06/03/2026
Nurses from across Colorado were honored for their exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to patient care during the 2026 Nursing Excellence Awards Dinner, held on May 16, 2026, at the Denver Museum of Art.
The 2026 San Luis Valley Nursing Excellence Awards Dinner was held on March 27, 2026, at the Rio Grande Hospital Wellness Center in Del Norte. Honorees were selected based on peer nominations that highlighted dedication, teamwork, professionalism, and positive influence in the workplace. This year’s San Luis Valley Health nominees included Sarah Alonzo, BSN, RN; Katherine Blount, MSN Ed, RN, NPD BC; Bethany Caton, ACNP C; Kimberly Chacon, MS, RN; Samantha Crawford, BSN, RN; Andrea Griego, BSN, RN, RNC OB; Jade (Steve) Haden, BSN, RN, CDCES; Wendi Harrison, BSN, RN, C EFM; Angela Hernandez, MSN Ed, RN; Monica Hinds, BSN, RN; Amy Lopez, BSN, RN; Sheridan Maestas, BSN, RN; Victor Njoga, BSN, RN; Arlyn Oakes, RN; Misty Palacios, RN; Kyle Schell, BSN, RN; Lisa M. Romero, LPN; Terisa Valdez, BSN, RNC LRN, C EFM; and Michael Welch Diaz, ADN.
The final winners for their category were Andrea Griego, BSN, RN;
Terisa Valdez, BSN, RN; Sarah Gilleland BSN, RN, CEN; Monica Hinds, BSN, RN;
and Angela Hernandez, MSN-Ed, RN, Kyle Schell, BSN, RN; and
Bethany Caton, MSN, AGACNP-BC, FNP-BC
