In the heart of Colorado’s San Luis Valley, a quiet yet powerful revolution is underway at San Luis Valley Health. Nurses here are raising the bar — not just for themselves, but for the entire community — through professional certification. What was once a personal milestone is now a celebrated organizational culture, backed by data, determination, and a whole lot of heart.
The San Luis Valley, sitting at approximately 7,500 feet above sea level, is one of the highest alpine valleys in the world, and is larger than the state of Connecticut. The population that is spread out over six counties is predominately Hispanic, with deep cultural roots and a high proportion of Spanish-speaking households. Residents here face many social determinants of health challenges, including poverty, transportation, and limited health literacy.
Twenty-four nurses at San Luis Valley Health are currently board certified, demonstrating their advanced clinical knowledge and commitment to excellence in patient care. Since March of 2024, the momentum has only accelerated, with eight more nurses earning new certifications. Three additional nurses have applications approved and are preparing to sit for their exams.
SLV Health isn’t just encouraging certification – they’re celebrating it. In March 2025, the organization recognized certified nurses on Certified Nurses Day March 19, with staff development teams decorating lockers and hand-delivering certificates and pins to all certified nurses.
Since late 2023, SLV Health has partnered with their marketing team on a “Nursing Through Excellence” plaque wall, showcasing every certified nurse with a personalized plaque. Throughout the year, leadership speaks at organization-wide staff meetings, explaining the “what, why, and who” of certification, and certifications are now a standing topic at Education Council meetings, ensuring it stays top of mind across departments. Another powerful tool in SLV Health’s arsenal is intentional rounding, during which leaders have one-on-one conversations with staff.
Support at SLV Health is more than verbal. Nurses have access to the CertPrep app through HealthStream, providing mobile access to review material. Flyers about the app are posted throughout the facility, and a Professional Development lecture included a dedicated section on certification resources. In addition, the Education SharePoint has been revamped to include the certification application, along with an inspiring short video from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) on why certification matters. SLV Health is also collaborating with the Opportunity Now grant program, ensuring financial support is available to those who want to pursue certification.
According to recent statistics from the Colorado Board of Nursing, only about 30% of registered nurses across Colorado are certified in specialty areas. SLV Health’s certification rate is tracking to go above that average as the organization continues to foster a culture of growth and recognition. Whether it’s through plaques on the wall, decorated lockers, or a simple conversation during rounding, SLV Health is making excellence not just a goal, but a way of life.
