YARISBELL A. COLLAZO
Newberry
Summary
Dynamic nurse leader and scholar with over 19 years of progressive experience in healthcare systems leadership, implementation science, and outcomes evaluation. Demonstrated success in translating evidence-based research into practice, leading data-driven quality improvement initiatives, and generating measurable results in patient outcomes, workforce well-being, and organizational efficiency. Skilled in analytics, impact reporting, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Committed to academic excellence through mentorship, research dissemination, and leadership in implementation of science education.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Online Nursing Professor
Ana G. Méndez University System
Florida
01.2023 - Current
- Instruct and mentor doctoral students in evidence-based practice, clinical leadership, and systems improvement.
- Facilitated interactive lectures and hands-on training sessions for nursing students.
- Conducted assessments of student learning outcomes, using both formative and summative evaluation techniques.
- Designed engaging online course materials for diverse adult learners.
Nurse Manager, Unit 52 (Medical-Surgical)
UF Health Shands
Gainesville
01.2017 - Current
- Lead strategic initiatives aligning implementation science with organizational goals to improve patient care, workforce engagement, and system outcomes.
- Transformed retention and engagement through evidence-based interventions, reducing staff turnover from 38% to 4%.
- Designed and implemented data-driven improvement projects, including the hypoglycemia algorithm rollout and the mental health resource nurse model.
- Evaluate workflows, improve HCAHPS scores, and optimize staffing and resource allocation.
- Partnered with interdisciplinary teams and academic collaborators to translate evidence into measurable clinical outcomes.
- Co-developed unit policies integrating evidence-based guidelines for nurse well-being, burnout reduction, and patient safety.
- Monitored quality assurance activities for compliance with standards of care.
- Provided guidance to staff on patient care, clinical practice, and professional development.
Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor & Online Faculty
University of Florida
Gainesville
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Evaluated student performance through assessments and direct observation.
- Taught graduate-level courses in pharmacogenetics, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement methodologies.
- Provided mentorship and guidance to nursing students in clinical settings.
- Relayed feedback on clinical settings' effectiveness in enabling students to reach course and program goals.
Clinical Nurse Leader
UF Health Shands
Gainesville
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Provided clinical leadership across surgical units, applying implementation frameworks to improve care delivery.
- Achieved 100% compliance in critical lab documentation.
- Eliminated ICU readmissions through process optimization with the ENT Medical Services.
- Led quality improvement initiatives targeting workflow efficiency, patient safety, and clinical documentation accuracy.
- Mentored nursing staff on best practices and professional development strategies.
- Facilitated training sessions for new hires on organizational protocols and systems.
- Oversaw quality assurance initiatives to uphold high standards of patient safety.
- Collaborated with physicians and other healthcare providers to develop treatment plans tailored to individual patients' needs.
- Analyzed data related to patient care metrics, identifying opportunities for improvement.
Senior Nurse Research Coordinator
UF Health Shands
Gainesville
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Supported multidisciplinary research studies in trauma, neurology, and surgery.
- Conducted patient screening, data analysis, and reporting aligned with study protocols.
- Collaborated on the dissemination of outcomes to inform translational research and practice.
- Educated participants on study procedures, risks, and benefits to ensure informed consent.
- Maintained strict patient data procedures to comply with HIPAA laws and prevent information breaches.
Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Healthcare Systems Leadership
Chamberlain University
Chicago, IL01.2021
Master of Science - Nursing
South University
Savannah, GA01.2010
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Puerto Rico
Humacao, PR01.2006
Associate of Science - Physics
University of Puerto Rico
Humacao, PR01.2002
Skills
- Implementation science and quality improvement
- Data analytics and outcomes evaluation
- Grants and research funding
- Policy integration
- Mentorship and faculty development
- Evidence-based leadership
- Impact reporting
- Interprofessional collaboration
Certification
- Registered Nurse (RN), State Board of Nursing
- ANCC Medical-Surgical Certification, 01/01/15 - Present
Professional Service And Affiliations
- Treasurer-Elect, Florida Organization of Nursing Leaders, (2022–2024)
- Active Memberships: Florida Nurses Association (FNA), National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN), American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL)
- Content Expert Panelist, Vice-Chair Medical-Surgical American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (2026–2027)
- Content Expert Panelist, ANCC (2024–2025)
- Standard Setting Volunteer Medical-Surgical Certification Exam, ANCC (2024)
- DEI Committee Member, NAHN, (2023–2024)
- AONL’s Nurse Leaders in Advocacy (NLIA) Member, (2025-2026)
Languages
- English, Native/Bilingual
- Spanish, Native/Bilingual
Awards
- DAISY Leadership Award, UF Health, 2023
- Conference Presenter
- FNA (2023, 2024)
- FONL (2023)
- AONL (2025)
Publications
- Collazo, Y. (2024). Empowering Nurses: The Impact of a Mental Health Resource Nurse on Reducing Burnout.Florida Nurse Journal, 72(4).
Funding And Grants
- Pending Grant: Mixed method study related to 24-hour Nurse Manager Accountability and Accessibility effect on Stress and Burnout
Leadership & Consulting Experience
- Independent Consultant – Legal Nurse Consultant (2024 – Present)
Provide expert case analysis, medical record review, and testimony for legal teams. Conduct evidence-based literature reviews and develop impact reports evaluating standards of care, outcomes, and compliance. Collaborate with attorneys and healthcare teams to align clinical practice with policy and quality standards.
Affiliations
- AONL Advocacy Day – Washington, D.C. (2025): Met with congressional staff to advocate for the Save Healthcare Workers Act and funding for Title VIII Nursing Workforce Development Programs.
- Advocated for sustained federal investment in nurse education, workforce well-being, and research infrastructure to address national nursing shortages.
- Collaborated with state and national leaders to promote health equity, Medicaid access, and evidence-based workforce policies.
- Developed legislative talking points connecting frontline challenges with policy reform needs.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Online Nursing Professor
Ana G. Méndez University System
01.2023 - Current
Nurse Manager, Unit 52 (Medical-Surgical)
UF Health Shands
01.2017 - Current
Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor & Online Faculty
University of Florida
01.2012 - 01.2017
Clinical Nurse Leader
UF Health Shands
01.2012 - 01.2017
Senior Nurse Research Coordinator
UF Health Shands
01.2011 - 01.2012
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) - Healthcare Systems Leadership
Chamberlain University
Master of Science - Nursing
South University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Puerto Rico
Associate of Science - Physics
University of Puerto Rico