Awards and Recognitions

Founded in 1908, Children's Hospital Colorado is a private, not-for-profit pediatric healthcare network dedicated 100% to caring for kids. With more than 3,000 pediatric specialists and more than 8,000 full-time employees, Children's Colorado is home to a number of nationally and internationally recognized medical programs.

U.S. News & World Report

Since U.S. News & World Report began ranking hospitals based on clinical data and reputation more than 20 years ago, we've consistently been recognized among the best of the best.

This year, Children’s Colorado ranked in the Top 10 children’s hospitals in the nation. We also remain #1 in Colorado and the region, with high marks in all 11 ranked specialties. Together, we are building a healthier world through research, a collaborative spirit, creativity and a tireless, unrelenting dedication to children.

Forbes America's Best Large Employers 2024

Children’s Colorado was ranked No. 4 out of 500 companies and organizations in Forbes’ list of America’s Best Large Employers 2024. The list was identified through an independent survey of more than 170,000 Americans working for companies with more than 5,000 employees. Businesses and organizations were rated based on criteria such as working hours, competitive compensation, opportunities for training and promotion, workload expectations, mental health benefits and diversity within the management team. 

Learn more about this recognition

Magnet Recognition Program^® 

The Magnet Recognition Program was developed by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to recognize healthcare organizations that demonstrate nursing excellence and disseminate successful nursing practices and strategies. 

Children's Colorado received its fourth designation from Magnet in 2020. This recognition applies to all our Denver Metro locations and the Briargate Outpatient Care Facility in Colorado Springs. At the time of this award, we were one of only 13 Magnet-designated hospitals in the state and one of 543 in the world.  

Previously in 2005, we were initially designated a Magnet hospital, and we were recognized again in 2011 and 2015. Hospitals must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years based on adherence to Magnet standards and demonstrated improvements in patient care and quality. 

Read our press release to learn more about this recognition. 

 

Beacon Award for Excellence

The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) awarded the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at our hospital on the Anschutz Medical Campus a gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence in 2024. This three-year honor recognizes care teams that successfully improve patient outcomes and align their practices with AACN’s six Healthy Work Environment Standards. Only 15 PICUs in the nation currently hold this designation, and Children’s Colorado is the only PICU in the state to receive this award.

Learn more about the Beacon Award for Excellence

2019 Emergency Nursing Association (ENA) Lantern Award

The Children’s Hospital Colorado Anschutz Emergency Department received the 2019 Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) Lantern Award for exemplifying “exceptional and innovative performance in leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.” 

The team made many improvements to the emergency department to win the award, including one to review and improve the suicide screening process for children entering the emergency department. The new process has now been implemented across all our locations. This is just one more example of how our innovative team goes above and beyond to provide the best pediatric care in the region.

5280 Magazine's Top Docs

In 2024, 5280 magazine named 146 of our physicians to their annual Top Doctors list. Our providers swept an incredible 11 categories. We are grateful and honored that these providers serve the Children’s Colorado mission.

Learn more about the 2024 honorees.

Colorado Springs Magazine Top Docs

Each year, Colorado Springs Magazine surveys doctors in the El Paso County Medical Society to learn who they would recommend if they or a family member needed care. In 2024, 23 of our physicians were recognized in the magazine's annual "Top Docs" list. Our doctors also swept seven categories.

Read more about our 2024 honorees.

American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality

Children's Colorado was named the winner of the 2015 American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Award. We are only the second children's hospital to win the award in its 14-year history. The award recognizes hospitals for their commitment to making six quality aims a reality: safety, patient-centeredness, effectiveness, efficiency, timeliness and equity.

The Quest for Quality judges were impressed by Children's Colorado's commitment to high quality, safe patient care in every department, both clinical and non-clinical.

Read our press release.

Most Wired Award

Children's Colorado has been recognized again as one of HealthCare's Most Wired hospitals. The analysis conducted by College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) found two key areas that emerged in 2018: the use of foundational technologies such as integration, interoperability, security and disaster recovery; and the use of transformational technologies to support population health management, value-based care, patient engagement and telehealth. These foundational pieces need to be in place for an organization to leverage tools to effectively transform healthcare.

American Heart Association Workplace Health Achievement Index

Children's Colorado is proud to have met American Heart Association (AHA) criteria for Gold recognition in the AHA's Workplace Health Achievement Index. See heart.org/workplacehealth for more information.

Practice Greenhealth Partner for Change Award

The 2017 Greenhealth Partner for Change Award recognizes healthcare facilities that have implemented a significant number of environmental programs, and continuously improve and expand upon these programs on the path to sustainability. Children's Colorado recognizes sustainability as a means to practice the Hippocratic Oath — to heal and do no harm — through safer products, reduced air emissions, elimination of toxins, safer working environments, less waste and efficient use of energy and water.

Colorado Awards

The Denver Post's Top Workplaces of 2017

Children's Colorado is named one of the top workplaces in the state by The Denver Post in their annual ranking of Colorado employers. We are second only to Rose Medical Center among hospitals to appear on the list of top-ranked, large companies (defined as those employing more than 500 local workers). See the list from 2017 and learn more about the ranking process.

Environmental Leadership Program Gold Leader

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) recognizes companies and government agencies that go above and beyond compliance with state and federal regulations, and who are committed to continual environmental improvement. Children's Colorado was recognized as a Gold Leader in 2017 and is dedicated to a sustainable future. We try to reduce our impact on the local and global environment by conservation, recycling and buying local when available. We also commit to promoting the health of children and the community through socially responsible environmental improvements and cost-effective practices.