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Blogs

Nursing News and Stories

By Author

Bob Mook


Education    Alumni

1948-1973: CU Nursing Establishes Reputation as a Pioneering Institution

America was rebuilding and growing after the end of World War II, and the University of Colorado School of Nursing was certainly no exception.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date July 10, 2023
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Education    Faculty

New, Larger Simulation Lab to use Cutting-edge Technology to Train Students, Improve Healthcare

This fall, more students than ever at the University of Colorado College of Nursing at the Anschutz Medical Campus will have access to state-of-the-art technology including AI, virtual reality, patient actors and high-fidelity medical manikins to practice their nursing skills and ultimately, improve health care.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date June 28, 2023
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Education    Alumni

1973-1998: Growing Pains and Caring Science

By 1973, the University of Colorado School of Nursing had established credibility as the birthplace of the nurse practitioner – a concept that proliferated in more than 65 nursing schools around the country. One publication ranked CU Nursing as the fifth best nursing school in the United States. The school added more master’s courses in its curriculum and enrollment continued to grow.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date May 31, 2023
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Students    Graduation

‘Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day’ Inspires One Woman’s Career

Years ago, Marie Stahl saw her future during National Take Your Daughters and Sons to Work Day. As a front desk clerk at Denver Health, Stahl’s mother introduced her to life inside a hospital, and that made a positive impression on her to this day.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date May 15, 2023
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Students

Practice Makes Perfect: What Piano Playing and the DNP Program Have in Common

As someone who has played piano since the age of 5, Ann Hefel likens part of her nursing education to mastering a musical composition.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date May 02, 2023
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Students    Graduation

Out of the Comfort Zone: Zhane Conner’s Journey

When Zhane Conner, CNA, officially earns her bachelor of science in nursing degree from the University of Colorado College of Nursing on May 22, it will mark another chapter in a life dedicated to serving others. But finding that passion didn’t necessarily come easily.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date April 27, 2023
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Students

Dual Warrior: Black Belt Karate Student Gets Her Kicks From Nursing

Karate and nursing school may not seem to have much in common. However, both pursuits require consistent effort, a willingness to practice (and study), master skills, continuous learning, and a significant commitment of time, energy, and resources.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date April 20, 2023
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Community

Helping Individuals Navigate Recovery, Pregnancy, and Early Parenthood

As a parent with a history of substance use, Britt Westmoreland knows what it’s like to welcome a new baby during a difficult time.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date April 17, 2023
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Education    Alumni

1898-1948: The Dawn of CU Nursing

In recent years, the University of Colorado College of Nursing at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus rose to challenges of COVID-19 and rampant turnover in the healthcare workforce. Like other educational institutions, CU Nursing adapted to remote learning and safety protocols in response to a pandemic that tested the patience of students and faculty members.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date April 10, 2023
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Faculty

A Midwife Life: How Shannon Pirrie Finds Joy in Her Work

Shannon Pirrie, DNP ‘21, CNM ‘15, is living her best life right now.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date April 04, 2023
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Faculty

Not Just Kid’s Stuff: Jill Marks Leads CU Nursing’s AC PNP Specialty

As an advanced-practice nurse at Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Neuroscience Institute, Jill Marks, DNP ’19, MSN, BSN, gets tremendous satisfaction in caring for children with acute and chronic neurologic illness or injury.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date March 30, 2023
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Education    Community    Faculty   

Conference to Focus on Advocacy, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

One of the most-anticipated veterans and military healthcare conferences in the Western Region will return to the Anschutz Medical Campus, April 21-23, 2023.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date March 27, 2023
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Alumni    Students

Residencies Help New Grads Transition from Student to Nurse

When Brittney Fuller (BSN ’22, RN) and Amanda Worley (BSN ’22, RN) graduated from the University of Colorado College of Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus in May 2022, they had the knowledge they needed to be nurses. Yet, both preferred to transition into their careers gradually with more support and experience.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date March 21, 2023
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Students

Bay Area Doctoral Student Focuses on Veterans’ Health Through a Mindful Lens

Complementary and integrative medicine modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and clinical hypnosis are increasingly available within the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, and Caitlin Hildebrand, NP, is helping to lead their roll-out.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date March 16, 2023
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Black History Month: CU Nursing Alumnae Share Experiences During Panel Discussion

Celebrating Black History Month, the CU Nursing Alumni Association and Future Voices hosted an often-emotional panel discussion highlighting diversity and inclusion, on February 24 at the Fulginiti Pavilion at the Anschutz Medical Campus.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date February 27, 2023
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Alumni

CU Nursing Alumna/Faculty Take Psychiatry Training Program to the Next Level

After going through clinical rotations at the University of Colorado Department of Psychiatry, CU Nursing alums Sarah Schwenk and Leslie Choi aspired to make their training program even better.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date February 24, 2023
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Alumni

Harms’ Way: CU Alumna Takes Leap to Next Phase of Career

Lindsey Harms’ nursing career was essentially born after she observed the miracle of birth in 2002.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date February 23, 2023
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Faculty   

LAMP© Survey to Shed Light on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are fundamentally, inextricably, and integrally linked to the University of Colorado College of Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus’s present and future. CU College of Nursing’s DEI goal is to prepare nurses to be culturally responsive, and to demonstrate cultural humility while providing compassionate, person-centered care.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date February 22, 2023
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Faculty

Teaching Advanced-Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Care to Grad Students

Mental health is having a moment right now for a lot of the wrong reasons.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date February 21, 2023
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Students

CU Nursing Grad Student Hears Calling to Child Welfare

Working in the child welfare system gave Laurie Andrews, MA, BSN, RN, an affinity for the parents and children she serves.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date February 17, 2023
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Alumni    Students

The Buddy System: Why Cohort Friendships Matter

Many things will come and go over a 30-year timespan, but friendships make an enduring impression.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date February 16, 2023
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Alumni

CU Nursing Alumna Shares Alarming Findings on Adolescent Mental Health, Suicide

While earning her PhD in Nursing Science at the University of Colorado College of Nursing at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, Suzanne E. Courtwright, PhD (’21), MSN, PNP, received several awards and honors. Among them: the Dean’s Early Scholar Award (2017); the Joan Hess Scholarship Award (2018) and the Nancy Hester Scholarship Award (2020).


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date February 06, 2023
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Education    Alumni

The Case for Caring Science: Keynote Speaker Embraces CU Nursing’s Legacy

With academic roots tied to the University of Colorado College of Nursing, Marlaine Smith, RN, PhD, said she considered Monday’s keynote presentation a homecoming.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date February 01, 2023
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Students

Following Her Passion: Undergrad Finds Home in Colorado, CU Nursing

When you identify as a queer while growing up in a small, socially conservative town, you are highly motivated to live where you fit in. Fortunately, Tessa Cocchiara found herself, and her people, in other parts of the world – eventually landing in Colorado.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date January 27, 2023
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Faculty

CU Nursing Faculty Honored for “Bedside Manner”

Two former English lit majors turned nurse-midwives will be awarded the Bedside Manner Award from the UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date January 23, 2023
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Faculty

New Year/New You: Reflections on Nutrition and Exercise

At this point, those who resolved to lose weight in 2023 are either trending in the right direction, discouraged, or they’ve given up.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date January 18, 2023
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Faculty

5 Takeaways on Midwifery’s Past, Present and Future

If midwifery is one of the oldest professions in the world, why aren’t there more midwives? What do midwives do in addition to helping families give birth? How could midwifery solve problems we’re seeing in high maternal mortality rates and the healthcare labor shortage?


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date January 17, 2023
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Students

Kicking Off a Career: CU Nursing Student Scores with PNP-Primary Care Program

Soccer is still fresh on the minds of fans in the aftermath of the World Cup, but it’s always close to Jordan Knickerbocker’s heart.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date January 06, 2023
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Faculty

The Strength of a Woman: Professor Shares Love for Bodybuilding, Midwifery

Nurse-midwifery encourages patients to tap into their strengths before, during and after childbirth. In a sense, Jessica Anderson, DNP ‘17, CNM, channels that special kind of energy by competing in statewide bodybuilding competitions.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date January 05, 2023
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Alumni   

Breaking Language and Cultural Barriers in Transplant Care

Growing up in a Spanish-speaking family, Gladiz Martinez, AG-CNS ’20, BSN ’08, often served as a reluctant family interpreter.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date January 02, 2023
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Faculty

Beyond the ‘Crisis Mode’: What Mass Shootings Taught One CU Nursing Professor

Headlines about mass shootings – such as the recent massacre at the Club Q nightclub in Colorado Springs – trigger difficult memories for Mary Beth Flynn Makic, PhD ‘07, CNS.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 23, 2022
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Faculty

Dealing with Grief During the Holidays

Between gatherings with friends and family – and the “expectation” of joyfulness – the holiday season can be fraught with stress, even in the happiest of times. For those grieving the loss of a loved one, a broken relationship or a career setback, the season can be especially challenging.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 20, 2022
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Students

CU Nursing AGNP-PC Student Awarded Fellowship

Weeks before she graduates with a master’s degree from the  University of Colorado College of Nursing on December 17, Caitlin Hinz, BSN-RN, started participating in a fellowship that will prepare her for the next phase of her career. Hinz recently was awarded a Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) fellowship by the Colorado Center for Nursing Excellence.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 15, 2022
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Students

Embracing the Life Cycle: Grad Aims to Blend Caring Science with Acute Care

One can experience some profound existential moments while riding a road bike up and down the Western Slope. For Kari Weirath, who co-owns a bicycle shop in Grand Junction with her husband, such moments became more frequent after completing her PhD in Caring Science at the University of Colorado College of Nursing in August and pondering the direction of her career of serving others.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 15, 2022
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Students

The Dance of Life: CU Nursing Student Finds Her Groove in Zumba and Nursing

Whoever has danced up a sweat during a Zumba class knows what it’s like to work hard and play hard at the same time.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 14, 2022
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Students

First-Generation College Graduate Pays It Forward to Hispanic Community

First-generation college graduate Lori Duarte, RN, can’t seem to get enough education. With a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s degree in liberal arts, her career and educational journey ultimately led her to nursing.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 12, 2022
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Students

Hitting the Ground Running: DNP Student Applies Teachings to Healthcare Organization

In her role as a nurse practitioner, Amy Loomis (MSN ’16, AGNP-C) has established an impressive early career caring for older people. The daughter of a nurse, you could say her calling runs in the family.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 09, 2022
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Students

A Natural-Born Nurse: Brooke Ingle Discovered Her Acumen for Caregiving the Hard Way

Thriving in chaos seems to be what Brooke Ingle does best. So naturally, she decided to become a nurse.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 08, 2022
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Students

An Expert in Her Field: CU Nursing Student Builds on Her Military Experience

As far as her nursing passion is concerned, Margaret Buenemann’s life began in her 40s when she was commissioned as a U.S. Army Reserve nurse.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 07, 2022
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Students

Finding Her Religion: UCAN Student Takes a Leap of Faith to Nursing Career

Becca Feldman earned a bachelor’s degree in religious studies from CU Boulder in 2016, but she found her true calling in healthcare while working as a medical assistant for an ear, nose and throat specialist. Though much of her job was administrative, she got to help with some surgical procedures and remove stitches.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 06, 2022
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Students

Shedding Light on Diabetes: CU Graduate Studies Insulin Resistance

Between residing in various rugged locations and earning numerous nursing-related degrees, diabetes has been a constant in Alicia Le Pard’s life.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 05, 2022
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Students

From Breweries to the Bedside: Joshua Maner Scales Peaks in Work and Life

An avid climber, Joshua Maner figuratively rappelled from managing breweries to nursing in a fairly short time span. His life’s journey traversed from a 200-acre farmhouse in Tennessee to the East Coast, and finally to Colorado.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 02, 2022
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Faculty

Full Circle in the Front Range

Shelly Fischer, PhD, RN, CNE may be a newcomer to her role, but she’s no stranger to the Front Range, healthcare leadership, and the University of Colorado College of Nursing.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date December 01, 2022
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Faculty

The Accidental Tourist: Emergency Landing Leads to Lasting Friendship

Empathy is often helpful – particularly in healthcare and education. It is also a characteristic that University of Colorado College of Nursing Associate Professor Deborah Kenny, PhD, RN, tries to model in her classroom.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date November 14, 2022
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Students

Long-Distance Dedication: Student Pursues Nurse-Midwifery Program from Utah

You might say that Brittan Hosner, RN, discovered nursing by accident – specifically, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident when she was only 13.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date November 11, 2022
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Students

Exploring the Healing Power of Pets

From a young age, Anne Ingalls Gillespie, MSN, RN, cared deeply about animals and sick children.

“Growing up, kids would bring me injured birds and bunnies, and I would always try to fix them,” she remembers. “Originally, I wanted to be a veterinarian; but when I went to college I volunteered with a camp for children with cystic fibrosis, and I knew then that I wanted to help kids with chronic illnesses.”


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date October 28, 2022
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Students    Health equity    Equity Diversity and Inclusion

On Health & Equity: PhD Student Anthony Velasco Focuses on LGBTQ+ Communities

Just as Anthony Velasco’s healthcare research regarding the LGBTQ+ community is interesting, important, and unique, so is Anthony Velasco, NP.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date October 24, 2022
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Faculty

3 for the Books: CU Nursing Faculty Make International Inroads in Publishing

Dating back to the 18th century, academic textbooks are still an essential part of the educational experience. Contributing to that vast canon of knowledge, several faculty members at University of Colorado College of Nursing authored and/or edited textbooks that are read and studied worldwide.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date October 19, 2022
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Students    Equity Diversity and Inclusion

Go West, Young Nurse: Family Health Inspires Sam Moldo’s Professional Journey

Caring for the sick is the “calling” that nurses hear when embarking on their careers. Sam Moldo, RN, first heard that call at a young age after his mother was seriously injured in an automobile accident.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date October 18, 2022
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Students

Grad Student Enjoys a Challenge in Work and Life

Allie Kraybill is not someone who travels on the path of least resistance. Growing up in Wilmington, N.C., she rode horses competitively through high school and college. As a junior in high school, Kraybill took the first step on a nursing path that has zigzagged from North Carolina to Minnesota to Colorado.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date October 10, 2022
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Students

Student’s Local Roots Led Her to Nurse-Midwifery Program

From a strictly geographical standpoint, Stephanie Brooks, RN, BSN, hasn’t ventured very far. But in terms of her life, education, and career, she’s explored many new and exciting places.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date October 05, 2022
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Students    Equity Diversity and Inclusion

CU Nursing Student Challenges Nurse-Midwifery Gender Norms

The first thing most people might notice about Eric Alvarez, RN, SNM, as he listens attentively to a nurse-midwifery lecture, is that he seems to be the only guy in the room.

Historically, there are far fewer men in the nursing profession than women. According to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 12% of working nurses are men. Percentage-wise, just 6% percent of nurse-midwives are men.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date October 04, 2022
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Students

Daughter’s Birth Inspired Nurse-Midwifery Student’s Journey

Jessica Dean, BSN, was long intrigued by the field of nurse-midwifery, but the birth of her daughter made her a true believer.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date October 03, 2022
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Students    Giving

Scholarship Honors One Nurse’s Legacy, Helps Future Nurses

Helen Duff Reagan passed away in 1992, but her spirit lives – thanks to a scholarship established by her daughter, retired healthcare executive Kate Paul.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date September 27, 2022
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Faculty

Tammy Spencer Named NLN ‘Nurse Educator of the Year’

In the 33 years she’s taught at the University of Colorado College of Nursing, Tammy Spencer, DNP, RN, earned numerous awards. Spencer was the recipient of the CU President’s Teaching Award 14 times and two-time winner of the Chancellor’s Teaching Award. She also received the Dean’s Excellence in Teaching Award early in her career in 1991.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date September 14, 2022
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Alumni    Students

Adventures in Nursing: Finding Passion in Acute Care

Kate Redlinger fondly remembers the time when her mother was called away from a family gathering to take care of another family’s emergency.

“One Christmas Eve she got called in because there was an ectopic pregnancy and she had to save a woman’s life,” Redlinger recalls. “Despite the interruption of the holiday plans, I thought that was very cool.”


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date September 06, 2022
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Education    Community   

Building Bridges to Prevent People from ‘Jumping Off’ Bridges

Kevin Hines’ life certainly should have ended the day he threw himself off San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

Fortunately, he had a revelation the millisecond he took the jump and lived to tell his story with the mission of educating and inspiring others on what literally pushed him to the edge and what he’s learned through surviving.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date September 01, 2022
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Community    Clinics   

HHS Regional Director Visits CU Nursing’s Sheridan Health Services

Regional Director for Region 8 of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Lily Griego visited Sheridan Health Services on Thursday, Aug. 25. Griego shared ideas with the clinic’s staff and other stakeholders on issues ranging from vaccine hesitancy in rural underserved communities to building a more diverse and inclusive healthcare workforce.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date August 29, 2022
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Education   

Urban-Rural Partnership Receives $1.7M Grant From Colorado Health Foundation

An innovative partnership between Durango-based Fort Lewis College and the University of Colorado College of Nursing at Anschutz Medical Campus recently got a significant gift from the Colorado Health Foundation.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date August 16, 2022
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Education    Faculty

A 21st Century Renaissance Man: Sean M. Reed Puts Diverse Experience to Work

Curiosity led Sean M. Reed, PhD, APRN, ACNS-BC, ACHPN, FCNS, SGAHN, through a unique labyrinth of careers and interests -- including business, massage therapy, nursing, research and education.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date August 11, 2022
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Students    Global health nursing

Guatemala Course Helps Undergraduates Connect With Global Health

“Any global health experience helps you realize the commonalities and differences in healthcare throughout the world,” says Shannon Pirrie, DNP, CNM, Specialty Director of the Nurse-Midwife program at CU College of Nursing. “It’s pretty eye-opening to see the work folks do in other countries with much less resources and education than we have.”


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date August 05, 2022
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Faculty    Veteran and Military Health

Veteran Serves Veterans: Retired Army Col. Lori Trego’s Road From Deployment to Advocacy

Serving in the military and being deployed twice (once to Iraq and once to Afghanistan) profoundly influenced (Retired) Col. Lori Trego’s perspective and her life’s work.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date August 04, 2022
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Faculty    Students

Two CU Nursing Faculty, Alumnus Among 2022 AAN Fellows

The American Academy of Nursing (AAN) selected University of Colorado College of Nursing faculty Rosario Medina and Heather Coats and alumnus Lt. Col. Christopher Stucky among 250 distinguished nurse leaders to be inducted into the 2022 Class of Fellows.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date August 01, 2022
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Students

CU Nursing Students Going to Washington for AACN Conference

 

All-expense-paid trips aren’t generally listed among the many benefits of pursuing an advanced degree at the University of Colorado College of Nursing. However, there are exceptions -- as Nylah Bass, RN, BSN and Charlotte Weiss, MSN, RN, ACNP, recently learned.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date July 27, 2022
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Research    Students    COMBAT

All In the Line of Duty: Raiza Deyto Named First CU Nursing COMBAT Scholar

Growing up as a Filipino American in Milpitas, Calif., Capt. Raiza Deyto RN, BSN, wanted to walk a different path than her predecessors who gravitated to the nursing field.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date July 20, 2022
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Faculty

Project To Examine How Fatigue Affects Decision-Making

Long before “burnout” became an occupational epidemic, its precursor “fatigue” held a grip on healthcare professionals struggling to maintain their energy during lengthy and difficult shifts.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date July 15, 2022
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Faculty

From the ICU to the Virtual Classroom: Angela Pal’s Nursing Journey

Between two coasts, four universities, five employers and 7-year-old twins, CU College of Nursing Assistant Professor Dr. Angela Pal, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, certainly packed several lifetimes of learning and experience into the last 30 years.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date July 11, 2022
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Alumni

Remembering Ann Smith: A Pioneering Nurse Practitioner

One of the very first Pediatric Nurse Practitioner graduates in the country, Ann Noordenbos Smith (BS ’64, MS ’65, PhD ’88), helped lay the groundwork for advanced nursing practices which now cover nearly every discipline in healthcare.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date July 06, 2022
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Community    Alumni

CU Nursing Legends Credited for Developing National Residency Model

Two highly regarded nursing leaders with ties to the University of Colorado College of Nursing are credited with pioneering the widespread adoption of nurse residency programs (NRPs). An article in the Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing paid tribute to the groundbreaking work of Colleen Goode, PhD, RN, FAAN, NEA-BC, and Mary Krugman, PhD, FAAN, NEA-BC, for building what has become a national model that has helped nursing graduates segue to their chosen profession.


Author Bob Mook | Publish Date June 09, 2022
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