Kimberly Ann Ruiz
University of Colorado-worked at Children's Hospital Colorado
Elizabeth,CO
1
Certification
23
years of professional experience
Experienced Advanced Practice Nurse specializing in patient assessment, diagnosis, education and treatment. Strong focus on nursing skills and behavioral health, with a proven ability to collaborate in teams and enhance patient outcomes. Recognized for clinical expertise and effective communication.
Work History
Clinical Faculty, Senior Instructor, Lead Advanced Practice Nurse for Special Care Clinic
13 Years- Provided comprehensive primary care to pediatric patients in the largest clinic for children with complex health care needs in the country for over 30 years
- Lead Advanced Practice Nurse in Special Care clinic
- Independently evaluated, diagnosed, treated, and managed both acute and chronic illnesses in a medically complex patient population
- Specialized in caring for children from birth to 21 years of age with medical complexity, ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, school health issues, gastrostomy tubes, tracheostomy tubes, ventilators, intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Lead preceptor in Special Care clinic for undergraduate and graduate students, and for fellows that rotated through Special Care clinic
- Provided training for school nurses at annual training conferences
- Provided expert medical advice, triage recommendations, and care coordination as an on-call medical provider
- Educated families on treatment plans, medication administration, and symptom monitoring.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and specialists to coordinate seamless multidisciplinary care.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to support accurate clinical decision-making.
- Prescribed evidence-based therapies while monitoring response and adjusting care as needed.
- Supported care transitions by coordinating referrals, follow-up visits, and specialty services.
- Cultivated rapport with patients and caregivers, utilizing proactive communication with parents and children.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to concerns.
- Established and implemented developmental screening initiatives to detect delays in young children.
- Formulated plans of care to optimize child's health potential and minimize physical and psychological complications.
- Assessed and managed behavioral health concerns among pediatric patients, providing appropriate interventions, resources, and referrals when needed.
- Prescribed mental health medications as needed in collaboration with clinic psychiatrists in patients with aggressive behaviors, Autism, Anxiety, and developmental delays.
- Collaborated in the development of policies and procedures for pediatric practices that adhered to regulatory guidelines while prioritizing patient-centered care principles.
- Adaptive Care Provider specializing in individualized care strategies to reduce anxiety in the healthcare setting for child with developmental disabilities
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
10 Years- Primary Care Practitioner for Children with Complex Healthcare Needs
- Conducted comprehensive pediatric assessments, diagnosing conditions and developing individualized care plans.
- Documented patient encounters accurately in electronic medical records and maintained compliance with standards.
- Educated families on treatment plans, medication administration, and symptom monitoring.
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and specialists to coordinate seamless multidisciplinary care.
Education
Masters of Science Nursing - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Skills
Pediatric/Adolescent physical exams
Behavioral health
Diagnostic testing
Lab results interpretation
Chronic disease management
School health
Precepting students
Nurse leadership
Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
- Academic Appointment: Clinical Faculty, University of Colorado, Senior Instructor-7/2003-7/2026
- Licensed Registered nurse-Colorado - 1990-Present
- Certified Advanced Practice Nurse-Colorado- 1997-Present
- Licensed Prescriptive Authority/DEA-1998-present
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support Training - 2005-present
Timeline
Clinical Faculty, Senior Instructor, Lead Advanced Practice Nurse for Special Care Clinic
University of Colorado-worked at Children's Hospital Colorado
07.2013 - 07.2026Read More
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
University of Colorado-Children’s Hospital Colorado-Special Care Clinic
07.2003 - 07.2013Read More
University of Colorado
Masters of Science Nursing from Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
Read More
James Madison University
Bachelor of Science from Nursing
Read More
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 1968-12-25
- Nationality: United States of America
- Marital Status: Married
Awards/Honors
1989 Florence Nightingale Award
1990 Bachelors of Science Cum Laude
1997 Masters of Science Magna Cum Laude
2012 Senior Instructor with Distinction Award
2023 Margi Morse Care Award-in honor of outstanding leadership and innovation in Advanced Practice Nursing