2019 Nursing Awards Make an Appointment Ask a Question Refer Patient 2019 Outstanding Nurse of the Year: Clinical Practice Awardee: Shirley Brown, RN, BSN Shirley Brown is the Lung Line Nurse at National Jewish Health. Shirley has a broad knowledge base related to chronic illness and the diseases we treat. She is an advocate for the clients and families who call with questions. A colleague stated, “As a Lung Line Nurse, Shirley answers calls and emails from around the world. Her broad range of knowledge is phenomenal”. A colleague added, “Shirley’s well developed listening skills allow her to assess a client working with them remotely. She is often the liaison between the client and provider. I have heard her coach clients in the fine art of communicating with health care providers.” Another colleague added, “Shirley’s communication style is grounded in team-work, sharing of knowledge, advocating and mentoring for the benefit of Lung Line clients and National Jewish Health. A colleague who nominated her stated “Shirley attends a number of community support groups held at National Jewish Health, including the Diabetes, Lung Cancer and COPD support groups. She also volunteers with Walk with a Doc.” Shirley is an active member of the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing. She is also an honorary member of TREA: The Enlisted Association. A colleague summed up, “Shirley’s calm demeanor makes her welcoming and easy to communicate with clients, families and NJH staff.” Other nominees for Clinical Practice Nurse: Rachel Alvidrez Mikaila Barton-Gawryn Michelena Brew Shirley Brown Luz Cowell Cori Fratelli Eileen Gallagher Tracie Gallegos Marie Kamm Robin Lingg LaGrone Veronika Peltekova Allison Rogenmoser Stefanie Smetana Cristine Solomon Alison Stanton Barb Strain Beth Ann Wagy Victoria Wessell Suzanne Williams Deborah Wolf Seth Zunker 2019 Outstanding Nurse of the Year: Administrator, Educator, Researcher or Non-Traditional Practice Nurse Awardee: Darci J. Martinez, RN, BSN Darci Martinez currently works as the Interim Pediatric Nurse Manager with the Pediatric Program at National Jewish Health. A colleague stated, “Darci is a wonderful role model. She is continuing her nursing education and encourages us to participate in committees, education and teamwork. She has initiated morning huddles in both pediatric areas.” Another colleague added, “Darci has assessed staff learning needs and is initiating processes to enable staff to grow and expand their skill base.” Darci has also served in a variety of roles at NJH. She was the Organizational Joint Commission Liaison and Regulatory Coordinator during our most recent Joint Commission Survey. She has excellent clinical skills and has been utilized as the Nursing House Supervisor. In both these roles she has been a Team Lead for hospital Sentinel Events, Root-Cause Analysis and Patient Safety Briefs. Darci is an active member and an officer of the Denver Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses. She is also an active member of SALUTE Veterans National Honor Society. In addition, Darci has completed 480 clinical hours toward BSN to DNP –Family Practice Program. Other nominees for Administrator, Educator, Researcher or Non-Traditional Practice Nurse: Sharon Baker Sheryl Barnla Dalana Bernt Sara Brayshaw & CF Team Caroline Bronchick Kaci Chacon Gwendolyn Gennaro Katie Lattimore Darci Martinez Renee Mondragon Katherine Rosen Jennifer Sederberg View Archives 2018 Nursing Awards 2017 Nursing Awards 2016 Nursing Awards 2015 Nursing Awards 2014 Nursing Awards 2013 Nursing Awards 2012 Nursing Awards 2004-2011 Nursing Awards Grete H. Cohnen Nursing Scholarship Awards