Cheryl L. Lopez
Benson,NC
Summary
Professional Nurse with 30 years of diverse experience in direct patient care, quality care management, staff supervision and department operations at multiple levels. Skilled at prioritizing tasks, multitasking the needs of the patient, the organization and meeting deadlines.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
PACT RN Care Manager
Durham VA Health Care System
Garner, North Carolina
08.2025 - Current
- Provided telephone triage to veterans utilizing Julie Briggs Triage Protocols.
- Facilitated patient education on disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications to promote optimal health.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, fostering self-management skills for better health outcomes.
- Implemented evidence-based guidelines, driving adherence to standards and improving overall healthcare quality metrics/HEDIS.
- Reduced hospital readmissions through effective coordination of care, communication with patients, and proactive followup.
RN Utilization Management/Case Manager
New Mexico VA Health Care System
Albuquerque, New Mexico
01.2019 - 08.2025
- Performed Preadmission/Admission/Continued Stay reviews utilizing InterQual web-based program.
- Managed daily patient caseload of 30+, performing 30-60 reviews per day.
- Coordinated care across all care settings, collaborated with inpatient providers regarding InterQual level of care recommendations.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients and appropriate level of care.
- Function as an inpatient care coordinator across all care settings, contacting attendings regarding InterQual level of care recommendations.
- Provided comprehensive patient assessments to determine care needs and treatment plans.
Staff Nurse Community Care Manager
New Mexico VA Health Care System
Albuquerque, New Mexico
09.2018 - 01.2019
- Review, assign, & approve/deny ~20-40 consult requests/day, assigning providers for care in the community. Provided clinical guidance and expertise in the care coordination of the NMVAHCS Non-VA care authorization program.
- Collaborated with insurance providers to secure authorization for necessary services, maximizing patients'' benefits coverage.
- Streamlined care coordination processes, resulting in timely referrals and access to appropriate resources.
- Established and maintained effective communication with staff, physicians and community organizations to promote high quality patient care.
RN Utilization Management/Case Manager
New Mexico VA Health Care System
Albuquerque, New Mexico
10.2017 - 09.2018
- Performed Preadmission/Admission/Continued Stay reviews utilizing InterQual web-based program.
- Managed daily patient caseload of 30+, performing 30-60 reviews per day.
- Coordinated care across all care settings, collaborated with inpatient providers regarding InterQual level of care recommendations.
- Contributed to interdisciplinary team meetings by presenting relevant clinical data about patients and appropriate level of care.
- Function as an inpatient care coordinator across all care settings, contacting attendings regarding InterQual level of care recommendations.
- Provided comprehensive patient assessments to determine care needs and treatment plans.
Home Telehealth Care Coordinator
New Mexico VA Health Care System
Albuquerque, New Mexico
08.2014 - 10.2017
- Provided disease management education, interventions, and case management to veterans with multiple chronic diseases.
- Collaborated with PACT teams to address complex patient needs effectively.
- Managed patient caseloads of 75+ veterans effectively, ensuring timely follow-up and appropriate interventions.
- Educated patients on self-care strategies, promoting independence and empowering them to manage their health conditions.
- Monitored, tracked, and conveyed important patient information to PACT teams to help optimize treatment planning and care delivery.
PACT RN Care Manager
New Mexico VA Health Care System
Albuquerque, New Mexico
01.2014 - 08.2014
- Provided telephone triage to veterans utilizing Julie Briggs Triage Protocols.
- Facilitated patient education on disease management, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications to promote optimal health.
- Educated patients and families on disease management, fostering self-management skills for better health outcomes.
- Implemented evidence-based guidelines, driving adherence to standards and improving overall healthcare quality metrics/HEDIS.
- Reduced hospital readmissions through effective coordination of care, communication with patients, and proactive followup.
RN Case Manager-Health Plan
Presbyterian Healthcare Services
Albuquerque, New Mexico
08.2013 - 01.2014
- Provided community case management services to caseload of 60+ Presbyterian Health plan members.
- Streamlined care coordination processes to reduce hospital readmissions and emergency department visits.
- Developed professional relationships with community partners to enhance available support services for patients transitioning from acute care settings.
- Worked with suppliers and vendors on provision of DME medical equipment and supportive home services.
- Educated family members and caregivers on health plan resources.
RN Community Case Manager-Tricare
United Healthcare
San Diego, California
04.2013 - 08.2013
- Provided in-home community case management to active duty, Tricare retirees, and dependents of DOD members.
- Conducted 8-10 home visit patient assessments/day to identify changes in condition, promptly notifying physicians and initiating appropriate interventions when necessary.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
- Coordinated care plans to address individual client needs and ensure service accessibility.
RN Clinical Nurse Specialist-Ambulatory Care
Department of Defense, San Diego Naval Medical Center
San Diego, California
09.2012 - 04.2013
- Medical Home Model RN role providing telephone/walk-in triage for active-duty personnel, their families, and Tricare retirees utilizing Briggs and Schmitt protocols and nursing processes.
- Administered medications and treatments in accordance with established protocols and patient care plans.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
- Analyzed HEDIS data to identify trends, improving disease management processes and interventions.
PACT RN Care Manager
Greater West Los Angeles VA Health Care System
Los Angeles, California
10.2011 - 09.2012
- Provided disease management & care coordination to homeless veterans in HPACT. Managed Nurse clinic visits of 8-15/day independently.
- Participated in monthly “stand downs” on Los Angeles’ “Skid Row” homeless encampments.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of patients'' physical, emotional, social, and environmental needs to inform personalized care plans.
- Identified gaps in care for at-risk populations, leading to the development of targeted interventions to improve health outcomes.
School Nurse
Albuquerque Public Schools
Albuquerque, New Mexico
08.2006 - 10.2011
- Oversaw health services for school of ~1200 students, PreK to 5th grade.
- Acted as a liaison between school, parents and community providers. Involved in IEP development.
- Conducted health screenings and assessments for students.
- Administered medications and treatments according to established protocols.
- Developed and implemented health education programs for students and staff.
- Collaborated with educators to address student health needs effectively.
- Supported students with special needs by coordinating individualized healthcare plans and working closely with the interdisciplinary team.
Outpatient Clinic RN
Presbyterian Healthcare Services/Child Abuse Resource & Evaluation Center (CARE)
Albuquerque, New Mexico
09.2004 - 07.2006
- Lead RN providing face-to-face and telephonic triage, intake screening, and scheduling for pediatric patients for sexual/physical abuse exams thru the request of courts, law enforcement, & local hospitals.
- Assisted in physical and sexual abuse examinations, & lab sample collection.
- Educated families on trauma-informed care practices to enhance recovery outcomes for children.
Outpatient Hospice RN
Lovelace Health Care System
Albuquerque, New Mexico
12.2003 - 08.2004
- Performed hospice admission intakes of client.
- Provided case management, ongoing daily and/or weekly monitoring, and offered holistic care to adults.
- Developed individualized care plans in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient comfort.
- Enhanced family support by offering guidance, resources, and emotional assistance during difficult times.
Clinic Triage Nurse
ABQ Health Partners
Albuquerque, New Mexico
08.2001 - 12.2003
- Responsible for phone triage, task delegation to LPN’s and medical assistants, and assessment of all walk-ins.
- Implemented triage protocols to enhance response times in high-pressure situations.
- Performed additional clinic and non-triage nurse duties such as instructing patients in general and specific medical care and health issues and administering or dispensing medication and injections.
Inpatient Pediatric RN
University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital
Albuquerque, New Mexico
10.1999 - 03.2001
- Inpatient care of pediatric patients, birth-17yrs of age.
- Assumed duties as relief charge nurse when needed, overseeing two units totaling 59 beds.
- Mentored new nursing staff, enhancing team competencies in pediatric care practices.
- Educated social workers and child welfare personnel on complex health issues, providing valuable insight into pediatric patients' conditions.
Psychiatric RN/Acute Adult Admission
University of New Mexico Mental Health Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico
01.1999 - 10.1999
- Responsible for intakes, admissions, and multidisciplinary assessments for two locked inpatient adult dual diagnosis psychiatric units.
- Assumed charge house nurse duties. for 2 units consisting of 50 patients and 10-13 staff members.
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques to manage acute psychiatric episodes.
- Ensured patient safety by closely monitoring behaviors, administering medications as prescribed, and intervening during incidents of aggression or self harm.
- Collaborated proactively with psychiatrists to adjust treatment plans based on observed changes in symptoms or behavior patterns among patients.
Nursing Supervisor
Dungarvin, Inc.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
08.1998 - 01.1999
- Responsible for overseeing 26 assisted living homes with a total of 85-100 clients diagnosed with a variety of development disabilities.
- Supervised LPN nursing staff, ensuring adherence to care standards and protocols.
- Led staff meetings to keep team informed of departmental changes and provide opportunities for nurses to share ideas and concerns.
Psychiatric RN
University of New Mexico Mental Health Center-Bernalillo County Detention Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico
08.1997 - 08.1998
- Performed mental health assessments of all incarcerated individuals, to include assessing current medical/psychiatric health concerns & monitoring for substance abuse withdrawal.
- Crisis interventions for mental health issues & substance abuse withdrawal.
- Responded to numerous volatile situations and violent outbreaks to restore safety and security of patients and staff.
Psychiatric RN/Acute Adult Admissions
New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute
Las Vegas, New Mexico
11.1995 - 08.1997
- Responsible for all psychiatric admission intakes and assessments on all C of E’s referred by law enforcement, families, providers and/or adult protective services from within New Mexico.
- Permanent Charge evening nurse of 25 bed unit.
- Oversaw care of suicidal patients and acted swiftly to reduce risk of harm to themselves or others.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions for diverse populations addressing issues such as coping skills, anger management, substance abuse recovery, and relapse prevention.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing Education - Honors
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Illinois07-2016
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico05-2005
Associate Degree in Nursing - undefined
Luna Community College
Las Vegas, New Mexico05-1995
Skills
- Care coordination
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Quality improvement
- Multitasking Abilities
- Strong clinical judgment
- Documentation accuracy
- Critical thinking
- Adaptability
Certification
- Commission for Case Managers CCM #4213346 Exp. 2029-11-30
- The American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians CHCQM Exp. 2027-09-30
Timeline
PACT RN Care Manager
Durham VA Health Care System
08.2025 - Current
RN Utilization Management/Case Manager
New Mexico VA Health Care System
01.2019 - 08.2025
Staff Nurse Community Care Manager
New Mexico VA Health Care System
09.2018 - 01.2019
RN Utilization Management/Case Manager
New Mexico VA Health Care System
10.2017 - 09.2018
Home Telehealth Care Coordinator
New Mexico VA Health Care System
08.2014 - 10.2017
PACT RN Care Manager
New Mexico VA Health Care System
01.2014 - 08.2014
RN Case Manager-Health Plan
Presbyterian Healthcare Services
08.2013 - 01.2014
RN Community Case Manager-Tricare
United Healthcare
04.2013 - 08.2013
RN Clinical Nurse Specialist-Ambulatory Care
Department of Defense, San Diego Naval Medical Center
09.2012 - 04.2013
PACT RN Care Manager
Greater West Los Angeles VA Health Care System
10.2011 - 09.2012
School Nurse
Albuquerque Public Schools
08.2006 - 10.2011
Outpatient Clinic RN
Presbyterian Healthcare Services/Child Abuse Resource & Evaluation Center (CARE)
09.2004 - 07.2006
Outpatient Hospice RN
Lovelace Health Care System
12.2003 - 08.2004
Clinic Triage Nurse
ABQ Health Partners
08.2001 - 12.2003
Inpatient Pediatric RN
University of New Mexico Children’s Hospital
10.1999 - 03.2001
Psychiatric RN/Acute Adult Admission
University of New Mexico Mental Health Center
01.1999 - 10.1999
Nursing Supervisor
Dungarvin, Inc.
08.1998 - 01.1999
Psychiatric RN
University of New Mexico Mental Health Center-Bernalillo County Detention Center
08.1997 - 08.1998
Psychiatric RN/Acute Adult Admissions
New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute
11.1995 - 08.1997
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
University of New Mexico
Associate Degree in Nursing - undefined
Luna Community College
Master of Science in Nursing Education - Honors
Chamberlain College of Nursing