KELLY LAKE

Registered Nurse at Children's Hospital Colorado | Doctoral Student at Creighton University School of Nursing

With over 10 years dedicated to pediatric care at Children's Hospital Colorado, I am passionate about improving healthcare outcomes for children. Currently pursuing a dual track Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Creighton University, specializing in acute and primary care pediatrics. Excited to merge clinical expertise with advanced education to drive impactful change in pediatric healthcare.

• Charge/Resource Nurse Experience
• Skin Care/PIPS Committee
• Ventilator Care Program nurse liaison
• Preceptor to New Grads, Travelers, and Students
• Mentor – New Graduate Mentor Program

Outpatient Education Program for Secondary Caregivers of Tracheostomy- and Ventilator-Dependent Pediatric Patients-Children’s Hospital Colorado

Designed and implemented a structured outpatient education initiative to train non-parental secondary caregivers in the safe home management of pediatric patients requiring tracheostomy and ventilator support. The program aims to reduce caregiver burden, expand the circle of competent care providers, and improve patient safety through hands-on skills training, scenario-based simulations, and validated competency checklists. Evaluated caregiver confidence and readiness before and after participation to inform improvements in discharge planning and long-term support strategies.

• High Fidelity Code Simulation, Children’s Hospital Colorado, 2025
• Safety Care, Children’s Hospital Colorado, 2023
• Preceptor Workshop, Children’s Hospital Colorado, 2017
• Pressure Ulcer/Wound Staging, Children’s Hospital Colorado, 2017
• Heart Math, Children’s Hospital Colorado, 2015

Primary Care – Lowry Pediatrics
Denver, CO | June – August 2024 (150 hours)

· Performed well-child checks, developmental screenings, and immunizations.

· Created differential diagnoses and treatment plans under supervision.

· Provided patient and family education, anticipatory guidance, and health promotion.

Primary Care – Bella Health and Wellness
Denver, CO | September – December 2024 (150 hours)

· Managed acute and chronic conditions in pediatric patients.

· Ordered and interpreted diagnostics; educated families on wellness and disease prevention.

· Partnered with interdisciplinary teams for integrative care planning.

Emergency Department – Children’s Hospital Colorado
Aurora, CO | January – April 2025 (150 hours)

· Participated in high-acuity assessments and procedures (suturing, splinting, etc.).

· Managed pediatric emergencies including respiratory distress, head trauma, and sepsis.

· Practiced rapid clinical decision-making in fast-paced settings.

Neonatal ICU – Children’s Hospital Colorado
Aurora, CO | May – June 2025 (62 hours)

· Cared for critically ill neonates and supported families in high-stress environments.

· Observed ventilator management, resuscitation, and feeding planning.

· Collaborated with neonatologists during daily rounds.

Aerodigestive Multidisciplinary Clinic – Children’s Hospital Colorado
Aurora, CO | May – August 2025 (50 hours)

· Supported care of children with complex feeding/swallowing disorders.

· Participated in FEES, MBS, and interdisciplinary care conferences.

· Educated families on aspiration precautions, feeding techniques, and GI follow-up.

Hospital Medicine – Children’s Hospital Colorado
Aurora, CO | July 2025 (50 hours)

· Provided inpatient care across a broad spectrum of pediatric diagnoses.

· Participated in discharge planning, medication management, and inter-provider communication.

· Assisted in daily rounding, care coordination, and documentation.