At a gala event held on May 18, 2024, the Colorado Nurses Foundation honored seventy-eight nurses as Luminaries in fifteen categories. Fifteen of those Luminaires were presented with Nightingale Awards. CNF was proud to present Nightingale Awards to the following outstanding nurses:

Karen Wilson, RN, Exceptional Achievement by a Nurse in Clinical Practice. Sh truly has a servant heart and dedicates countless hours contributing to health equity, the profession, and the local community.

Andrea Pacheco, LPN, Exceptional Achievement by a Licensed Practical Nurse in Clinical Practice. In addition to her many clinical duties, she participates in school activities and in the community health fair.

Bethany Bernal, RN, Exceptional Achievement by a Registered Nurse in Community Nursing.

She participated in the development of a Forensic Nurse Examiner Fellowship Program and was instrumental in passage of legislation to allow ED’s to dispense antibiotics to survivors of sexual assault.

Barbara Kent, LPN, Exceptional Achievement by a Licensed Practical Nurse in Community Nursing. She contributes to the care of veterans, the image of nursing, the VA and the role of the LPN.

Shina Kean, RN, Exceptional Achievement by a Registered Nurse in Long Term Care. She provides Resident Centered Care, serves as a CNA Instructor, and volunteers for multiple agencies and causes.

Sarah Schoeder, LPN, Exceptional Achievement by a Licensed Practical Nurse in Long Term Care. Sarah coordinates on-site programs for seniors at her facility, presents educational programs, works with students, and is President of the Jefferson County Council on Aging.

Sarah Cope, RN, Exceptional Achievement in Advanced Practice Nursing. Her respect for humanity, coupled with a relentless pursuit of excellence in care embodies the essence of nursing and sets a benchmark for leadership in healthcare.

Dr. Judith Scott, RN, Exceptional Achievement in Nursing Education in Academia. Her passion for public health and for improving the care of older adults permeates through her teaching, scholarship, and service.

Bobbi Gillis, RN, Exceptional Achievement in Nursing Education, Nursing Professional Development. Her contributions demonstrate her dedication to nursing by ensuring that nurses are prepared and have the knowledge and skills required to provide the best possible care for children.

Sara Dembeck, RN, Exceptional Achievement in Nursing Administration by a Nurse Executive.

She is committed to nurse well-being to ensure a dedicated and thriving nursing workforce that serves the community and meets the needs of the health care system.

Jasmine Shea, RN, Exceptional Achievement in Nursing Administration by a Nurse Manager/Leader. Her leadership has created an environment that truly supports professional practice for her staff and she has made invaluable contributions to her community.

Dr. Lindsey Marie Tarasenko, RN, Exceptional Achievement in Nursing Research. She is a strong advocate for a health practice environment and has developed a program of research through which she investigates how systems and structures within organizations impact the scope of practice of clinical nurses and nurse leaders.

Karen Clous, RN, Exceptional Achievement in Quality Improvement. She has spearheaded significant efforts to diminish barriers to care, focusing on pet care, health literacy, and financial burdens linked to cancer treatment.

Denver Chapter of the American Association for Critical-Care Nurses, Exceptional Achievement by a Nurse-Led Team. This team demonstrates intentional leadership, inclusivity, and caring relationships on many levels.

Dr. Amy Barton, RN, Nursing Eminence Award. She has advance the profession and practice of nursing through her 40 year career. She has Followed in the footsteps of Florence Nightingale, Susie Walking Bear Yellowtail, and Mary Seacole in creating innovative pathways in nursing.

Congratulations to all of these exceptional nurses. Read more about the Luminaires and Nightingale Recipients at coloradonursesfoundation.org.