, advocating for accurate body composition assessment, and examining social determinants impacting veteran families.
Essential VIII: Advanced Nursing Practice
Exemplars:
- Project Update Leadership Reflection
- Veteran-Centered Transitional Care Program Poster
Rationale:
Highlights leadership in practice transformation, reflective clinical inquiry, and system-wide innovation for improving complex patient care needs.
DNP Essentials exemplars: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1W52MKFnuqFw4n6WYQwhC-m2XbYRimUYk?usp=sharing
Scholarly Works/Presentations
MS-CNS Poster Presentation (2024): Developing a Postoperative Bariatric Surgery Support Group, University of Colorado-Denver Anschutz, Denver, Colorado
DNP Poster Presentation (2025): Developing a Postoperative Bariatric Surgery Support Group, University of Colorado-Denver Anschutz, Denver, Colorado
Professional Honors & Recognition
2022-2025 Long-Term Health Education Training, United States Army
Program awardee
2022 Army Meritorious Service Medal, United States Army
Description: Presented for distinguished heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service.
2019 Joint Service Commendation Medal, United States Army
Description: Presented for serving as a senior on a joint military staff, performing an exceedingly heroic act, exceptional achievement, or commendable service.
2014 Army Good Conduct Medal, United States Army
Description: Presented for honorable and faithful service.
2012-2014 AMEDD Enlisted Commissioning Program, United States Army
Program Awardee
2012 Army Overseas Service Ribbon, United States Army
Description: Presented for completing a standard overseas tour.
2012 Army Commendation Medal, United States Army
Description: Presented for distinguished heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service.
2011 Army Good Conduct Medal, United States Army
Description: Presented for honorable and faithful service.
2010 Army Achievement Medal, United States Army
Description: Presented for outstanding achievement or meritorious service.
2010 Army Basic Leader Course, United States Army
Commandant's List Awardee
2007 Global War on Terrorism, United States Army
Description: Presented for serving in the War on Terror from September 11, 2001.
2007 National Defense Service Medal, United States Army
Description: Presented for serving on active duty during a declared national emergency.
2007 Army Service Ribbon, United States Army
Description: Presented for successful completion of initial-entry training.
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