Katherine Barger MS, RN
Kiowa
Summary
Experienced with clinical management and patient care coordination. Utilizes effective leadership techniques to foster team collaboration and improve patient outcomes. Knowledge of healthcare protocols and patient safety standards.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Forensic Nurse Examiner
UC Health Memorial Central
10.2023 - Current
- Plans and provides nursing care to patients with forensic healthcare needs using the nursing process to include assessments, evidence collection and appropriate community referrals
- Accurately documents nursing care and evidence collection and utilizes time management to minimize patient and law enforcement time in department. Provides teaching to patient and/or family, community outreach, and provides expert witness testimony during trial as requested.
- Participates in the evaluation of patient outcomes and care processes. Helps to identify opportunities for improvement. Assists in data collection and results.
- Shares knowledge and expertise through in-service education, conferences, patient rounds, child protection team conferences and participates in orientation of novice forensic nurse examiners.
- Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance and safety standards. Enhances professional growth through participation in educational programs, current literature review, trainings and workshops.
Supervisor- Nurse Family Partnership
UCCS Beth El College of Nursing
10.2018 - 07.2025
- Monitors data collection and reporting. Effectively analyzes trends to create practice changes or modifications. Weekly, quarterly and annual report to federal and state stakeholders.
- Supervised daily operations ensuring compliance with nursing standards and regulations.
- Mentored staff on best practices and professional development in nursing education.
- Streamlined workflows to enhance efficiency and improve patient care outcomes.
- Implemented training programs for new hires, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop curriculum enhancements based on industry trends.
- Tracks all line item expenditures within the FY budget and works with the grant/budget representative to ensure accuracy.
- Understands and actively participates in monitoring NFP contract with the agency.
Nursing Admin Coordinator
Tri County Public Health
08.2017 - 10.2018
- Performs comprehensive nursing service for individuals, families and the community in one or more program areas.
- Promotes the maintenance of health through teaching, conducting needs assessments and case management, provides direct client care and or resource coordination, and employs appropriate preventative treatment and health maintenance
- Coordinates and evaluates public health and environment activities to ensure balanced and adequate programs.
- Formulates progressive programs designed to meet changing needs of community; implements goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for public health and environment services
- Plans, directs, and supervises a variety of health programs and services including environmental and community health services, disease surveillance and control, Emergency preparedness and response, vital records, public information, and health education and promotion
- Manages administrative procedures consistent with state and local laws, and regulations; directs collection, analysis, and interpretation of statistics significant to program planning and budget preparation
Director Public Health and Environment
Elbert County
12.2015 - 08.2017
- Enhanced community health through comprehensive nursing services across various programs.
- Promoted health maintenance via needs assessments, case management, and direct client care.
- Coordinated public health activities ensuring effective and balanced community programs.
- Developed programs addressing evolving community needs, implementing health service objectives.
- Directed diverse health programs, including disease control and emergency preparedness initiatives.
- Managed administrative processes, ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations.
Labor and Delivery
Sky Ridge Medical Center
08.2012 - 03.2017
- Enhanced patient outcomes through active participation in unit-based councils.
- Mentored new staff and nursing students in the hospital preceptor program.
- Contributed to research published in JOGNN on epiduralized nulliparous women.
- Provided support during EPIC and CPOE system rollouts for staff and physicians.
- Collaborated in designing new unit during construction committee participation.
- Served as relief charge nurse, ensuring operational efficiency on the unit.
District Nurse
Elizabeth School District/ Cherry Creek School District
03.2014 - 05.2016
- Identified health needs for incoming and returning students effectively.
- Collaborated with staff to create targeted Health Care Action Plans.
- Served as medical expert on school, SPED, and safety teams.
- Managed student health needs, including medication administration and required procedures.
- Instructed CPR to ensure safety and preparedness in the school environment.
- Cultivated positive community relations among diverse school stakeholders and clients.
Resource Nurse- Case Manager
Denver Great Kids Head Start
10.2009 - 08.2012
- Ensured compliance with licensing requirements for child care facilities and preschools.
- Facilitated access to services and developmental screenings for families in need.
- Trained and mentored nursing staff to enhance service area effectiveness.
- Assisted with data collection and analysis during Federal Review process.
- Contributed to grant proposals and implemented awarded programs for community benefit.
Pediatrics, Labor and Delivery, Post-partum
Lutheran Medical Center
11.2004 - 05.2012
- Enhanced patient care in Labor and Delivery, ante-partum, and Post-Partum units.
- Represented nursing staff in hospital-wide councils, improving workflows and outcomes.
- Guided new staff and nursing students through preceptor program mentorship.
- Contributed to published research on epiduralization in nulliparous women.
- Facilitated new system rollouts as super user for EPIC and CPOE.
- Collaborated on construction committee for new unit design and development.
Education
Master of Science - Nursing, Leadership and Management
Walden University
Baltimore, Maryland12.2012
Skills
- Collaborative teamwork
- Medical documentation
- Professional ethics
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
- Clinical decision making
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Strong clinical judgment
- Self-care strategies
Certification
Registered Nurse, Colorado
Timeline
Forensic Nurse Examiner
UC Health Memorial Central
10.2023 - Current
Supervisor- Nurse Family Partnership
UCCS Beth El College of Nursing
10.2018 - 07.2025
Nursing Admin Coordinator
Tri County Public Health
08.2017 - 10.2018
Director Public Health and Environment
Elbert County
12.2015 - 08.2017
District Nurse
Elizabeth School District/ Cherry Creek School District
03.2014 - 05.2016
Labor and Delivery
Sky Ridge Medical Center
08.2012 - 03.2017
Resource Nurse- Case Manager
Denver Great Kids Head Start
10.2009 - 08.2012
Pediatrics, Labor and Delivery, Post-partum
Lutheran Medical Center
11.2004 - 05.2012
Master of Science - Nursing, Leadership and Management
Walden University