Lorie Durso
Morgan Hill,CA
Summary
Experienced and mission-driven Registered Nurse with 24+ years of diverse clinical, research, leadership, and educational experience across federal and private healthcare systems. Demonstrated expertise in MSN- and BSN-level instruction, curriculum development, clinical coaching, onboarding, process improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Recognized for strengths in empowering future nurse leaders, leveraging evidence-based practice, and enhancing student and staff engagement. Holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP, 2025), Master of Science in Nursing – Executive Nurse Leadership, and Certified Healthcare Recruiter (CHCR) credentials.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Clinical Contact Center Triage Nurse – RN
VA Sierra Pacific Network
Pleasant Hill, CA
07.2024 - Current
- Provide telephonic triage and clinical decision-making for veteran patient populations using evidence-based protocols.
- Enhance access to care and reduce unnecessary emergency visits.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams for care quality and patient safety.
Nurse Recruiter / Nursing Leadership & Administration
VA San Diego Healthcare System
San Diego, CA
07.2018 - 07.2024
- Led recruitment, onboarding, and retention initiatives for Nursing Services.
- Implemented system-wide programs to improve nurse engagement and outcomes.
- Chaired the Employee Recognition Committee; delivered data-driven staffing solutions.
- Maintained clinical skills by supporting Emergency and Procedures departments as needed.
- Goal-oriented professional with proven success in applying analytical skills to solve complex problems and overcome challenges. Dedicated to enhancing team performance and driving business success.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Identified issues, analyzed information, and provided solutions to problems.
- Applied effective time management techniques to meet tight deadlines.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through working on group projects.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Gained extensive knowledge in data entry, analysis and reporting.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Research Nurse (Per Diem)
E-Study Site
San Diego, CA
04.2018 - 01.2023
- Delivered direct patient care and ensured adherence to study protocols.
- Performed medication administration and midline insertions for research participants.
- Documented patient-reported outcomes and adverse events in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Maintained accurate research documentation and data entry into electronic health record systems.
Vascular Access Nurse (Per Diem)
Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
Chula Vista, CA
03.2017 - 06.2019
- Inserted PICCs, midlines, and IVs hospital-wide; delivered vascular access education to staff and families.
- Managed care and collaboration for patients requiring vascular access.
- Educate patients on vascular access options, care techniques, and potential complications post-procedure.
- Regularly document vascular access procedures in compliance with hospital protocols and patient safety regulations.
- Collaborate with physicians to assess and optimize patient suitability for vascular access interventions.
- Manage inventory levels of vascular access supplies to ensure availability for procedures while minimizing waste.
Nurse Mentor / Adjunct Faculty (Per Diem)
National University
San Diego, CA
06.2016 - 06.2019
- Provided clinical and didactic instruction for BSN students.
- Mentored and coached diverse student groups, focusing on clinical excellence and academic growth.
- Conducted thorough assessments of veteran patients to determine care needs and triage urgency.
- Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalized guidance and support.
- Served as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and dedication within the mentorship program environment.
- Guided mentees in overcoming challenges by sharing personal experiences and offering practical advice.
- Assisted mentees in developing self-confidence and positive self-image.
- Monitored mentee performance consistently, identifying areas of improvement and adjusting mentorship approaches accordingly.
- Assisted mentees in setting achievable goals and creating realistic action plans for personal and professional growth.
- Continually assessed own mentoring performance, seeking feedback from peers and mentees to ensure ongoing personal and professional growth.
- Coordinated with other professionals involved in the mentoring process to ensure seamless support for each participant''s journey toward success.
- Empowered mentees to take responsibility for their learning and development, fostering self-confidence and resilience.
Charge Nurse / Interim Assistant Nurse Manager – Special Procedures Center
VA Medical Center
San Diego, CA
02.2013 - 07.2018
- Managed clinical operations and staff development for GI & Pulmonary Procedures Center.
- Led quality improvement initiatives; recognized with DAISY and Great Catch Awards.
- Identified issues, analyzed information, and provided solutions to problems.
- Provided professional services and support in a dynamic work environment.
- Versatile professional with strong problem-solving skills and history of adapting to diverse challenges. Applies innovative solutions and technical expertise to deliver exceptional results. Committed to streamlining processes and advancing organizational objectives.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions, and make decisions.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
Staff Nurse / Relief Charge – Emergency Department
VA Medical Center
San Diego, CA
01.2007 - 01.2013
- Delivered comprehensive emergency care to veterans at all acuity levels.
- Served as Relief Charge Nurse; participated on the Moderate Sedation Committee.
Staff Nurse – Emergency Department
Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
Chula Vista, CA
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Provided emergency care for diverse populations, including pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients.
- CORE Team Award recipient.
- Conducted thorough patient assessments to determine immediate medical needs and triage urgency effectively.
- Maintained compliance with emergency protocols, ensuring adherence to hospital safety and quality standards.
- Administered advanced life support measures in critical situations, enhancing patient outcomes in emergencies.
- Facilitated effective communication between multidisciplinary teams to streamline patient care processes and enhance collaboration.
- Provided compassionate care and support to patients and families during high-stress situations, promoting a positive healthcare experience.
- Managed challenging medical cases involving trauma, cardiac events, stroke, respiratory distress, mental health crises, and more.
- Demonstrated ability to remain calm under pressure while managing multiple tasks concurrently in an unpredictable and fast-paced environment.
Per-Diem RN – Multiple Units
MedSource Staffing
San Diego, CA
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Provided care in telemetry, med-surg, rehab, and step-down settings, adapting to diverse clinical environments.
Staff Nurse / Relief Charge – Medical-Surgical & Orthopedics
Sharp Coronado Hospital
Coronado, CA
01.2001 - 01.2004
- Managed perioperative and postoperative care for ortho and med-surg patients.
- Served on the Quality Improvement Committee and as Relief Charge Nurse.
Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice -
West Coast University
Online07-2025
Master of Science in Nursing - Executive Nurse Leadership
Grand Canyon University
Online01-2020
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Online01-2012
Associate Degree in Nursing -
Maric College
San Diego, CA01-2000
Some College (No Degree) -
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA01-1998
Skills
- Telehealth Platforms
- Electronic Health Records (CPRS, Epic)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Data Analysis/Reporting Tools
Certification
- Registered Nurse, California (CA-581778)
- Certified Healthcare Recruiter (CHCR)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Peripheral Insertion Central Catheter (PICC) Certified
Timeline
Clinical Contact Center Triage Nurse – RN
VA Sierra Pacific Network
07.2024 - Current
Nurse Recruiter / Nursing Leadership & Administration
VA San Diego Healthcare System
07.2018 - 07.2024
Research Nurse (Per Diem)
E-Study Site
04.2018 - 01.2023
Vascular Access Nurse (Per Diem)
Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
03.2017 - 06.2019
Nurse Mentor / Adjunct Faculty (Per Diem)
National University
06.2016 - 06.2019
Charge Nurse / Interim Assistant Nurse Manager – Special Procedures Center
VA Medical Center
02.2013 - 07.2018
Staff Nurse / Relief Charge – Emergency Department
VA Medical Center
01.2007 - 01.2013
Staff Nurse – Emergency Department
Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center
01.2004 - 01.2007
Per-Diem RN – Multiple Units
MedSource Staffing
01.2002 - 01.2004
Staff Nurse / Relief Charge – Medical-Surgical & Orthopedics
Sharp Coronado Hospital
01.2001 - 01.2004
Doctor of Nursing Practice -
West Coast University
Master of Science in Nursing - Executive Nurse Leadership
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science in Nursing -
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Associate Degree in Nursing -
Maric College
Some College (No Degree) -
San Diego State University
SELECTED AWARDS & RECOGNITION
DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence, Great Catch Award, VA San Diego Healthcare System, CORE Team Award, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center