LEAH KEFA
Aurora,CO
Summary
Board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of diverse clinical experience across psychiatric, medical-surgical, orthopedic, and skilled nursing settings. Expertise in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, coupled with strong interdisciplinary collaboration skills. Leadership experience as Charge Nurse focused on enhancing patient outcomes, safety, and quality of care.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
RN – Psychiatric Adult/Geriatric Unit / Charge Nurse
Medical Center of Aurora
Aurora, CO
08.2022 - Current
- Oversaw unit operations as Charge Nurse, coordinating staff and managing patient care delivery to maintain high-quality standards.
- Delivered direct care to adult and geriatric patients with acute and chronic mental health conditions, ensuring tailored support for diverse needs.
- Perform comprehensive psychiatric assessments and contribute to individualized treatment planning.
- Administer and monitor psychiatric medications, evaluating effectiveness and side effects.
- Collaborated with psychiatrists, therapists, and interdisciplinary teams to enhance patient outcomes through integrated treatment approaches.
- Participate in admissions, discharges, and patient education to ensure continuity of care.
RN – Skilled Nursing
Sierra Health Care & Rehabilitation
Lakewood, CO
03.2017 - 07.2022
- Provided comprehensive nursing care to patients with complex medical and psychiatric needs, ensuring holistic support.
- Performed procedures including IV therapy, G-tube management, and Foley catheterization.
- Developed and implemented patient-centered care plans in collaboration with healthcare teams.
- Administered medications and treatments, effectively managing pain and monitoring patient outcomes.
- Mentored and trained new nurses, enhancing team capabilities and streamlining workflow.
RN – Memory Care
Lakewood Villa Rehabilitation & Nursing
Lakewood, CO
07.2016 - 01.2020
- Delivered specialized care for patients with dementia and behavioral health conditions, enhancing quality of life.
- Managed psychiatric symptoms while supporting cognitive and functional abilities, promoting patient engagement.
- Collaborated with families and caregivers to ensure holistic care delivery, fostering a supportive environment.
LVN/RN – Medical-Surgical Unit
UMC Health Systems
Lubbock, TX
12.2014 - 05.2016
- Performed clinical procedures including IV insertion and catheterization, enhancing patient care and treatment effectiveness.
- Delivered post-operative and acute care for orthopedic, urology, GI, and bariatric patients, ensuring effective recovery and patient comfort.
- Educated patients and families on treatment plans and discharge instructions.
- Assisted with admissions, discharges, and care coordination, facilitating smooth transitions and continuity of care.
LVN – Skilled Nursing
Southern Specialty Rehabilitation & Nursing
Lubbock, TX
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Provided care for high-acuity patients, including those with tracheostomies and ventilators.
- Supervised CNAs, coordinating daily patient care activities to enhance overall care delivery.
- Maintained accurate documentation, ensuring compliance with care standards to support quality patient outcomes.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Regis College
Weston, MA08-2025
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Lubbock Christian University
Lubbock, TX05-2016
Registered Nurse - RN Diploma
Covenant School of Nursing
Lubbock, TX05-2015
Master’s in nursing administration -
Colorado Technical University
Denver, COSkills
- Psychiatric assessment
- Medication management
- Crisis intervention
- Therapeutic communication
- Care coordination
- Patient education
- EHR documentation
- Team collaboration
- Leadership experience
- Medical-surgical nursing
- Patient advocacy
References
Available upon request
Certifications And Licensure
- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified (PMHNP-BC)
- Masters in Nursing Administration
- Registered Nurse (RN), Active License
Timeline
RN – Psychiatric Adult/Geriatric Unit / Charge Nurse
Medical Center of Aurora
08.2022 - Current
RN – Skilled Nursing
Sierra Health Care & Rehabilitation
03.2017 - 07.2022
RN – Memory Care
Lakewood Villa Rehabilitation & Nursing
07.2016 - 01.2020
LVN/RN – Medical-Surgical Unit
UMC Health Systems
12.2014 - 05.2016
LVN – Skilled Nursing
Southern Specialty Rehabilitation & Nursing
01.2012 - 12.2012
Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
Regis College
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Lubbock Christian University
Registered Nurse - RN Diploma
Covenant School of Nursing
Master’s in nursing administration -
Colorado Technical University