Veronica Cedillo
Forney
Summary
Seasoned and accomplished Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of nursing experience, complemented by 11 years of advanced-level practice. Notably distinguished as a nursing instructor for 5 years, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. Diversely experienced with a comprehensive background in medical-surgical, research, home health, primary care, colorectal surgery, ostomy care and nursing education. Excellent communication and collaboration with colleagues, patients, and families to deliver evidence-based patient centered care. In-depth knowledge working with Athena and Epic EMR. Bilingual, fluent in Spanish.
Healthcare professional prepared for advanced clinical roles. Proven track record of delivering patient care with precision and empathy. Strong background in diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient education. Excellent collaborator in multidisciplinary teams, adaptable to evolving healthcare needs. Adept at implementing best practices, ensuring optimal patient outcomes.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Clinical Professor
University of Texas
01.2023 - Current
- Oversee curriculum development and ensure alignment with the latest medical advancements. Direct interdisciplinary clinical teams, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Guide and mentor clinical faculty, enhancing teaching methodologies and student engagement. Spearhead research initiatives, driving innovation and contributing to medical knowledge. Develop and implement assessment methods to evaluate students' clinical competence.
- Direct a team of three clinical faculty, overseeing their alignment with university curriculum criteria and ensuring responsive fulfillment of student needs.
- Contribute to the medical field by engaging in scholarly activities, such as publications and presentations.
Colorectal Nurse Practitioner
Texas Oncology
01.2017 - Current
- Assess and diagnose patients with colorectal conditions and colorectal cancer. Create treatment plans, prescribe medications, and perform procedures like anoscopies, abscess drainage and rubber band ligation. Conduct thorough pre- and post-operative education, and oversee the care of ostomy patients, while providing patient education and support throughout the care journey.
- Developed and implemented a quality improvement project that improved the approach to managing patients with an ostomy which led to a significant reduction in unnecessary hospital readmissions.
- Served on the advanced practice provider conference planning committee
Clinical Assistant Professor
01.2020 - 01.2023
- Delivered lectures, facilitated discussions, and mentored students in clinical settings to ensure comprehensive learning and skill development.
Nurse Practitioner
HTPN/Baylor
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Performed patient assessments, diagnosed illnesses, prescribed treatments, and educated patients on health management and disease prevention. Collaborated with medical teams, ordered, and interpreted tests, and ensured effective care coordination. Maintained up-to-date medical knowledge to provide optimal patient care.
Part-Time Medical-Surgical Staff/Charge Nurse
Baylor Medical Center
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Supervised and allocated nursing staff, coordinated patient care activities, and managed patient admissions and discharges. Liaised with interdisciplinary teams to facilitate patient admissions and discharges and maintain adherence to protocols.
Research Nurse/Surgical Research Coordinator
Baylor University Medical Center
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Coordinated surgical research protocols, including participant recruitment and data collection. Ensured regulatory compliance, partnered with research teams, and maintained accurate documentation for studies.
- Secured multiple grants to finance a forward-looking clinical trial assessing the efficacy of post-operative Alvimopan (Entereg) utilization among colorectal surgery patients.
Medical Surgical Staff/Charge Nurse
Baylor Medical Center
01.2002 - 01.2008
- Assisted in medical procedures, ensured patient comfort, and maintained accurate records for effective treatment. Communicated with patients and families to address essential needs and concerns.
Education
DNP - Nursing
University of Texas
Arlington, TX01.2021
Ostomy Certificate - Ostomy Nurse
Metropolitan State University
Minneapolis, MN01.2018
NP Certificate - Adult/Geriatric Primary Care
University of Texas
Arlington, TX01.2013
MSN - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ01.2010
BSN - Nursing
Texas Woman’s University
Denton, TX01.2001
Skills
- Patient care
- Leadership qualities
- Teaching excellence
- Clinical expertise
- Online teaching
- Assessment skills
- Curriculum development
- Clinical instruction
- Student evaluation
- Supervising students
- Student evaluations
- Patient care oversight
- Completing physical assessments
- Student outcomes management
- Coordinating student schedules
- Developing lesson plans
- Course objective implementation
- Evaluating student performance
- Performing physical assessments
- Healthcare staff relations
- Quality assurance
- Patient safety
Accomplishments
- Received and maintain a100% positive evaluation rating from students.
- Revamped curriculum and syllabus for NURS 5645.
- Supervised team of 3 faculty staff members.
- Inspired students to pursue careers in specialties like primary care and gerontology.
- Developed and implemented a quality improvement program for ostomy care at my clinic which has significantly reduced unnecessary hospital readmission by 90% for patients with an ostomy.
- Received the Excellence in Nursing Award by D Magazine which recognized my work in direct patient care as an advanced practice provider.
- Received the Unsung Hero Award by Texas Oncology which honors those who quietly and consistently go above and beyond.
- Selected to participate in the IBD Preceptorship at Mayo Clinic.
Affiliations
- Member | American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- Allied Health Member | American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
- Member | National Association of Hispanic Nurses | Dallas Chapter Vice-President | May 2010-2014 President | 2014-10-2016 Treasurer | 2019-05-2021
- Member | Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing | Delta Theta Chapter
- Member | Texas Nurse Practitioners Association
Certification
- Certified: ACLS Healthcare Provider | American Heart Association Expiring on 2027-06
- Certified: BLS Healthcare Provider | American Heart Association Expiring on 2027-04
- Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | American Nurses Credentialing Center Expiring on 2029-03
- Advanced Practice Registered Nurse | State of Texas Expiring on 2026-11
- Registered Nurse | State of Texas Expiring on 2026-11
- Certified Ostomy Nurse | WOCNCB Expiring on 2029-01
Languages
Spanish, English
Scholarships and Honors & Awards
Unsung Hero Award | Texas Oncology Oct 2025, Excellence in Nursing Recipient | D Magazine Mar 2024, IBD Preceptorship Mayo Clinic | Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation May 2022, John & Louis Schira Fellowship | University of Texas, Arlington Nov 2021, DFW Great 100 Nurses Recipient | DFW Great 100 Nurses Apr 2020, Gloria Sampson Nursing Scholarship | University of Texas, Arlington Mar 2013, Dixon-Galt-Lieberman Nursing Scholarship | Baylor Healthcare System Aug 2011, Service Excellence in Nursing Award | Baylor Medical Center at Irving Oct 2007, HACEMOS Scholarship | Hispanic Scholarship Fund Aug 1997, Doctors Hospital Scholarship | Doctors Hospital in Dallas Aug 1997
Additional Experience
- Case Manager/Field Nurse PRN | 2005 - 2007 Goodwin Home Healthcare Services | Dallas, Texas
- Patient Care Assistant | 01/00-12/02 Baylor University Medical Center | Dallas, Texas
Timeline
Lead Clinical Professor
University of Texas
01.2023 - Current
Clinical Assistant Professor
01.2020 - 01.2023
Colorectal Nurse Practitioner
Texas Oncology
01.2017 - Current
Nurse Practitioner
HTPN/Baylor
01.2014 - 01.2017
Part-Time Medical-Surgical Staff/Charge Nurse
Baylor Medical Center
01.2012 - 01.2014
Research Nurse/Surgical Research Coordinator
Baylor University Medical Center
01.2008 - 01.2012
Medical Surgical Staff/Charge Nurse
Baylor Medical Center
01.2002 - 01.2008
Ostomy Certificate - Ostomy Nurse
Metropolitan State University
NP Certificate - Adult/Geriatric Primary Care
University of Texas
MSN - Nursing
University of Phoenix
BSN - Nursing
Texas Woman’s University
DNP - Nursing
University of Texas