Dr. Nellie Thurston
Las Cruces
Summary
Experienced healthcare professional prepared for an advanced practice care role. Compassionate registered nurse with 20 years of experience. Proven ability to deliver high-quality medical services with strong focus on patient outcomes. Skilled in diagnostic procedures, treatment plans, and patient education. Known for effective team collaboration, adaptability, and reliable performance in dynamic healthcare environments.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
College Assistant Professor
New Mexico State University
01.2020 - Current
- Guides nursing students in clinical skills, enhancing critical thinking and practical application.
- Develops and evaluates nursing curriculum, ensuring alignment with industry standards.
- Collaborates with medical professionals to integrate interdisciplinary learning experiences.
- Chairs committees to streamline admissions processes and improve student progression outcomes.
- Leads simulation training, fostering realistic practice scenarios for advanced nursing levels.
- Drive quality improvement initiatives in clinical settings, developing targeted orientation programs and competency frameworks that measurably elevate staff performance and patient care standards.
- Orchestrate multi-level clinical instruction, from foundational to advanced courses, cultivating a supportive learning environment that propels students towards nursing excellence.
- Conduct comprehensive student evaluations, leveraging insights to refine teaching methodologies and optimize learning outcomes across diverse nursing specializations.
- Spearheaded cutting-edge simulation training, creating realistic scenarios that challenge and prepare nursing students for complex clinical situations.
- Foster interdisciplinary learning by partnering with diverse medical professionals, enriching the nursing curriculum with real-world insights and practices.
- Analyse student performance data to refine teaching methodologies, resulting in improved learning outcomes across various nursing specializations.
Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certified
Greeg Family Healthcare
Las Cruces, NM
10.2024 - 03.2026
- Conduct comprehensive health assessments to determine patient care needs.
- Develop and implement individualized treatment plans for diverse patient populations.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes and care coordination.
- Educate patients on preventive health measures and chronic disease management strategies.
Registered Nurse, Critical Care Unit, Cardiovascular Lab Recovery, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Interventional Radiology
Mountain View Regional Medical Center
Las Cruces, NM
01.2008 - 03.2026
- Delivered outstanding care to patients with various diagnoses and managed care from treatment initiation through to completion.
- Monitored patient condition, including interpreting and tracking EKG readings, identifying irregular telemetry readings and updating team members on changes in stability or acuity.
- Equipped patients with tools and knowledge needed for speedy and sustained recovery.
- Educated patients, families and caregivers on diagnosis and prognosis, treatment options, disease process and management and lifestyle options.
- Reviewed post-operative orders and continuously monitored patients' post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids and oriented patients to unit to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Managed care for post-operative patients from initial recovery through discharge.
Combat Medic
United States Army
Ft. Hood, Texas
01.1997 - 01.2003
- Developed and led training programs in preparation for combat.
- Maintained 100% accountability of all assigned equipment worth more than $1 million dollars.
- Responded to emergencies with speed, efficiency and knowledgeable assistance.
- Patrolled designated coverage areas and evaluated terrain for defensive use.
- Responsible for reviewing medical records and administering vaccines to hundreds of soldiers for rapid deployment.
- Provided medical coverage to artillery support units.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing- Post Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona10-2025
Doctorate of Nursing Practice -
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona06-2022
Master of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Tempe, Arizona05-2020
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, New Mexico05-2008
Skills
- Patient assessments
- Chronic illness management
- Team-based collaboration
- Preventive health management
- Strong verbal communication
- Health education delivery
- Preventive care
- Quality improvement
- Physical assessments
- Diagnostic testing
- Preparing treatment plans
- Health promotion
- Critical care background
Accomplishments
Publications-
Thurston, N. (2024). Publication of manuscript Improvement of Pain-Free Walking Distance with Implementation of
Treadmill Protocol in Trends. Nursing and Health Care Research Journal. Volume 4 Issue 2.
• Daisy Award Nominee -Mountain View Regional Medical Center
• Member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Omicron Delta Chapter
• Member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing Nu Upsilon Chapter
• Daisy Award Nominee-New Mexico State University School of Nursing
• Inducted as a member of Alpha Chi National College Honor Society
• DNP Quality Improvement Project Dissertation accepted into ProQuest database
• Army Accommodation Medal
• Army Achievement Meda
Certification
ANCC Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certified
Registered Nurse- New Mexico License
Basic Cardiac Life Support - Mountain View Regional Medical Center - Present
Timeline
Family Nurse Practitioner Board Certified
Greeg Family Healthcare
10.2024 - 03.2026
College Assistant Professor
New Mexico State University
01.2020 - Current
Registered Nurse, Critical Care Unit, Cardiovascular Lab Recovery, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Interventional Radiology
Mountain View Regional Medical Center
01.2008 - 03.2026
Combat Medic
United States Army
01.1997 - 01.2003
Master of Science - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
New Mexico State University
Master of Science in Nursing- Post Certificate - Family Nurse Practitioner
Grand Canyon University
Doctorate of Nursing Practice -
Grand Canyon University