2021 KIND Fund Scholarship recipients
Catherine ( Catie ) Baessler , BSN , RNC-NIC , NICU , Anschutz Jose Luis Guerrero-Baez , BSN , RN-BC , Nursing Informatics Kelly Hering-Rank , BSN , RN , Pediatric Call Center Rachel Kovacs , BSN , RN , Oncology Clinic , Colorado Springs Bethany Macchi , BSN , RN-CCRN , Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Alyssa L . Walsh , BSN , RN , NICU
Cindy McConnell worked as a pediatric nurse for 30 years , 25 of which were right here at Children ’ s Hospital Colorado . She worked nearly everywhere in the hospital fromoncology to ambulatory and had an unmistakable laugh and infectious smile that captivated everyone she met .
In the fall of 2017 , McConnell passed away . She was admired as a friend , colleague , mother and wife . McConnell ’ s dedication to her work and the families at Children ’ s Colorado never wavered . Even as she fought her own battle with cancer , her resiliency and bravery carried her through . She was deeply passionate about nurses getting national certification in their nursing specialty . She wanted everyone to have an opportunity to receive the necessary education to advance their career .
With sincere gratitude for McConnell ’ s dedication to nurses , the Children ’ s Hospital Colorado Foundationand the Division of Patient Care Services are proud to continue McConnell ’ s legacy to promote and support nursing continuing education , especially for those entering the work force .
External Professional Recognition
Jennifer Coffman , JD , MSN , APRN , CPNP-AC , CNRN , received the “ Innovative Clinical Practice Award ” through the Association of Child Neurology Nurses .
Laurel More , MS , RN , NPD-BC , CPN , received the Association of Ambulatory Care Nursing ( AAACN ) 2021 Presidential Above and Beyond award .
Aydrian DeDiemar , EdD , MBA , BSN , RN , NEA-BC , NPD-BC , received the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education ( CCNE ) five-year accreditation for the New Graduate Nurse Residency Program .
Suzanne Paul , BSN , MSN , FNP-C , received the Barbara Quarantillo Senior Instructor Award for the Department of Pediatrics , University of Colorado .
2021 Grants & Scholarships
Heidi McNeely , PhD , RN , PCNS-BC 2021 Sigma Theta Tau International : Small Research Grant provided $ 3,089 for her dissertation research on substance use among nurses and physicians and the role of stigma .
Suzanne Paul , BSN , MSN , FNP-C Scholarship recipient from the School of Nursing Alumni Association Scholarship – University of Virginia School of Nursing .
30 People