MSN, AGCNS-BC, RN, CCRN, TCRN, CNRN
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist focused on integrating evidence-based practice to enhance the healthcare system, nursing profession, and patient outcomes. Serves as a leader, advanced practice provider, mentor, and advocate with specialization in trauma critical care.
Claire Donato
My Story
Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to be someone who helped others. Through my own personal experiences, I discovered that nursing aligned with this passion, fully embodying compassion, intelligence, caring, and warmth. Being a Colorado native, I stayed in my hometown to pursue my undergraduate nursing degree. It was only in the time that I was a new graduate nurse did I leave home. I started as a brand-new nurse in a medical intensive care unit and in a brand-new city across the country. It was here that I was introduced to the role of a clinical nurse specialist or CNS.
Did I always know I wanted to be a CNS when I grew up? No. It was not until I was already a nurse that I saw significant gaps in healthcare delivery, both from a nurse and patient perspective. I pondered on how I can help people help others. Interacting with CNSs first-hand, I quickly fell in love with their work and was truly in awe of how a CNS balances being a role model for nurses and patients while making system changes. I returned to Colorado to pursue my graduate degree and stayed in critical care. As a CNS, I now get to impact the healthcare system, nurses, and patients within the specialized world of trauma.
Education
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University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Jan 2024 - Present
Anticipated graduation: Dec 2027
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Program
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University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
Jan 2024 - Aug 2026
Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist Program
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University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Aug 2018 - May 2022
Major: Nursing
Cum Laude Honors
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Aug 2026
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June 2022 - Present
Colorado eNLC license
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Mar 2026 - Present
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June 2025 - Present
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July 2023 - Present
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Renewed Jan 2025
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Renewed Jan 2025
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Renewed Sept 2025
Licensure & Certifications
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UCHealth: Memorial Hospital Central
Sept 2023 - Present
Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit
At a Level I Trauma and Comprehensive Stroke Center, supervises nurses in a 22-bed unit and directly cares for critically ill patients with polytrauma and complex neurologic diagnoses. Evaluates patients for possible deterioration and coordinates care across departments to meet acuity needs
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UCHealth: University of Colorado Hospital
June 2025 - Present
Critical Care Float Pool
Provides care across 8 critical care areas through management of continuous medications, mechanical ventilation, and hemodynamic devices
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Mayo Clinic
Medical/Transplant Intensive Care Unit
July 2022 - Sept 2023
Completed the Critical Care New Graduate Nurse Residency Program. Cared for a variety of critically ill patients through assessments, device management of continuous renal replacement therapy and hemodynamic monitoring, and titration of continuous medications
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University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
Jan 2022
Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit
As a student nurse, completed 70+ clinical hours and helped with the management of intra-aortic balloon pumps, post-open-heart surgeries, post-cardiac arrests, and invasive monitoring devices
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UCHealth: Memorial Hospital Central
Oct 2020 - July 2022
Medical-Surgical Unit & Neuro-Trauma Intensive Care Unit
Assisted with patient care and performed specialized skills such as dressing changes, IV insertion, and Foley catheter placement through the delegation from a registered nurse
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UCHealth: Memorial Hospital Central
Oct 2019 - Oct 2020
Medical-Surgical Unit
Assisted patients with personal care and ensured patient safety and comfort under the supervision of a registered nurse
Experience
Professional Work
Contact Me
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