A Culture of Compassion: Celebrating Nurses Week at Columbine Health

At Columbine Health Systems, the word "nurse" means more than a title. It represents a daily commitment to showing up—with skill, grace, and unwavering compassion—for those who need it most. This Nurses Week, we celebrate not only what our nurses do, but how they do it.

Step into any of our communities and you’ll witness care that goes far beyond clinical. You’ll see nurses who make eye contact when they speak, who pull up a chair instead of rushing out the door, who remember the names of grandchildren and take the time to explain the smallest details. You’ll find people who choose to care with heart.

This year, we received dozens of DAISY Award nominations written by grateful families, inspired coworkers, and residents themselves. These aren’t just thank-you notes. They are testaments to the quiet, consistent impact of extraordinary nursing.

Listening With the Heart

One family recalled the moment they first met Nurse John at Lemay Avenue Rehab. Their father had just been admitted, and emotions were high. But within minutes, John calmly recalled details about their father’s past medical history—without a chart in hand—offering reassurance they didn’t know they needed.

Over the following weeks, John did more than administer care—he connected. Their father looked forward to his conversations. He felt seen. Heard. Respected. As the family put it: “If John hadn’t been there, our dad’s experience would’ve been okay—but not nearly as positive. He was the right person at the right time.”

At Centre Avenue, a family described how Nurse Heather sat quietly beside their mother as she passed—rubbing her neck, holding her hand, and offering soft words of comfort while her children were briefly away. The family returned to witness that sacred moment, a memory they now carry with deep gratitude. “Heather did everything she possibly could to make a dying patient’s last moments peaceful. Our mom—and our entire family—will never forget it.”

Above and Beyond, Always

Some stories reflect lifesaving actions. A resident described how Nurse Shauna noticed subtle but concerning changes—an elevated temperature, dropping blood pressure, and unresponsiveness. Shauna immediately called for emergency services. The resident later wrote, “I don’t know if I would have reached my 91st birthday without her.”

At another community, a mealtime turned into a crisis when a resident began choking. While others hesitated, Nurse Megan sprang into action, performing the Heimlich maneuver and likely saving a life. Her courage and quick thinking were matched only by her humility.

The Gift of Small Things

Many nurses were recognized not for singular moments, but for their consistency—day in and day out.

At Lemay, Kassidy was nominated for her quiet confidence, technical excellence, and emotional insight. She comforted residents with personal stories, responded to frustration with patience, and remained calm even in high-stress situations. As one resident wrote, “She listens with her heart and never makes anyone feel like a burden.”

Danielle was described as the "CNA’s best friend”a teammate who jumps in without being asked, who stays late when needed, and who brings joy and ease to night shifts. “There’s no other nurse I’d rather work with,” one CNA said.

Veronica stood out for her ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the room. “She remembers the little things—the ones that make you feel like you matter.”

Teaching, Leading, and Inspiring

Some nominations came from staff members who felt mentored, supported, and inspired by their peers.

Eric, a seasoned nurse at CAHR, was celebrated for teaching new staff, sharing his knowledge without ego, and always lending a hand—even when not assigned to a unit. One coworker said, “I’ve learned so much from him, it’s why I applied to nursing school.”

Izzy, Director of Nursing, was praised for her grace and composure in even the most chaotic moments. She leads with a steady hand, ensuring her team feels supported and her residents deeply cared for.

Maranda, a Staff Development Coordinator, was nominated for her creativity, patience, and leadership. Whether training new CNAs or planning team-building events, she brings energy and heart to every task.

The Thread That Ties Us Together

These are just a few of the many stories that came through this Nurses Week—and they all point to a deeper truth: great nursing is not only clinical. It’s human.

It’s showing up early to train a colleague who’s nervous. It’s staying late to make sure someone’s pain is managed before bed. It’s remembering a resident’s favorite music or comforting them after a tough phone call with family. It’s leadership without hierarchy. It’s love without condition.

To Our Nurses: You Make Columbine Home

At Columbine Health Systems, we are proud of the quality of care we deliver—but it is our nurses who bring that care to life.

To every nurse in our Columbine communities: thank you.Thank you for your presence, your courage, and your unwavering dedication.Thank you for the sacrifices you make, the emotions you hold, and the hope you provide—quietly, steadily, every day.

You are not just caregivers. You are advocates. Educators. Lifesavers. Healers. You are the heart of Columbine.

Happy Nurses Week.