Megan Ara
Colorado Springs
Summary
Dynamic and compassionate advanced practice registered nurse dedicated to delivering exceptional care across the lifespan. A diverse skill set cultivated through multicultural work experiences ensures a comprehensive understanding of varied patient needs. Committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment with a strong focus on empowering patients from all backgrounds to achieve optimal health outcomes. Proven ability to collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams, enhancing the overall quality of care.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Springs Behavioral Health
07.2024 - 07.2025
- Conduct psychiatric evaluations, diagnose mental health conditions, and develop individualized treatment plans, including prescribing and managing medications.
- Experience working with children, ages 5 and up, and older adults.
- Monitor progress, provide psychotherapy, adjust treatment plans as necessary, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate care, and ensure continuity of care for patients.
- Effectively document all patient data into the RXNT electronic health record.
Triage Nurse
Fairview Clinic
01.2016 - 04.2018
- Implemented effective strategies for managing multiple tasks simultaneously to ensure patient safety.
- Coordinated with other healthcare professionals from various disciplines when implementing individualized treatment plans for each patient's needs.
- Displayed exceptional problem-solving skills in determining whether a patient can be treated on an outpatient basis or requires admission into the hospital.
Emergency Department Triage RN, Float RN, Staff RN, Preceptor, and Sepsis Team Coordinator
Queen's Medical Center
12.2004 - 03.2010
- Responsible for direct patient care in a level I trauma center.
- Duties included: ACLS, PALS, TNCC, STEMI, stroke code protocols. Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care. Triaging patient acuity. Assisting with procedures such as intubation and chest tube insertion. Managing airways. IV therapy. Providing direct patient care in locked psychiatric unit. Consulting additional resources when necessary. Documentation of pertinent information and events on the electronic medical record.
- Entrusted as preceptor to incoming nursing personnel and nursing students, as well as lead triage RN, float RN to assist in difficult cases and patient flow, and relief charge nurse with subject matter expertise, skills, and knowledge of department workflow.
- Complete and thorough documentation using computerized EPIC system.
Observation Unit Charge Nurse
Queen's Medical Center
07.2007 - 03.2008
- Employed in partnership with Queen's Emergency Department.
- Direct communication with ED Charge RN and ED physicians to care and treat patients who are stable for enough observation but require continuous monitoring.
- Additional duties included: Staffing for the unit, unit checklists, and movement of patients through unit to discharge or continuous hospital stays and diagnostics.
- Demonstrated autonomy and self-reliance in a clinical setting under predetermined guidelines.
Emergency Department Staff RN
Innovis Hospital
06.2004 - 11.2004
- Responsible for direct patient care in a level II trauma center.
- Direct patient care duties, work as a team to collaborate with physicians and staff to carry out medical orders and care plans.
- Medication administration, IV placement and infusions, and cardiac monitoring.
- Overseeing all testing is thoroughly completed, and results reported as necessary.
- Assist in coordination of care for patients from Native American Reservations and rural lands.
Telemetry and Cardiac Care Unit Staff RN
Rose Medical Center
09.2003 - 05.2004
- Responsible for direct patient care and education in a telemetry and cardiac progressive care unit.
- Duties included: Cardiac rhythm monitoring, ACLS protocols, managing post cardiac cath diagnostics and procedures, managing post-op CABG, and caring for patients with chest tubes, incisions, drains, foley catheters, and central lines.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing - PMHNP Option
Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Colorado
Colorado Springs, Colorado05.2024
Baccalaureate of Arts in Nursing - Cum Laude, Honors Program
College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, Minnesota05.2005
Skills
- Compassionate and caring
- Strong clinical judgment
- Patient care assessment
- Team collaboration
- Analytical thinking
- Health promotion
- Patient education
- Creative problem solving
Affiliations
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), Active Member
- American Nurses Association (ANA), Active Member
- Colorado Nurses Association (CNA), Active Member
- Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI), Active Member
- Surviving Sepsis Campaign, Queen's Medical Center Emergency Department Liaison 2006-2008
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Active Member
- Tanzanian Service-Learning Project, 2002
Certification
- Nurse Practitioner RXN, Active, #RXN.0108898-NP, CO, 06/2027
- Advanced Practice Nurse, Active #APN.0999840-NP, 09/2026
- Registered Nurse, Active, #RN.0164937, CO, 09/2026
- Basic Life Support, Active, 01/2026
- Registered Nurse, Inactive, #779364, CA
- Registered Nurse, Inactive, #RN 56089, Hawaii
- Registered Nurse, Inactive, #1655858, Minnesota
- Registered Nurse, Inactive, #R30580, North Dakota
- Public Health Certification, 05/2003
Timeline
Springs Behavioral Health
07.2024 - 07.2025
Triage Nurse
Fairview Clinic
01.2016 - 04.2018
Observation Unit Charge Nurse
Queen's Medical Center
07.2007 - 03.2008
Emergency Department Triage RN, Float RN, Staff RN, Preceptor, and Sepsis Team Coordinator
Queen's Medical Center
12.2004 - 03.2010
Emergency Department Staff RN
Innovis Hospital
06.2004 - 11.2004
Telemetry and Cardiac Care Unit Staff RN
Rose Medical Center
09.2003 - 05.2004
Baccalaureate of Arts in Nursing - Cum Laude, Honors Program
College of St. Scholastica
Master of Science in Nursing - PMHNP Option
Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Colorado
Awards
Webster Scholar 2003, Circle Award, 1998-2003, Benedictine Scholarship 1998-2003, HHRAM Scholarship 1998
CLINICAL ROTATIONS
Springs Behavioral Health, Colorado, 260 Hours, 08/2023 – 04/2024
- Outpatient setting for clients across the lifespan. Emphasis on ages 5-17. Conducted mental health assessments and diagnosed mental health conditions under the supervision of a PMHNP. Developed treatment plans, including recommended psychopharmacologic medications, and monitored progress in collaboration with a PMHNP. Developed a therapeutic alliance with clients and their family members. Provided educational and support services to patients and families. Effectively documented all patient data into the RXNT electronic health record.
Mentally Strong, Colorado, 100 Hours, 01/2024 – 03/2024
- Fast-paced outpatient setting for clients across the lifespan. Conducted mental health assessments and diagnosed mental health conditions under the supervision of a PMHNP. Collaborated with a PMHNP to develop a treatment plan for mental health conditions. Observed and effectively understood the guidelines and management of long-acting injectable antipsychotic medications for serious mental illness. Effectively documented all patient data into the InSynch electronic health record.
Peak View Behavioral Health, 175 Hours, 03/2023-08/2023
- Adult inpatient setting with predominantly schizophrenia, schizoaffective, bipolar, high-risk/actively suicidal, and court-ordered restoration clients. Up to 30 patients per day. Obtained the ability to independently conduct mental health assessments, screening tools, and diagnosing mental health conditions while under the supervision of a PMHNP. Communicated with other healthcare providers to coordinate care. Effectively assessed and documented information for all new client intakes and medication management into the Epic electronic health record.
Stages of Change Psychotherapy, 100 Hours, 01/2023 - 04/2023
- Outpatient setting from adolescent through geriatric ages. Observation and collaboration with a PMHNP to assess, diagnose and treat mental illness. Established independent interviewing skills for a thorough health history and assessment. Conducted and assessed mental status examinations.
Similar Profiles
Elaine LaVelleElaine LaVelle
Medical Office Manager at Springs Behavioral HealthMedical Office Manager at Springs Behavioral Health
Jamie ReevesJamie Reeves
Patient Care Assistant II at Woodland Springs Behavioral HealthPatient Care Assistant II at Woodland Springs Behavioral Health
Macie CummingsMacie Cummings
Forensic Psychiatric Nurse at Valley Springs Behavioral Health HospitalForensic Psychiatric Nurse at Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital
Zachery MoyaZachery Moya
Registered Nurse at Center at CentennialRegistered Nurse at Center at Centennial
KATIE LACOMBEKATIE LACOMBE
Clinical Mental Health Therapist at All-Terrain Behavior Health GroupClinical Mental Health Therapist at All-Terrain Behavior Health Group