Kristen Gordon
BSN, RN
I am a newly BSN-prepared nurse with four years of experience in both the emergency department and medical surgical nursing. These roles have shaped how I care for patients, work with teams, and adapt in fast-paced environments. Completing my BSN strengthened my confidence, broadened my perspective, and confirmed how much I value growth and learning.
I plan to continue my education to become a nurse educator so I can help support and mentor future nurses. This portfolio reflects my journey so far and the passion I bring to my practice every day.
My
Story
I’m originally from Clarksville, Tennessee and moved to Knoxville in 2012, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Animal Science at UTK. For the next few years I worked as both a veterinary technician and a pharmacy lab research technician at UTCVM. After experiencing significant illness within my own family, I felt called to shift toward human medicine and enrolled in Pellissippi State’s ASN program.
Over the past four years, I’ve gained valuable experience in both emergency and medical surgical nursing, which has strengthened my adaptability, communication, and commitment to patient-centered care. I recently completed Tennessee Wesleyan University’s RN-to-BSN program, further expanding my leadership and clinical perspective.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue my education and become a nurse educator. I’m passionate about supporting future nurses by sharing knowledge, fostering confidence, and helping them grow into compassionate, skilled professionals.
Having completed my RN to BSN, I have grown not only in knowledge but in my understanding of the deeper purpose of nursing. For me, that means shaping the future of the profession through education and mentorship. This journey has inspired me to pursue the nurse educator pathway, where I can blend my clinical experience with a passion for fostering critical thinking and compassion in the next generation of nurses. I believe that by guiding others, I can contribute to advancing nursing practice and improving patient care on a broader scale, nurturing both individual learners and the profession as a whole.
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Experience & Education
Education
BSN, RN
Studied foundational sciences like anatomy and physiology and microbiology, alongside core nursing topics such as pathophysiology, health assessment, pharmacology, and various specialties like adult, pediatric, and mental health nursing. The curriculum also included crucial skills and concepts like nursing ethics, leadership, research, and public and global health, supplemented by extensive clinical experiences.
Main Coursework
Nursing Major RN to BSN
305- Transition to Professional Nursing Practice
405- Nursing Research
315- Professional Issues
413- Community Health
416- Community Health Capstone
443- Nursing Synthesis for the RN
442- Leadership/Management for the RN
451- Leadership/Management Clinical Capstone
Experience
Staff RN
My experience as both an emergency department nurse and a medical surgical nurse has given me a strong, well-rounded clinical foundation.
In the ED, I learned to think quickly, prioritize effectively, and remain calm in high-pressure situations while providing compassionate, efficient care.
My time in medical surgical nursing strengthened my assessment skills, teamwork, and ability to support patients through a wide range of conditions and recovery processes.
Skills
Patient Care
Medical Administration
Healthcare Collaboration
Nursing Ethics
Curricular Activities
QSEN
Quality and Safety Education for Nurses Case Study
During the process of completing an RN to BSN degree, I have gained a deeper understanding of nursing leadership, evidenced-based practices for patient care, and culturally sensitive care. This assignment allowed me to explore the impact of technology on healthcare delivery.
Art Mural Project
Community Health Connections and Analysis
Throughout my RN to BSN journey, I delved into research on healthcare disparities and strategies for promoting health equity. This project reflects my commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for underserved communities.
Nursing Grand Rounds
Case Presentation
This case presentation taught how to apply leadership, clinical judgment, and evidence-based practice to a real patient case while strengthening professional communication and preparing for independent nursing practice.
Associated infographic.
EBP Proposal
Evidenced Based Practice Approach Presentation on Workplace Violence
The purpose of this proposal is to help apply research to a real clinical problem and develop an evidence-supported practice change to improve patient outcomes.
Topic Paper
Many nursing activities exist beyond the bedside and that impacts the quality of care a patient receives. This topic paper helped challenge me to explore an expanded role of the nurse as a member of the profession and to impact change.
Concepts from NUR 405, 413, 416, and 442 were also incorporated.
Associated infographic.
Transforming Transformational Leadership
As part of my BSN education, I focused on enhancing interprofessional communication and collaboration in healthcare. This assignment demonstrates my dedication to fostering a cohesive healthcare team for better patient outcomes.