Cara MacFarland
Colorado
Summary
Dynamic Orthopedic/Trauma Registered Nurse with extensive experience at Sky Ridge Medical Center, excelling in advanced patient assessment and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proven leadership as a preceptor, enhancing team performance and patient outcomes. Skilled in managing high-acuity cases while prioritizing care and education, ensuring optimal recovery and wellness for diverse patient populations.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Orthopedic / Trauma Registered Nurse
Sky Ridge Medical Center
03.2024 - Current
- Provide comprehensive nursing care for post-operative orthopedic, trauma, and high-acuity medical-surgical patients
- Conduct focused and comprehensive patient assessments; interpret labs and diagnostics
- Administer medications, manage pain control, wound care, drains, and mobility protocols
- Coordinate care with physicians, PT/OT, case management, and interdisciplinary teams
- Serve as a preceptor for new nurses and nursing students
- Active member of the Code Blue Committee, contributing to emergency response preparedness and quality improvement
Orthopedic / Trauma Registered Nurse
Sky Ridge Medical Center
03.2024 - Current
- Provide comprehensive nursing care for post-operative orthopedic, trauma, and high-acuity medical-surgical patients
- Conduct focused and comprehensive patient assessments; interpret labs and diagnostics
- Administer medications, manage pain control, wound care, drains, and mobility protocols
- Coordinate care with physicians, PT/OT, case management, and interdisciplinary teams
- Demonstrate exceptional time management and multitasking skills while managing multiple high-acuity patients
- Serve as a preceptor to nursing students and new graduate nurses
- Active member of the Code Blue Committee, contributing to emergency response preparedness and quality improvement
Education
Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner Program
Regis University – Loretto Heights School of Nursing
02.2026
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Accelerated Program
Regis University – Loretto Heights School of Nursing
01.2023
Bachelor of Science in Health & Exercise Science - Sports Medicine Concentration
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO12.2022
Bachelor of Science in Health & Exercise Science -
University of Colorado Denver
12.2019
Skills
- Advanced patient assessment
- Clinical judgment
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Time management
- Multitasking in high-acuity settings
- Leadership and preceptorship
- Patient education and wellness instruction
- Organizational skills
- Prioritization and fitness
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN), Colorado
- CPR & First Aid Certified
- Swim Instructor Certified
- Certified Personal Trainer, In Progress
Awards
- DAISY Award Recipient, 04/01/25
- Six (6) DAISY Award Nominations
- DECA State Competition – 3rd Place (Hospitality)
- Varsity Field Hockey – Defensive Player of the Year, 05/01/15
Degree
BSN, RN
Volunteer And Leadership Experience
- Code Blue Committee, Sky Ridge Medical Center
- NHL Draft Runner
- Community & Church Volunteer Work
- Mission Trip, Joy Lutheran Church
- Adult Fitness Class Instructor, Colorado State University
- Cadaver Anatomy Lab Experience
Timeline
Orthopedic / Trauma Registered Nurse
Sky Ridge Medical Center
03.2024 - Current
Orthopedic / Trauma Registered Nurse
Sky Ridge Medical Center
03.2024 - Current
Master of Science in Nursing - Nurse Practitioner Program
Regis University – Loretto Heights School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) - Accelerated Program
Regis University – Loretto Heights School of Nursing
Bachelor of Science in Health & Exercise Science - Sports Medicine Concentration
Colorado State University
Bachelor of Science in Health & Exercise Science -
University of Colorado Denver