When Vanessa Capron moved to Durango nearly a decade ago, she had no idea that this small town would become the backdrop for the next chapter in her nursing career. What started as a fresh start in a new place soon blossomed into a deep commitment to helping others and a growing passion for patient care. Now, as a new Nurse Practitioner at Spine Colorado, Vanessa is combining her years of diverse nursing experience with her personal journey to bring a fresh perspective to spine care.
“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse practitioner,” Vanessa shares. “But after completing my nursing degree, I took a bit of a break. I’ve been in Durango for almost 10 years now, and it’s really become home. That’s where my journey began.”
Her career path wasn’t always linear, but each step, from earning a degree in sociology to becoming a registered nurse, helped shape her philosophy on patient care. “I started with sociology because I was interested in understanding people,” she explains. “But after a decade, I realized nursing was where my heart was. It allowed me to combine my love for helping people with my desire to make a real difference in their lives.”
A Journey Through Nursing: From Preoperative Care to Advocacy
Vanessa’s background is as varied as it is rich, offering her the opportunity to learn from different aspects of patient care. Over the past 10 years, she’s worked in various settings, including perioperative care and patient advocacy, gaining hands-on experience in both the clinical and emotional aspects of healing.
“Working in preoperative care was where I first connected with spine patients, helping them prepare for surgery and supporting them through recovery,” she says. This experience provided a foundation that would later inform her approach to treating spine patients at Spine Colorado. “I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to help patients feel heard and prepared for what’s ahead,” she adds.
Vanessa’s time in patient advocacy further cemented her belief that healthcare should be more than just treating symptoms. “Patient advocacy means listening to the person, not just focusing on their diagnosis,” she explains. “It’s about understanding their fears, their goals, and ensuring they’re part of the decision-making process every step of the way.”
This patient-first mindset is something she’s excited to bring to her new role at Spine Colorado. “I’m really looking forward to being part of a team that puts patients at the center of everything,” she says. “Spine Colorado is all about treating the whole person, not just the condition, and that’s something I believe in deeply.”
What Draws Vanessa to Spine Care?
For Vanessa, joining the Spine Colorado team is both a challenge and an opportunity. While she’s spent much of her career in perioperative care, the world of spine treatment offers new learning opportunities. “The spine realm has always seemed really complicated, which is why I’m so excited about it,” she shares. “It’s a new challenge and a great next step for me. I love the idea of learning more about spine-specific treatments, MRIs, and the whole diagnostic process.”
Vanessa’s enthusiasm for spine care is matched by her eagerness to dive into a new, multidisciplinary environment. “The team here is incredibly supportive,” she says. “I’m looking forward to learning from everyone and bringing my own unique perspective to the table.”
Patient-Centered Care: Bridging Her Experience with New Opportunities
At Spine Colorado, Vanessa is looking forward to combining her background in patient advocacy and preoperative care with the collaborative, patient-centered approach the clinic is known for. “I’ve always been passionate about advocating for patients,” she says. “It’s not just about diagnosing and treating—it’s about listening to the patients, understanding where they’re coming from, and then figuring out how we can best help them.”
Vanessa’s approach to care is holistic, focusing not just on the medical aspects but also on the emotional and psychological factors that affect recovery. “I believe in being with the patient through every part of their journey—from initial consultation to post-surgery recovery,” she adds. “It’s about providing consistency and making sure they feel supported no matter what stage they’re in.”
What’s Next for Vanessa at Spine Colorado?
As she steps into her new role, Vanessa has a clear vision for what she hopes to achieve at Spine Colorado. “My goal is to really focus on patient-centered care and become as efficient as I can in my role,” she shares. “I want to be someone patients can trust and feel confident in, and I want to contribute to the success of the team.”
Though the learning curve in spine care is steep, Vanessa sees it as a thrilling opportunity to expand her expertise. “I’m excited to see where I can grow in this role,” she says. “Every day is a learning experience, and I’m looking forward to continuing to build my knowledge in this area.”
Living and Thriving in Durango
Outside of her professional life, Vanessa is deeply connected to the community in Durango. Having moved here years ago for family and the great outdoors, she quickly found that Durango’s small-town charm was the perfect place to settle down. “Durango really offers the best of both worlds,” she says. “It’s a small town, but you have access to so many outdoor activities. Whether it’s mountain biking, fishing, or hiking, it’s all just a short drive away, and I love that.”
Her love for Durango extends to its community as well. “It’s such a welcoming place,” she says. “The sense of community here is strong, and that’s something I really appreciate.”
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter at Spine Colorado
As Vanessa embarks on this new chapter at Spine Colorado, she’s excited about the potential for personal and professional growth. “Professionally, I’m looking forward to learning and becoming more confident in my new role,” she says. “And personally, this job offers a better work-life balance, which means more time to spend outdoors with my family.”
With her diverse experience, her passion for patient care, and her excitement to learn and grow, Vanessa Capron is a perfect fit for Spine Colorado’s dedicated team. We can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make on both our patients and the community.
Experience patient-centric care and personalized service at Spine Colorado. Schedule your appointment today and begin your journey toward better health and a more active lifestyle.