Cynthia Linkes, DNP, MSN-CNS, RN, CPHQ, CCM
Assistant Professor/Clinical
Versatile health care senior leader and experienced clinician with years of experience in a variety of health care setting including inpatient, ambulatory, military, and managed health care. Proven abilities as an administrator and educator to collaborate and lead diverse teams in educational endeavors and process improvement initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels. Quality improvement (QI) leader and collaborator within managed health care, oncology and psychiatric services, and population health and community wellness. Life-long learner striving to continuously expand understanding of leadership, QI, and mental health practices. Servant leader supporting others, providing resource to help them reach their full potential. Astute organizational professional providing ideation, design, and innovation to promote process improvements to streamline work, increase efficiency, and enhance safe health care practices. Thrives in a challenging, fast-paced work environment effectively managing multiple projects and priorities. A diplomatic professional who improves systems and is committed to student and employee welfare. Displays strong interpersonal skills and successfully collaborates with people from diverse backgrounds. Displays a high level of integrity when handling sensitive situations and confidential information.
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Professional Background
Education
- 2019 - Doctor in Nursing Practice - Executive Administrative Management - UTHSCSA
- 1986 - Master of Science in Nursing - Dual Focus-Psychiatric Nursing and Nursing Administration - University of Texas, Austin
- 1983 - Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Nursing - University of Illinois Medical Center
Highlights
Licensures and Certifications
- Registered Nurse (Texas)
- National Association for HealthCare Quality
- Case Management Society of America
Honors and Awards
- 2023 ACUE: Awarded “Designing Learner-Centered & Equitable Courses” Badge
- 2022, Best 25 Nurses of South-Central TX (nomination)
- 2021, San Antonio Psychiatric Nurses Association Impact Award: Leadership & Mgmt
- 2021, Quality Matters: Awarded QM Rubric Badge
Appointments
- 2020 - Assistant Professor/Clinical - UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2015 - Adjunct Assistant Professor - UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 1990 - Flight Nurse Instructor and Evaluator - United States Air Force Reserves (USAFR), 433d AES and Individual Mobilization Augmentee to AF Inspector General’s Office and Medical Operations Agency
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Instruction & Training
- 2021-2023, NURS 3205 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Theoretical Foundations, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2022-2023 , NURS 7111/7511 Advanced Nursing Seminar, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2022, NURS 7307 DNP Dissemination, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2019 - 2021, NURS 7302 Theoretical Foundations for Leadership in Complex Adaptive Systems, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2021, NURS 7313 DNP Project Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2021, NURS 4230 Leadership and Management: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2021, NURS 7306 DNP Project, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2021, NURS 7305 DNP Project: Seminar , UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2021, NURS 7312 DNP Project: Seminar , UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2020 - 2021, NURS 3206 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2020 - 2021, NURS 3275 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2020, NURS 7302 Theoretical Foundations for Leadership in Complex Adaptive Systems, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2019, NURS 3206 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2019, NURS 3275 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2018 - 2017, NURS 3206 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
- 2018 -2017, NURS 3275 Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing: Clinical Application, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
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Service
School
Student Mentees/Trainees
- 2023 Alexis McKinney, DNP student, Committee Chair
- 2023 Patti Botello, PhD student, Mentor for Teaching Elective (N6071)
- 2021 – 2022 Cruz Mata, DNP student, Committee Chair
- 2021 – 2022 Annette Dozal, DNP student, Committee Chair
- 2021 Sylvia Vargas, DNP Student, Committee Chair
- 2021 Yu-Ting Wang, DNP Student, Committee Chair
- 2020-2021, Theresa Fanasch, MSN-GNP candidate, psychiatric mental health assessments and care planning
Institutional
- 2023-2024 UT Health SA, School of Nursing (SON) Search Committee Member
- 2022-2023, UT Health SA, School of Nursing Holistic Admissions Committee / Chair
- 2022 -2023, UT Health SA Online facilitator (15th Annual Community Service-Learning Conference "Unseen and Unheard: Meeting the Needs of Displaced Youth")
- 2021-2023, UT Health SA, School of Nursing Bylaws Committee / Member
- 2021, UT Health SA, School of Nursing Poverty Simulation Volunteer
- 2021-2022, UT Health SA, School of Nursing BSN Applicant Reviewer
- 2020-2021 UT Health SA, School of Nursing COVID Immunizations
Service to the Profession
- 2020-2021, COVID Call Center, Southwest TX Reg. Advisory Council
- 2004, Squadron Commander, USAF - Qatar, Iraq, and Africa
Professional Affiliations (memberships)
- 2021 – present, San Antonio Psychiatric Nurses Association
- 2019 – present, Sigma Theta Tau International-Delta Alpha Chapter (2021-2023 Officer – Leadership Succession Committee)
- 2017 – present, American Nurses Association/Texas Nurses Association
- 2010 – present, Case Management Society of America
- 1994-present, National Association for Healthcare Quality
- 1988 – present, Association of Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
- 1986 – present, TEXAS EXES (University of Texas Alumni Association)
- 1985 - present, Reserve Officer Association
National
Consultations
- 2017 - present Texas Nurses Association, Review and provide feedback on policies and scope of practice.
- 2013 – 2015 Aetna, Inc. EXL Medical Services, Inc. (Philippines & India)
- 2008 – 2013 United States Air Force, AFIA-Air Force Inspection Agency: Medical Inspector for The Inspector General of the Air Force, and AFMOA-Air Force Medical Operations Agency: enhancement of case management and utilization review programs and processes
Community
- 2022-Present, Grief Share Leader Concordia (leading community mental health groups)
- 2020-present, Mentor, American Corporate Partners Veteran Mentoring
- 2015-present Stephen Leader Concordia Church and School (provide leadership services for San Antonio community)
- 2015 - 2017, Board Member Heartland Canines for Veterans
- 2015 - present, Stephen Leader Concordia Church and School (provide counseling services for San Antonio community)
- 2013 - present, Stephen Minister Concordia Church and School
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Publications
- PUBLICATIONS
- Linkes, C. (2023). Clinical teaching that makes a difference: Role-playing de-escalation techniques. Texas Board of Nursing: Nursing Education Newsletter. Spring 2023; Vol 11 (Number 1): pages 8-9.
- Vives, M., Linkes, C., & Soucy, M. (2023). Teaching psychotherapy to psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner students in the virtual classroom. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, in publication - Manuscript ID UMHN-2022-0375.R2
- Vives, M., Linkes, C., & Soucy, M. (2022). Tips for teaching PMHNP psychotherapy in the virtual classroom. ATI Educator Blog.
- Marshall, P. & Linkes, C. (1995). Soldier‘s Heart-Hidden Victims: Survivors‘ View of Combat Trauma. Lutherville, MD: The Sidran Press.
- 2023 (May) Linkes, C. (2023, May 8-12). Implementing evidence-based workplace wellness strategies to increase employee participation [Poster presentation]. The UTHSCSA School of Nursing, Showcase of Nursing Science & Scholarship, San Antonio, Texas.
- 2021 (Oct) Vives, M., Linkes, C., & Soucy, M. (2021, October 18-20). Teaching psychotherapy to psychiatric/mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) students virtually during COVID [Poster presentation]. ATI National Nurse Educator Summit, San Antonio, Texas.
- 2021 (Feb) Linkes, C. (2021, February 18-20). Implementing evidence-based workplace wellness strategies to increase employee participation [Poster presentation]. Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Austin, Texas.
- 2019 (Mar), Implementing Evidence-Based Workplace Wellness Strategies to Increase Employee Health Appraisal Completion Rates, University of Texas School of Nursing, Nursing, UTHSCSA, San Antonio, TX (Sole Presenter)
- 2012 (May) Integrating the Principles of Patient-Centered Care, American College of Healthcare Executives, San Antonio, TX (Panel)
- 1995 (Oct) Ancillary Provider Credentialing Scorecards, National Association for Healthcare Quality, Minneapolis, MN (Co-Presenter)
- 1995 (Oct) A Road Map to Successful Accreditation, National Association for Healthcare Quality, Minneapolis, MN (Co-Presenter)
- 2012, Integrating the Principles of Patient-Centered Care, American College of Healthcare Executives, San Antonio, TX (Panel)
- 2021, Implementing Evidence-Based Workplace Wellness Strategies to Increase Employee Participation, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Austin, TX (Poster Presentation)
Invited Podium Presentations (i. e. keynotes presentations)
Peer Reviewed Podium Presentations
Peer Reviewed Poster Presentations
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Clinical
- 2021 - 2022, UT Health Wellness 360, Collaborate in the provision of administrative services.