Christina Barnes, APRN, FNP-C

Meet Christina Barnes, APRN, FNP-C

Advancing Spine and Neurosurgical Care Through Expertise, Precision and Compassion

As a family nurse practitioner specializing in neurosurgery in Tyler, Texas, Christina Barnes combines advanced practice nursing education with more than two decades of clinical experience spanning critical care, perioperative nursing, surgical first assisting and complex spine surgery. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, from the University of South Alabama and completed specialized Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) training through Delaware County Community College. Before joining the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Neurosurgery team in Tyler, she spent years assisting in complex cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine procedures, helping patients regain mobility, function and quality of life. Her passion for spine care began after witnessing a wheelchair-bound patient walk again following surgery, an experience that continues to shape her commitment to helping patients reclaim their lives.

Career at a Glance

• • More than 20 years of nursing experience, including critical care, perioperative services and advanced surgical care.
  • Extensive experience assisting in complex cervical, thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine surgeries.
  • Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C), Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) and Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA).
  • Contributing author to the 6th Edition of the Core Curriculum for the RN First Assistant, a nationally recognized AORN educational resource.
  • Former Chair of the AORN RNFA Specialty Assembly and recognized leader within the perioperative nursing community.
  • Recipient of the Providence Hospital Clinical Excellence Nursing Award.

Clinical Role and Leadership

As a Nurse Practitioner with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Neurosurgery in Tyler, Christina Barnes plays a vital role in supporting patients through the neurosurgical journey, from evaluation and treatment planning to postoperative recovery and long-term follow-up. Her leadership background includes serving as Chair of the RNFA Specialty Assembly and leading multiple surgical service lines, including spine, robotics, general surgery, urology, gynecology, and ophthalmology. Her experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and supporting complex surgical programs allows her to help deliver seamless, high-quality neurosurgical care throughout East Texas.

She provides specialized care for conditions such as:

• • Degenerative spine disorders
  • Chronic neck pain
  • Chronic back pain
  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Spinal deformities
  • Spine injuries and postoperative recovery needs

What You Can Expect from Care with Christina Barnes

Christina believes exceptional patient care is built on collaboration. She works closely with physicians, patients and family members to ensure every treatment plan reflects the individual's goals, expectations and lifestyle. Her approach combines advanced clinical expertise with attentive listening, helping patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options and recovery process. She is committed to creating a positive experience where patients feel informed, supported, and actively involved in their care.

Advanced Surgical Innovation and Neurosurgical Care

Christina's extensive surgical background includes assisting with robotic, laparoscopic, open and minimally invasive procedures. She was part of the Providence Hospital team that helped implement the da Vinci Xi robotic surgical platform and has extensive experience in complex spinal surgery. Her advanced training as a Registered Nurse First Assistant includes tissue handling, wound closure, surgical exposure, hemostasis, advanced suturing techniques and perioperative management. These skills support the advanced neurosurgical and spine services available through CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Neurosurgery and the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Neuroscience Institute.

Research, Clinical Insight, and Thought Leadership

Christina has contributed to the advancement of perioperative and surgical nursing education at a national level. She served as a contributing author to the 6th Edition of the Core Curriculum for the RN First Assistant, one of the profession's most important educational references. She has also held multiple leadership roles within AORN's RNFA Specialty Assembly, helping support education, professional development and standards for registered nurse first assistants across the country.

Commitment to Public Health and Professional Service

Throughout her career, Christina has demonstrated a commitment to advancing the nursing profession through education, mentorship, and professional service. She helped coordinate the annual FUNdamentals of Surgery Workshop and has served in multiple leadership positions within perioperative nursing organizations. Colleagues have also relied on her as a resource for surgical best practices, perioperative workflow improvement, and clinical documentation guidance. Her dedication to sharing knowledge helps strengthen surgical care not only for individual patients but for the broader healthcare community as well.

Beyond the Clinic

When she is not caring for patients, Christina enjoys traveling and experiencing new places, foods and cultures. She treasures time spent with her three children and enjoys creating new family adventures together. Reading, relaxing with family and friends and exploring the world around her help her maintain the balance and perspective she brings to patient care every day.