That quote from Maya Angelou is a great opener for why nurses should be more involved in health policy work. There are 80,000 nurses in Colorado. When asked why nurses are not more involved in health policy work, nurses often…

I love being a nurse practitioner. I went to nursing school to learn to care for patients. When I went to nursing school, I actually learned about the art, science, ethics, and people within nursing; Carpers’ ways of knowing shaped my early…

In June, six members of CNA attended the 2024 ANA Annual Membership Assembly in Washington DC. In addition to our Executive Director, Mark Longshore, and Deputy Executive Director, Margaret Bishop, I –

At Denver Health, our new graduate nurse residency program is taking a fresh approach to teaching evidence-based practice (EBP). Instead of the traditional model, where new grads search the literature, design a practice change project, and present it with little…

In response to the growing influence of federal policies affecting Colorado’s social, economic, and health systems, the CNA Board of Directors and staff determined earlier this year that the Association must proactively affirm its values through a comprehensive position statement…

Pat Barrow BSN, RN, co-founder of the Mile High Nurses Honor Guard, was our April Speaker. Ms. Barrow discussed the founding of the Honor Guard, what services it entails, how to contact them, and how to become involved. Nurses Furthering…

I have often said that while you can pay someone to do a job, you cannot pay them to care. Nurses just do it. It is our most unique superpower.

Imagine a workplace where respect and civility are the norm between co-workers. Imagine where we build up rather than drag down. Imagine where conflict negotiation entertains active listening, respect, and tolerance. Workplace civility fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust,…

Civility in healthcare is more than professional courtesy—it is a crucial component of a safe and healing environment. When healthcare professionals consistently model respect, kindness, and effective communication, they improve their work environment, set a standard for communication with patients,…

Mark Longshore, PhD, RN, CNA Executive Director I started to write this “ED Corner” while reviewing the digital version of CNA’s Q2 journal as well as looking back on the legislative session. Last quarter, CNA President Mary Satre mentioned Colorado’s…

Mark Longshore, PhD, RNThe past three months have been eye opening for me. The CNA Board meeting in July was the first with me as Executive Director. Margaret Bishop and I had a good conversation with some of the Board…

Mark Longshore, PhD, RN, CNA Executive Director By the time you read this, the 2025 legislative session will be over – at least the regular session. Writing this in March, the Colorado Nurses Association has already supported or opposed about…

Mark Longshore, PhD, RNWelcome to the 1st Quarter Issue of the Colorado Nurse. If it feels like you just received last quarter’s issue just over a month ago, you are correct. One of two big outward-facing changes that happened with…

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…

The Colorado Public Health Association (CPHA) Nursing Section members are Public Health Nurses (PHNs) employed in urban and rural settings as well as the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), fulfilling diverse and complex roles. Our mission is…

As a former Nursing Simulationist and Sim Creator, Forensic Nurse and now as a Coroner, I strongly believe that interprofessional teamwork is of great importance when providing care to others. It should be more than a concept and put into…

Mark Longshore, PhD, RN, CNA Executive Director Strong Together. I know I have used that phrase — from CNA’s Mission Statement— in previous ED Corners, but the happenings of the past few months has significantly increased the meaning behind it.…

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.…

The nursing shortage discussion has been around for as long as I have been a nurse…. which is quite a while. We were told in the 1980s that all nurses would have BSNs by the mid-1990s. RNs would play a…

Looking back at the May issue of Colorado Nurse, I saw the introduction of Margaret Bishop, MSN, RN as Deputy Director of the Colorado Nurses Association. Since then, I have been chosen as the Executive Director for CNA. Colleen Casper,…

Overview Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we live, and it’s rapidly making its way into nursing education. The integration of AI into nursing education is starting to change how we teach and learn in nursing, making it possible…

In 2024, the Nursing Research Advisory & Networking Team (A.N.T.) of the Colorado Nurses Association (CNA) conducted a brief online evidence-based practice (EBP) needs assessment of Colorado nurses. EBP is defined as the application of research findings and other types…

GAPP is best described as the legislative advocacy arm of CNA. An official committee of the Colorado Nurses Association, it meets twice a month during the Colorado State Legislative Session (January to May) and monthly when the session is not…

Governor Polis called the Colorado State Legislature to a Special Session from August 21st to 26th. Focus was on resolution of the state budget deficit and the implementation of the AI Bill passed by the 2024 Session (the latter has…

Lauren Zobec, RN, and Sarah Duart, RN knew there was a problem. The cardiovascular (CV) nurses at Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver had noticed a string of open-heart surgery patients being readmitted for sternal wounds and pressure wounds. They identified…

Health is often understood as the absence of disease, but the World Health Organization (WHO) (2024) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.” Furthermore, the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics tasks nurses with…

Health in All Policies (HiAP) is a framework that emphasizes the importance of integrating health considerations into all areas of policymaking. A critical aspect of this approach is the recognition that public health is largely impacted by policies outside of…

The Pacific Islander community represents a vibrant and diverse cultural heritage, and within this community, nurses have long played an essential role in health care. Pacific Islander Nurses have not only provided exceptional nursing care but have also fought for…

This quarter, Colorado Nurses Foundation continues our Legendary Leaders series by honoring Dr. Margaret Moss, the first American Indian to hold both a PhD in Nursing and a Juris Doctorate. She is an enrolled member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and…

This is the second in a series of articles from the Colorado Nurses Foundation honoring the legacy of nursing leaders who have defied racism and paved the way for underrepresented nurses. In this issue, we honor Dr. Ildaura Murillo-Rohde. Her…

In the spirit of diversity, equity and inclusion, the Colorado Nurses Foundation has embarked on a program to honor the legacy of nursing leaders who have defied racism and paved the way for underrepresented nurses in the past and today.…

As healthcare continues to grow more complex, many newly graduated nurses feel unprepared for the demands of patient care. Longitudinal clinical placements may offer a more effective alternative to traditional nursing rotations. The Need for a Longitudinal Approach Traditional clinical…

Mary Satre, MSN, MBA, RN, CNA President 2025 is not going out quietly. Activity within Colorado Nurses Association has been on high alert with the Legislative Special Session in August and all the implications of changes at the Federal level…

In January my daughter, Dorothy Barrow, gave me an article to read about the National Nurse Honor Guard Coalition and told me that since I was 10+ years retired, I needed to start a chapter in the Denver metro area.…

The Denver Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses is proud to announce that Denver has been selected to host the 2026 national nurse’s conference. The event will occur July 14 to 17, 2026 at the Marriott Denver Tech Hotel.…

As a new nurse entering the workforce, you are stepping into a rewarding and challenging career that requires resilience, dedication, and continual learning. You will encounter diverse clinical situations, develop your professional identity, and contribute to patient outcomes in meaningful…

For years, nurses have struggled with mental and emotional well-being due to the inherent demands and stressors of their profession. Nurses experience higher rates of mental health issues, substance abuse, and even suicide compared to the general population (Choflet et…

With the elimination of District Nurse Associations and the change to Constituent Associations (CA) voted on at the CNA 2024 Membership Assembly, DNA 20 changed its name to Nurses Furthering Knowledge. We voted to modify our bylaws versus changing to…

In February, Dr. Jean Schroeder, Board Member at Large, presented her personal and professional insights into living with Sjogren’s Disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder. In her presentation, “Sjögren’s Disease,” Dr. Schroeder gave an overview of the pathophysiology of the disease,…

Our August Board Meeting set the direction for NFK activities for 2025-26. We will focus on fundraising for our scholarship, hosting speakers at our monthly meetings and community outreach especially to SONs. In lieu of a September meeting, members attended…

New name, but same nursing professional connections In October, what has been known as DNA 16 (the Denver and eastern district of Colorado Nurses) met and approved moving to a Constituent Association (CA) under the new bylaws of CNA. The…

In partnership with the Colorado Nurses Association and several members of our nursing Constituent Associations (CAs) (Nurses in Action, Nurses Furthering Knowledge) along with GAPP, CNA Executive Directors and CNA’s Board of Directors, we want to acknowledge the most recent…

What resources for NCPD are available through CNA and how does NCPD connect to the Colorado Nurses Association (CNA), specifically? Starting with the global association, membership in the American Nurses Association (ANA) offers multiple tools through the website: www.nursingworld.org You…

The Research ANT continues to advance CNA’s mission and promote nursing scholarship through monthly meetings and collaborative initiatives. Recent efforts include an examination of AI research and policies impacting nursing and publication of an executive summary in Colorado Nurse entitled…

We are living in troubled times. The pace of change, ongoing uncertainty, and the weight of division in our communities create a constant undercurrent of stress. As Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses, we know the toll this takes on mental health—our…

Politics, policies, and health outcomes are innately linked. Nurses in the United States are in a pivotal position to influence these cycles to reduce disparities and improve population health. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), are defined as “the circumstances in…

As the demand for highly skilled nurse practitioners (NPs) continues to rise, ensuring the clinical readiness of NP graduates has never been more crucial. Traditional didactic methods, while foundational, often fall short in equipping students with the necessary hands-on experience…

The Denver Chapter of National Association of Hispanic Nurses have partnered with CDPHE’s Alzheimer’s Dementia and Related Dementia Task Force. We recently attended the CO Health Occupations Student Association conference, held at the Denver Sheraton where we met numerous youths…

Defining well-being for nurses, providers, and other healthcare workers is a complex task, often proving to be a challenging and intricate process. The literature suggests that a comprehensive understanding of nurse well-being is still a puzzle, especially in the current…

Mary Satre, MSN, MBA, RN, CNAResearch has long informed us that patients tend to recover faster and better if they are cared for by someone who looks like them. The Sullivan Report, published in 2004, drew attention to the rapidly…

The analogies are many and varied. “Many branches, one tree” (Botany 101) and “One body, many members” (the Bible) are just two of them. Perhaps you are musical and can relate to the way the orchestra, made up of many…

​​A new ANA Code of Ethics has been published and is available for purchase on the ANA website, effective January 2025.

LPN IV Therapy LPNs are now authorized to provide IV therapy within their scope of practice without needing an additional LPN-IV authority. The LPN authority license type has been eliminated due to Colorado’s requirement for IV therapy training in LPN…

Mary Satre, MSN, MBA, RN, CNASince the last press deadline, there has been a national election, and since the date of our last publication, those who were elected have taken office. Colorado Nurse is limited by this press timetable, so…

The Workplace Advocacy Advisory and Networking Team (ANT) has made significant strides since its inception, championing safer and more supportive work environments for nurses across Colorado. From taking a strong stance on preventing workplace violence to promoting the well-being of…