Nightingale Luminary Award
The Nightingale Luminary Award is the highest nursing honor in Colorado . In August , the Colorado Nurses Foundation recognized nurses from across the state at the Nightingale Luminary Awards banquet for their work in advocacy , innovation and leadership . Children ’ s Hospital Colorado is proud to share that two of our incredible nurses were named 2022 Nightingale Luminary Award winners .
This year ’ s winners are :
ANDREA HIMMELBERGER , BSN , RN-NIC Clinical Nurse III , NICU , Anschutz Medical Campus
CASSIE LANG , MSN , CNS , ACCNS-AG , CCRN Clinical Nurse Specialist , CCBD
Advocacy and commitment earn recognition
Andrea was nominated for her advocacy and commitment to improving public health during the COVID-19 pandemic . Heartbroken at the loss of lives in our community , she felt compelled to be part of the solution for eradicating COVID-19 . Andrea decided the biggest impact she could make was to join a vaccine clinic . She eventually led one of the largest vaccination clinics in Colorado while still working full time as a nurse in the NICU . Between February and June 2021 , her site administered more than 90,000 vaccines and helped get 70 % of Coloradans vaccinated .
“ The profession of nursing is forever better because of nurses like Andrea ,” said Sheila Kaseman , MS , RNC- NIC , Clinical Nurse Manager , NICU . “ She is a dedicated professional and compassionate leader who advocates with skill and grace to improve the lives of others in the NICU and within her community .”
Innovative infusion processes protect patients
Cassie was nominated for her innovation and leadership in the delivery of monoclonal antibody infusions . As Children ’ s Colorado began delivering these infusions , which are a preventative treatment typically given to patients at high risk of severe COVID-19 , Cassie played a key role in maintaining safe practices and implementation . She used her infusion practice expertise , ability to define and improve processes and strong collaboration skills to ensure life-saving monoclonal antibody therapies could be safely delivered to patients in need . At the same time , she ensured minimal impact to the day-to-day operations of the already busy infusion centers .
“ We are so privileged to have Cassie as a leader in the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders ,” said Karen Walton , MS , RN , Director of Patient Care Services , CCBD . “ Her leadership skills were recognized immediately as she impressed me with her knowledge and drive to provide the utmost quality and safety for our nurses , patients and families .”
Please join us in congratulating Andrea and Cassie , along with all of our finalists and nominees from Children ’ s Colorado . Their advocacy , innovation and leadership helps transform child health across our state and country .
30 2022 PCS Annual Report