Nursing at UCHealth

Contributions of Professional Nursing

• Erin Brix, BSN, RN, Charge Nurse – Preoperative/PACU. Erin identified an opportunity to improve practices and reduce costs for the entire UCHealth system while improving the preoperative nasal decolonization swab process used to prevent surgical site infections (SSI). Not only is the new swab and process more comfortable for patients, it has provided cost savings of approximately $100,000 for all of UCHealth.
• Sarah Fahs, RN, Charge Nurse – Medical Surgical Unit. Sarah consistently demonstrates high work ethics and standards. She is a steadfast nurse, solidly committed to the best quality outcomes of all of the patients on the Medical Surgical Unit.

Director of Nursing: Courtney Hoffbauer, DNP, RN-BC, NE-BC

Hospital Recognition

• Joint Commission Disease Specific Total Hip & Knee Replacement
• DNV Accreditation: Stroke-Ready Hospital

Contributions of Professional Nursing

• Implementation of Robotically-Assisted Orthopedic Surgery Partial & Total Knee Mako program.
• Jessica Clute BSN, RN-ONC, Inpatient Unit Nurse Manager & Carol Mantilla BSN, RN-ONC, Orthopedic Nurse Navigator. Presentation accepted at National Association for Orthopedic Nursing Conference: Enhancing patient knowledge: A standardized discharge class for total joint replacement (May 22-25, 2021).
• Nicole Harding, MSN, RN – Case Management. As a case manager who supports long-term placement patients, Nicole was recognized for consistently helping her unit colleagues by working clinical nursing shifts on the floor, including night shifts.

Hospital Recognition

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence^® designated: 2024.

Contributions of Professional Nursing

• Julia Mercier-Lords BSN, RN, VA-BC – IV Team / 2025 Pathway Direct Care Nurse Award: Quality. In her role as a vascular access nurse, Julia is the subject matter expert driving clinical practice in a very specialized field, advocating for the right line for the right patient at the right time. She has helped to educate and establish a high quality standards of Vascular access line initiates across all units. Regular patient rounding on vascular access devices helps to promote continuity of care and evaluate clinical line necessity for patients, nurses, and healthcare providers to help decrease their risk of infection. She identified an error in EPIC charting and initiated conversations which lead to appropriate charting options being added to EPIC. Her Best practices have resulted in decreased risk of infection/CLABSI and improvements in quality outcomes which improves patient safety.
• Luanne Kappel ND, RN – Intensive Care Unit / 2025 Pathway Non-Direct Care Nurse Award: Leadership. As nurse manager of ICU, Lu consistently exemplifies key tenants of excellent nursing leadership. She consistently leads by the principles of UCHealth’s mission, vision, values. Lu always comes to the unit dressed in scrubs, ready to help and routinely steps in to help with patients cares such as turns and bed changes. Lu spearheaded early foley catheter removal resulting in zero catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in the ICU. Leading with integrity, Lu treats everyone with respect, kindness, and an open mind. Lu challenges herself and others for continual growth. She has honest, meaningful conversations to help people overcome challenges and grow as evident in the 2024 Pulse Survey and 2024 Employee Voice results. When staff were asked “My manager gives me regular feedback on my performance,” staff responded favorably 100% and 96.3%, respectively.
• Wendy Overcash, RN, BSN, Clinical Nurse – Emergency Department. 2021 DAISY Award winner.

Hospital Recognition

• The Joint Commission’s Certificate of Distinction for Primary Stroke Centers.
• Inpatient epilepsy monitoring unit led by neurologists who are board certified in neurology and epilepsy to help diagnose and construct the best treatment plans.
• Level III Trauma Center.

Contributions of Professional Nursing

• Melody Stendahl, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse – ICU / DAISY Award winner. Melody received the DAISY Award for her extraordinary care of a patient who required intubation. The patient had recently lost her mother and stated that Melody’s reassuring presence helped her feel safe and supported during this difficult time.
• Megan Reffel, BSN, RNC-NIC, CLC, Charge Nurse – NICU. Megan was recognized in the 1st Annual UCHealth Nursing Research Fellowship Completion Ceremony on June 9, 2021 for her research work titled “Nurse Perceptions of Neonatal Collapse on Postpartum Units.”

Hospital Recognition

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Pathway to Excellence^® designated: 2024.

• AHA Primary Stroke Certified 2018.
• ACEP Accredited Geriatric Emergency Department 2018.
• Level III trauma center 2017.
• Low Acuity Bariatric Center of Excellence 2021.

Contributions of Professional Nursing

• Rachel Assaraf MSN, RN, CHPN, PMGT-BC – Medical Oncology / 2025 Pathway Direct Care Nurse Award: Professional Development. Rachel is a dedicated clinical nurse on the Medical Oncology unit. She has taken on multiple roles including that of Core Preceptor and mentor. She leads by example and is certified to administer chemotherapy. Rachel researches best practices and shares what she learns with her colleagues. As a preceptor, she tailors orientation to each nurse’s learning needs and encourages each nurse to return to the fundamental question of “why did you become a nurse?”. Rachel maintains a calm demeanor and can handle emergencies without panic. This makes her a reliable mentor and resource. Rachel also emphasizes the importance of self-care and well-being for all staff. Rachel exemplifies UCHealth’s values through her extraordinary care and dedication to Professional Development.
• Arielle Grace BSN, RN, CMSRN – Medical Unit / 2025 Pathway Non-Direct Care Nurse Award: Professional Development. As an Assistant Nurse Manager for the MSPCU, Arielle plays an instrumental role in developing her staff professionally. She recently worked to create a scheduling committee. This group works to ensures adequate coverage and allows for them to provide feedback. When a gap in night shift weekend coverage was identified, Arielle presented the issue to the scheduling committee and empowered them to find a solution. Arielle’s work to ensure sufficient staffing promotes a culture of safety for patients and staff alike. Involving staff in scheduling process changes allows them to be an integral part of the decision making process thus supporting their professional growth and development. This work resulted in improved employee satisfaction as reflected in the LPH 2024 Employee Voice Pulse results.
• Jenifer James, BSN, RN, IBCLC, Registered Nurse, Birth Center / 2020 DAISY Award. Jenifer was recognized for the extraordinary care she gives laboring and postpartum patients by creating a unique and meaningful birth experience for them. Jenifer builds relationships with her patients and their families to learn what is important to them and incorporates their needs into their care.
• Jeanine Snyder, BSN, RN, CCRN, Registered Nurse, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit / 2021 Colorado Hospital Super Hero Award. With a strong background in critical care nursing, Jeanine stepped up to assist the hospital intensive care unit caring for the hospital’s sickest patients. She quickly became a reliable clinical resource among the group and an extraordinary colleague.

2024 DAISY Awardees

• Joe Tempel, Acute Care: received the DAISY award for prompt, knowledgeable care and extraordinary pain management.
• Eugene Collins, Medical/Oncology: received the DAISY award for professionalism, responsiveness, compassion and caring.
• Taylor Nolte, Birth Center: received the DAISY award for kindness, caring, and physical and emotional support.
• Chris Withbroe, DAISY Nurse Leader awardee for embracing the UCHealth mission and values in all that she does.

Hospital Recognition

American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet® designated: 2010, 2016, 2021.

• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Level I Trauma Center 2022
• American College of Surgeons (ACS) Level I Trauma Center 2023
• Advanced Certification as a Primary Stroke Center by The Joint Commission in 2021 and 2023
• American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Certification as Primary Stroke Center in 2021 and 2023
• American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Get with The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Award with Honor Roll Elite Plus in 2021, 2022 and 2023
• Cardiac Surgery Unit Advanced Life Support (CSU-ALS) Center of Excellence
• Get with the Guidelines STEMI Receiving Center
• American Heart Association Get with the Guidelines Heart Failure Gold Plus with Target: Heart Failure Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll in 2024
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Participant Age-Friendly Health Systems Participant since 2020
• US News & World Report #2 hospital in Colorado in 2022, 2023, and 2024
• Lown Institute Hospitals Index #4 most socially responsible hospital in the United States and #2 in Colorado in 2023

Contributions of Professional Nursing

• Kim Cribari BSN, RN – Resource Services / 2025 MCR Magnet Nurse Award for Transformational Leadership. Kim is the epitome of a transformational leader demonstrated by her willingness to step in whenever and wherever she is needed. She consistently goes above and beyond expectations to ensure staff, patients and families receive the care and support they need at their most vulnerable moments. She remains a calm and steady presence in high-stress situations by providing shoulder to shoulder support for her colleagues. Kim champions change by facilitating patient throughput, assisting with ED transfers and easing transitions from the ICU. Her passion, empathy and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the nursing profession and a role model for those who work alongside her.
• Jamie Baker BSN, RN, CEN – North Region Stroke Team / 2025 MCR Magnet Nurse Award for Structural Empowerment. Jamie is a dedicated leader in stroke recovery mentorship and community outreach. She is actively involved in and leads several programs and support groups for stroke survivors in northern Colorado. These programs are centered around improved recovery and peer support for stroke survivors. She also founded the Life After Stroke Art Show as a platform for survivors to express their recovery journeys through art – an initiative that has received national recognition. Jamie is equally committed to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. She teaches stroke care at a local high school, sites on the CTE advisory board and assisted in launching a CNA program.
• Katie McElderry BSN, RN – Care Management / 2025 MCR Magnet Nurse Award for Exemplary Professional Practice. As the Care Manager RN on the Medical Unit, Katie’s wealth of knowledge and experience in care management nursing practice are exemplified in her ability to develop individualized care plans for a complex patient population. Katie takes a proactive approach which benefits patients and attributes to a decreased length of stay, benefiting the patient and the hospital at large. The MCR Medical unit’s average length of stay equates to about 31% lower than similar units within the system. She is always one step ahead and develops a plan B in the event that plan A falls through. Katie works closely with other disciplines and exemplifies great communication with these teams and patients.
• Ashley Yergler BSN, RN, CPAN – SAC/PACU / 2025 MCR Magnet Nurse Award for New Knowledge, Innovations, & Improvements. Ashley has many years of perioperative nursing experience and recently worked to implement an evidenced based practice addressing a gap in both patient outcomes and nursing knowledge regarding non-opioid, postoperative pain management. Ashley worked with stakeholders from various disciplines to develop and streamline educational materials. She also developed a Post-Surgery Pain Management Tracking Tool which helps patients keep track of their pain management schedule and ultimately improve pain control and created SmartText in EPIC that can be added to discharge instructions. Outcomes of this work show that non-opioid pain management can be successful and should be considered as an option for post-surgical pain management. Her work was highlighted at the ASPAN National Conference this year.
• Erik Tanksi BSN, RN – Surgical ICU / 2025 MCR Magnet Nurse Award for Empirical Outcomes. Erik worked to proactively involve the Palliative Care team with SICU patients needing goals of care conversations for non-traumatic hemorrhagic stroke patients. Erik identified a low number of Palliative Care consultations placed within 72 hours of admission. He used this data to create a new practice of connecting all team members via secure chat which enables all parties to be on the same page prior to having a conversation with family. This new process positively impacted patients’ length of stay. As these patients will likely have lifelong deficits, Erik’s work highlights how imperative it is to involve the proper parties early to ensure the family is getting the support they need to make the best and most-informed care decisions.
• Kate Wimmer BSN, RN-BC – Medical Unit / 2025 Magnet Nurse Leader Award. Kate, Medical Unit Manager, demonstrates an unparalleled ability to inspire, innovate, and drive meaningful change on the Medical Unit and within UCHealth. She is committed to mentoring and advocating for resources to support change. One of Kate’s key priorities is staff satisfaction and she showed this through translating Employee Voice Survey results into meaningful action. She maintains an open door policy which makes her approachable and available when staff need her. Kate promotes a culture of collaboration and open communication. She played a pivotal role in reducing the Medical Unit’s falls, CAUTIs and C. Diff rates all of which directly impact patient care and experience. Kate leads by example and currently chairs the Clinical Nurse Leadership Council and is enrolled in a Master’s Degree program. Kate’s dedication to her team, her focus on continuous improvement, and her unwavering commitment to the nursing profession are qualities of an exemplary Magnet Nurse Leader.

Hospital Recognition

MHC: Memorial Hospital Central / MHN: Memorial Hospital North

• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet^® Designated: 2023.
• ACC National Distinction of Excellence HeartCARE Center.
• ACC Chest Pain with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation; MHC.
• ACC Chest Pain with Primary PCI and Resuscitation Accreditation; MHN.
• ACC Electrophysiology Accreditation.
• ACC Transcatheter Valve Certification.
• Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) at MHC and MHN in Adult Transthoracic Echocardiography.
• Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) at MHC and MHN in Vascular Extracranial Cerebrovascular Testing, Peripheral Arterial Testing, Peripheral Venous Testing.
• Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) at MHC and MHN in Nuclear/PET: Myocardial Perfusion Imaging.
• Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) at MHC in Nuclear/PET: Positron Emission Tomography.
• Best Regional Hospitals in U.S. / US News & World Report 2020-21.
• MHC The only designated Level I Trauma Center in Southern Colorado.
• MHN Level II Trauma Center.
• MHC The only Comprehensive Stroke center in Southern Colorado.
• MHN Primary Stroke Center.
• MHC 5N Renal AMSRN PRISM Awardee.
• Outstanding Achievement Award for the Oncology service line, American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer.
• Rehab Patient Care Unit (RPCU) Awarded “Top Performer.”
• Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG): Memorial’s Cancer Medicine and Oncology Clinical Trials team have been recognized as being in the top 1 percent for accruing to SWOG oncology research trials.

Contributions of Professional Nursing

• Lisa Simmons, BSN, RN, CCRN, Memorial Central Campus Intensive Care Unit/ 2021 Clinical Excellence Award for Exemplary Professional Practice. Lisa is a leader in the ICU and widely regarded as a role model by both critical and acute care nurses.  Lisa is being nominated for the work that she’s done to build the Critical Care Outreach (CCOR) Nurse into the respected position that it is today.  The role was developed due to the high census and higher acuity of patients that were being held outside of ICU waiting for an ICU bed.  Lisa had been a charge nurse in the ICU and was eager to be the first to fill that role.  Very quickly she was put in contact with the Virtual Health Center so that she could establish a relationship and build a communication structure whereby the CCOR nurse would round on the patients in the hospital who were at highest risk for deterioration based on surveillance done by Epic.  The CCOR nurses will also communicate to the VHC which patients need to be on a ‘watch list’. Shortly after the role began the pandemic begun.  Lisa was instrumental in rounding on all of the COVID patients and having, what turned out to be with many, the last conversations with them.  There’s no data that we can collect that would capture the value that her calm, expert presence meant.  Lisa developed the code response for our COVID patients and had it approved through incident command.  She used the Centers for Disease Control guidelines as her reference. Lisa is the definition of exemplary professional practice.
• Codi Wingo, BSN, RN, CEN, Memorial Central Campus Emergency Department/FY2022 DAISY Award. Codi was nominated for the DAISY award by a patient’s family for the care and support she provided to not only the patient but the entire family unit. The patient’s mother stated that Codi’s care and attention was extraordinary on what turned out to be the worst day of her life. Codi was involved in the patient’s care in the Emergency Department but her attention quickly turned to the patient’s family; ensuring their safety and well-being during a critical time. Codi was noted to be compassionate and skilled in her care delivery and made a lasting impact on this family.

Hospital Recognition

• Critical Access Hospital.
• CDPHE designated Level IV Trauma Center.
• DNV designated Acute Stroke Ready Facility.

Hospital Recognition

• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet^® Designated: 2000, 2004, 2009, 2014, 2018, 2023.
• Primary Stroke Center certification by The Joint Commission and American Heart Association / American Stroke Association.
• American Heart Association / American Stroke Association Get with The Guidelines-Stroke GOLD PLUS Quality Award with Honor Roll Elite 2020 and Target Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll.
• Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders (NICHE) member since 2018.
• American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network (ACS BSCN) Accreditation Program – Bariatric Center of Excellence. Re-designated in 2015.
• Patient Centered Medical Home, Level 3 – Family Medicine Center, National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).
• Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals 2020.
• Watson Health Top 100 Hospitals (Teaching Hospitals) 2021.
• US News & World Report High Performing hospital.
• US News & World Report ranks Poudre Valley Hospital as the #4 hospital in Colorado.

Contributions of Professional Nursing

• Ashley Jones BSN, RN – Progressive Care Unit / 2025 Magnet Nurse Award for Transformational Leadership. As the Charge Nurse on the Progressive Care Unit, Ashley’s leadership has been influential in enhancing workflow inefficiencies of the unit’s high Admission, Discharge, and Transfer (ADT) rates. This workflow outlined responsibilities of every position in the department and implemented a buddy system. Ashley created a mentorship program for new hires to support them through their onboarding process. Ashley was also recognized for the care she provided to a terminally ill patient. She went above and beyond allowing the patient to participate remotely in their son’s veterinary school graduation. As a leader, Ashley is compassionate, patient-centered, and deeply committed to going above and beyond for both patients and colleagues. 
• Olivia Thomas BSN, RN – Medical Oncology Unit / 2025 Magnet Nurse Award for Structural Empowerment. ​​​​​​​Olivia has been instrumental in leading the Medical Oncology Unit UBC. She coordinates guest speakers which promotes interdisciplinary relationships. Her leadership has resulted in the unit maintain zero CAUTI and CLABSI rates. Olivia is an ongoing resource for staff and she is a core preceptor for new grad RNs and a primary preceptor for new staff. She genuinely cares about the well-being of preceptees and focuses on learning opportunities and growth. She readily checks in with each staff member and assists in any way she can. Olivia helps maintain a positive attitude and great collaborative environment. She leads by example and improves the culture and teambuilding spirit of the unit.
• Hannah Langer BSN, RN – Medical Oncology Unit / 2025 Magnet Nurse Award for Exemplary Professional Practice. Hannah embodies patient-centered care on the Medical Oncology Unit. She takes time to build rapport with patients and ensures they feel heard and valued. She recently cared for a patient as they were passing. She held the patient’s hand as they passed and provided much needed comfort and support. Hannah was instrumental in leading the unit’s HAPI initiatives resulting in 100% compliance of 2-person skin checks. Hannah is a natural leader and mentor in the role of relief charge and preceptor for new nurses. She has an ability to inspire and motivate others as evident in the positive feedback received from her mentees who describe her as a role model and source of encouragement.
• Megan Carrillo BSN, RN, C-EFM – Womens Care Unit / 2025 Magnet Nurse Award for New Knowledge, Innovations, & Improvements. Megan has shown commitment to enhancing patient care on the Womens Care Unit through implementing a screening questionnaire for five critical domains related to health outcomes. Her work exemplifies her forward-thinking approach, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of patient assessment and allows for more personalized care. This project contributes to health equity and helps identify and address the diverse needs of her patients. Her work is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves access to quality healthcare. By ensuring patients understand their options and resources available to them, individuals from all backgrounds can access the care they need for themselves and families.
• Alisha Miles RN – Clinical Quality / 2025 Magnet Nurse Award Winner for Empirical Outcomes. In her role as the Clinical Quality and Safety Specialist supporting the ED Pediatric Steering Committee, Alisha identified opportunities to improve the standard of care for our pediatric patients and helped all locations in achieving Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room (COPPER) Pediatric Advanced verification. She coordinated key stakeholders and ensured the alignment of key metrics with the COPPER requirements for verification. Alisha also developed additional pediatric pathways for several diagnoses and allowing a standardized treatment approach for these common disease states. She positively influences nursing colleagues to improve their practice and enhances outcomes to improve patient care. She drives quality through all of her work.
• Amanda Miller DNP, RN, CEN – Emergency Department / 2025 Magnet Leader Nurse Award. Amanda Miller is an exception nurse leader of the Emergency Department who garners the respect and support of her peers and colleagues. She influenced patient outcomes through the achievement of pediatric patients in the ED through achievement of the COPPER Advanced Verification. Amanda enlisted the help of key stakeholders and subject matter experts to develop an implementation plan. Achievement of COPPER Advanced verification has changed the face of pediatric therapy in the Northern region of Colorado. Amanda is also an advisor for nurses credentialing in the UXCEL program, Assistant Coordinator of the Peer Support Team and Co-Chairs the Code Grey Committee. She also supports quarterly panels for HARP. She demonstrates the mission, vision, and values of UCHealth in all aspects of her performance.

Hospital Recognition

• #1 US News and World Report in Colorado for 11 years in a row, most recently in July 2022.
• American College of Cardiology (ACC) Accreditation Services™ Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI 2022.
• American College of Surgeons (ACS) Level I Trauma Center 2018, 2023.
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) Level I designation 2018.
• American Heart Association (AHA) “Get with the Guidelines” Gold Plus, Target Stroke Elite Honor Roll, and Target Stroke Advanced Therapy Honor Roll 2022.
• American Heart Association (AHA) Comprehensive Stroke Center 2021.
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet^® Designated: 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2020, 2025.
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Prize^® Recipient: 2004.
• American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Nurse of the Year Award^® Recipients: 2011, 2013, 2016, 2023.
• American Burn Association (ABA) Verified Burn Center 2021.
• American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) Beacon Award of Excellence: Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit 2015
• Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. Baby Friendly^® designation 2023.
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredited Post Baccalaureate Nurse Residency Program 2019.
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The Joint Commission (TJC) Certifications

• Inpatient Diabetes Advanced Certification 2022.
• Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center Certification 2021.
• Ventricular Assist Device Certification 2022.
• Palliative Care Advanced Certification 2022.

Contributions of Professional Nursing

• Alison “Ali” Farmer, BSN, RN-BC Level III – Radiology CAT Scan / 2023 UCH Magnet Nurse of the Year Award for Exemplary Professional Practice. As a part of her Level III credential project Ali worked to decrease turnaround times for patients requiring CT scans for chest pain. Working with provider stakeholders, nurses, radiologists and CT techs, Ali developed a nurse driven protocol that allowed nurses to practice at the top of their scope to deliver metoprolol to patients who met certain criteria. This nurse driven protocol bypassed the need to call a provider for metoprolol each time a patient’s heart rate exceeded the rate for the scan. She also worked to enhance the CT Cardiac Wizard ordering template, providing the necessary information to the ordering provider about the need for Metoprolol as a pre-procedure medication. Ali also worked with CT manager and schedulers to set realistic scanning time frames for patients and implemented a pre-procedural phone call process ensuring patients received instructions and prescriptions if they required metoprolol prior to their scan. This process decreased the amount of IV metoprolol that was given, reduced wait times for patients and streamlined the communications with providers. Ali continues to monitor our progress and will adjust as necessary. Ali is deserving of this award because of her commitment to improving care for patients, for elevating nursing practice and strives to improve patient safety.
• Anne Behring, BSN, RNC-MNN, C-EFM – Mother Baby Unit / 2023 UCH Magnet Nurse of the Year Award for Transformational Leadership. Anne is the UCH nursing representative for the statewide Colorado Perinatal Care Quality Collaborative (CPCQC), a group who is working to advance best practices and improve outcomes in maternal and infant health, including maternal substance use disorder; and substance exposed newborns. Because overdose in Colorado is one of the top 2 maternal health-related killers, Anne partnered with the Colorado Naloxone Project to equip patients with Narcan when discharging home at no expense to the patient or the hospital. With an AIM to prevent narcotic-related overdose deaths, Anne partnered with pharmacy to create a workflow for medication storage and distribution to patients. Due to Anne’s advocacy, and tenacious follow through, she was successful in getting Narcan available for OB mothers as they discharged home. While outcomes are difficult to obtain, there is no doubt that having postpartum moms have access to Narcan is saving lives. Anne’s work in this project exemplifies what nurses are capable of though interprofessional collaboration, dedication to patient safety, and implementing evidence-based practice. Anne has dedicated her entire career to improving patient outcomes in the OB patient population and exceptionally passionate about her work with Narcan. This is one of many reasons why she is deserving of the Magnet Nurse of the Year Award!
• Christine Foote Lucero, MSN, RN, CEN, SANE-A, SANE-P, AFN-C – Emergency Department-Forensics Program / 2023 UCH Magnet Nurse of the Year Award for Structural Empowerment. Christine has been instrumental in changing statewide legislation and has testified at the State Capital to open up more options and resources for those affected by violence. Her testimony has aided in the passing of two House Bills, providing the framework for domestic violence reporting and expanding the use of victim’s compensation funds to victims of strangulation. Christine has made a name for herself as an expert witness in domestic violence, forensic nursing, strangulation, sexual assault, and injury. She has also opened the first outpatient follow-up clinic in the state of Colorado for patients to return to UCH after an initial forensic exam. Christine’s dedication to the local community, the state of Colorado, and the nurses in the FNE program are awe-inspiring and unparalleled. Her passion for this patient population is contagious, and she mentors her team to fight for those affected by violence with the same rigor. Christine ‘s life’s work has made a tremendous impact in the field of forensic nursing and on the lives of those affected by violence.
• Desirea “Dezz” Ulibarri, MSCIT, BSN, RN-BC – Orthopedics Unit / 2023 UCH Magnet Nurse of the Year Award for New Knowledge, Innovations and Improvements. In August 2022 Dezz was tasked with implementing an innovative care delivery mode entitled Partners in Care, on the Orthopedic Unit. This models joins nurses, nursing assistants, Patient technology techs, mobility techs, and other patient support roles to work closely together to care for a group of patients during their shift. Dezz’s leadership was instrumental in creating workflows to help guide practice; socializing, championing, and spreading the vision of Partners in Care. She leveraged the innovators and early adopters on the unit to help socialize the change, created a culture of psychological safety and opened up various platforms for communications for staff feedback. Because of Dezz’s leadership and the support from the amazing staff on Orthopedics and their dedication to leading the way for innovative care delivery models, the Ortho unit saw significant quality improvements in every nurse sensitive indicator during their pilot period, including; ZERO falls with injury, ZERO CAUTI, ZERO CLABSI, and a significant reduction in HAPI. Congratulations to Dezz for leading the way implementing this vison on the Orthopedics Unit!
• Gladiz Martinez, MS, APRN, AGCNS-BC, CMSRN – Transplant Center / 2023 UCH Magnet Nurse of the Year Award for Exemplary Professional Practice. Gladiz’ strategy for reducing disparities in transplantation was to develop a culturally competent program that would evolve as the specific needs of the Hispanic or Latino patient populations continue to grow. Interventions included increasing language-appropriate access, educational materials, hospital navigation in Spanish and conducting patient support groups. Through the use of multiple, innovative interventions, Gladiz helped develop a holistic approach to improving the patient experience and patient outcomes by successfully utilizing EHR systems and data analysis between different institutions to increase access for Hispanic patients with kidney failure. Gladiz planned and helped facilitate bi-monthly support groups for patients and family members to address multiple topics, such as fundraising, health insurance, expectations on all phases of transplant, live donation, and patient testimonials. Speaking their language, along with understanding their culture, including diet, lifestyle habits, religion, and social life, has proven successful and helps eliminate barriers for this patient population to seek health care when they desperately need it. In 2021, referrals increased by 36% and evaluations increased 64%. With the support of this program through 2022, we have placed 107 patients on the kidney transplant waitlist and transplanted 86. With Gladiz’ leadership, we now support and empower our Hispanic patient population to navigate a very complex system and ensure them equal access to life-saving transplantation. Gladiz has also been nominated for the ANCC National Magnet Nurse of the Year Award for 2023!
• Kari Freed, BSN, RN, AMB-BC – Outpatient Infusion / 2023 UCH Magnet Nurse of the Year Award for New Knowledge, Innovations and Improvements. Kari worked to develop an innovative care delivery model called “Curbside Care” for patients receiving prolia – an IM medication for patients with osteoporosis. Kari noted an opportunity to improve care for these patients right from their car, eliminating the need to been seen in the outpatient infusion center. Kari’s dedication to this project has been remarkable as she worked with multidisciplinary teams from across the system from regulatory, finance and billing, to IT, space planning, and patient scheduling. Since the launch of this model, it has grown to include the delivery of five additional medications and the list continues to grow along with the opening of a second location. Because of her work, innovating thinking, and perseverance, Curbside Care has reduced appointment times for prolia patients from an average of 60 minutes to 6 minutes and has increased access to appointment times for patients receiving infusion in the Outpatient Infusion Center.
• Rachel Musenero, BSN, RN, AMB-BC – Neurology Clinic / 2023 UCH Magnet Nurse of the Year Award for Transformational Leadership. As an ambulatory care nurse, Rachel provides patient and family care in multiple formats, over the phone, in the clinics, through the patient portal, and in email. Through this work she recognized the impact of verbal violence on the physical and emotional well-being of healthcare workers and patients. She took the initiative to develop scripting that equips healthcare workers with practical, effective, and safe responses to verbal violence. Her work has been incredibly successful educating teams about the prevalence of verbal violence against healthcare workers in our organization, and she increased verbal violence reporting by 1433%. Her work has fostered a culture of safety and respect when caring for our patients, and staff feel more empowered to speak up about incidents of verbal violence. Her work has had a ripple effect, influencing positive change in the healthcare industry beyond our organization. Rachel’s commitment to improving the lives of her colleagues and patients is admirable and is worthy of the Magnet nurse recognition. She has made a significant contribution not only to her to her clinic, but UCH, and recently has been accepted to present her work in April during the National AAACN Conference on Orlando Florida and has been selected to receive the AAACN Writer’s Award for 2022.
• Sonja Welter, BSN, RN, CPAN – PACU / 2023 UCH Magnet Nurse of the Year Award for New Knowledge, Innovations and Improvements. Over this past year, Sonja has been an integral part in developing and rolling out the Gastric Sleeve Same Day Discharge (SDD) program in the PACU. She collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to develop a SDD Gastric Sleeve order set for PACU, as well as a PACU SDD Gastric Sleeve operational workflow and PACU SDD Gastric Sleeve Tip Sheet for RNs to use as a resource when caring for these patients. Without this program, many patients would have had to wait months to have their life-changing surgery. Additionally, in April of 2022, Sonja readily took on the integration of implementing remote patient monitoring for gastric sleeve patients in collaboration with the virtual health center. She worked closely with the Virtual Health team and providers to ensure the workflow would meet the needs of the, the patients, providers, nurses, and the Virtual Health team. Since the SDD Gastric Sleeve program was initiated, dozens of patients have successfully discharged, saving unnecessary admissions and reducing the length of stay from 1 day to 0.

Hospital Recognition

• CMS 5-star rating in 2021
• ED certified as Level III Trauma Center 2018 (recertified 2019)
• Top 20 Rural & Community Hospitals 2019, 2021
• Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals 2019, 2020, 2021
• 100 Great Community Hospitals 2018, 2019

Contributions of Professional Nursing

• Michelle Bazile, RN, Med/Surg Resource Nurse and Orthopedic Nurse Navigator; Julie Friese, RN, Med/Surg and ICU; Mary Oamek, RN, Med/Surg and ICU; and Dan Tydeman, RN, OR, moved to Level III in UEXCEL, UCHealth’s Focus on Nursing EXcellence in Clinical Practice, Education and Evidence-Based Practice, and Leadership program, taking an active role in contributing to the improved patient outcomes, education and management (2021).
• Liz Graham, RN, a labor and delivery nurse and lactation specialist at UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center in Steamboat Springs, is passionate about her role in supporting women’s health. She was recognized in November 2020 with a Daisy Award for the outstanding care she delivers to patients.
• The Joint Commission recognized a collaborative effort by nurses, physicians, infection prevention, pharmacy, lab and environment services teams on the patient care unit at YVMC for their multi-disciplinary approach and implementation of streamlined processes in the reduction of hospital-onset C. diff. (September 2020)