Nursing

A Magnet Institution

In 2015, Children’s Hospital Colorado received our third Magnet recognition by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®, and we are presently one of only eight Magnet recognized hospitals in the state. We were initially designated a Magnet hospital in 2005, and were recognized again in 2011. Hospitals must reapply for Magnet recognition every four years based on adherence to Magnet concepts and demonstrated improvements in patient care and quality.

Professional Practice Model

Nursing practice at Children’s Hospital Colorado is based on the mission and a Professional Practice Model. A Professional Practice Model is a system comprised of structure, process and values that provides the foundation for professional nurses to control how nursing care is delivered and in what environment.

The five foundational elements are: Values, Professional Relationships, Care Delivery System, Compensation & Rewards, and Governance. 

• The organizational Values Pledge encompasses the entire model to ground us and keep our focus. 
• “Together with my team” is prominent because we do not work alone.
• The “I” statements demonstrate individual and group accountability to professional practice.
• The five foundational elements surround the Model, providing structure. 

​​Element 1 – Values and Standards of Behavior

Values and standards of behavior are the core of the Professional Practice Model (PPM). These are foundational to all professional nursing practices. 

The Values Pledge at Children’s Hospital Colorado
For a child’s sake…
We are a caring community called to honor the sacred trust of our patients, families and each other through humble expertise, generous service and boundless creativity. 
…This is the moment. 

Element 2 – Professional Relationships

Professional relationships are essential in every aspect of patient care. We build collaborative relationships within our own teams, among other disciplines and departments, with community partners and patients and families. Building relationships is a professional expectation. 

Element 3 – Care Delivery System

Our care delivery model is Family-centered Care and the patient and family are the center of our decisions. The care delivery system includes the complex environment in which patient care is delivered. Theory provides framework; professional standards guide patient care; we promote a safe, healing environment through use of quality standards, evidence-based practice, research and innovation. We advocate for patients, families and ourselves. 

Element 4 – Compensation and Rewards

As professionals, we are compensated for our expertise and skill. Reward and recognition are essential to building relationships and trust among teams. Continuing education and development is provided and expected. The Clinical Ladder is available for advancement opportunities for the clinical nurse. 

Children’s Colorado participates in several recognition programs for our nurses: 

• The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses
• Nightingale Luminary Awards 
• Nursing Excellence Awards – this internally hosted event honors excellence in several categories for nurses and friends of nursing, during Pediatric Nurses Week in October of each year. 

Element 5 – Governance Model

Professionals govern their own practice and make decisions that promote safety, effectiveness and efficiency. Elements of governance include autonomy, empowerment and accountability. Decision-making is a shared responsibility among staff and leadership. Shared Governance is an important component of the professional practice of nursing. At Children’s Colorado, we utilize councils, committees, task forces and informal means to include staff in decisions affecting their practice. 

Our Core Values

The Mission of Children's Hospital Colorado Division of Nursing is to practice family-centered, state-of-the-art nursing through the provision of quality patient care, education, research and advocacy.  Children's Hospital Colorado Division of Nursing is a strong leader in professional pediatric nursing. We have established standards of care that achieve the best outcomes for children and their families through a holistic, family-centered approach in partnership with others. Our nursing professionals are pioneers in pediatric nursing practice, research, education and advocacy.

Nursing at Children's Hospital Colorado respects the rights of children, the integrity of the family, and the impact of illness on the family and the community.  Nursing performs a key role in maintaining wellness throughout the child's care in a many settings.  Nursing provides education and information for the child and family, which helps the family meet their  healthcare needs.

Leaders in Nursing Research

Children's Hospital Colorado is nationally recognized as a leader in pediatric nursing research and has many opportunities for staff and students.  Members of the Division of Nursing use the best evidence for decision-making including, but not limited to, current research, clinical expertise, and patient and family values and preferences.  The Department of Nursing Research and Education, in collaboration with Children's Hospital Colorado Research Institute, offers small grants to support nursing research activities.

Learn more about the Clinical Ladder.

Learn more about nursing careers and search for jobs at Children's Hospital Colorado.