KRISTEN THORNTON
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
As a healthcare professional with over a decade of experience, I specialize in family medicine, immunizations, OBGYN, pediatrics, substance addiction rehabilitation, corrections, and surgical care. A proud Air Force veteran, I have a strong background in outpatient clinical care and high-security environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Staff RN
VitalCore Health Strategies
02.2024 - Current
- Provided nursing care in a 1,100-bed county jail, rotating between intake, withdrawal monitoring, and a 12-bed infirmary to manage acute and chronic conditions
- Assessed and stabilized patients during emergencies, responding to codes while managing high risk situations
- Collaborated with law enforcement to maintain a secure yet patient-centered environment, ensuring safety while delivering critical medical care
- Delivered comprehensive care to inmates with diverse medical needs, including wound management, chronic disease management, and mental illness
Pre-op/OR/PACU RN
Colorado Eye Institute
02.2024 - Current
- Delivered comprehensive nursing care in a fast-paced outpatient eye surgery center, assisting in 20+ surgeries daily
- Managed intraoperative and postoperative patient care, evaluating for complications and coordinating pain and sedation recovery
- Instructed patients and families on surgical expectations, post-op care, and medication management to promote optimal recovery
Staff LPN/RN
Peaks Recovery Center
12.2021 - 02.2024
- Administered and monitored medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for a 50 bed facility under medical supervision, ensuring safe and effective detoxification
- Educated patients and families on addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and the importance of continuing care to support recovery
- Coordinated with community resources to connect patients with follow-up care, counseling, and support groups
Aerospace Medical Technician
USAF
07.2015 - 08.2021
- Led and mentored medical personnel, oversaw training, readiness, and mission-critical medical operations
- Managed daily clinic operations, including scheduling, inventory, triage, physical assessments, and staff coordination
- Supported Guam Public Health during the COVID-19 outbreak, conducting over 500 contact tracing investigations and screening 1,000+ patients for travel and clearance
Education
Associate of Science - Nursing
Pueblo Community College
Pueblo, CO12-2023
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing Practical Technology
Community College of The Air Force
Montgomery, AL06-2019
Skills
- Triage
- Intake and Discharge
- Patient Education
- IV therapy
- Patient Safety
- Precepting
- Infection control measures
- Interdisciplinary coordination
Certification
Registered Nurse (Multistate)
License #:1694293
Exp: 09/30/26
Basic Life Support Provider (American Heart Association)
Certification #: 255422263976
Exp: 07/2026
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Staff RN
VitalCore Health Strategies
02.2024 - Current
Pre-op/OR/PACU RN
Colorado Eye Institute
02.2024 - Current
Staff LPN/RN
Peaks Recovery Center
12.2021 - 02.2024
Aerospace Medical Technician
USAF
07.2015 - 08.2021
Registered Nurse (Multistate)
License #:1694293
Exp: 09/30/26
Basic Life Support Provider (American Heart Association)
Certification #: 255422263976
Exp: 07/2026
Associate of Science - Nursing
Pueblo Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Nursing Practical Technology
Community College of The Air Force
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