American Sentinel University and Colorado Hospital Association Recognize Rio Grande Hospital HC Professional

American Sentinel University and the Colorado Hospital Association named Khrystynn Cano, RN, a charge nurse with Rio Grande Hospital, as a Colorado Health Care Star Award winner. This award recognizes Cano as an exceptional health care professional.

Colorado Health Care Stars is a statewide health care professional award recognition program sponsored by American Sentinel University and the Colorado Hospital Association. The program was launched in February 2015 to acknowledge industry professionals in Colorado who exceed expectations in the delivery of health care.

Like many health care organizations across the country, Rio Grande hospital struggles with staff retention. Cano has gone above and beyond in her preceptoring of nursing students, leading many of them to join the staff full-time. She is an excellent representative of the hospital to both patients and internal staff.

Cano has guided many new physicians as they become oriented to Rio Grande Hospital’s emergency room and regional resources. Her special efforts to make all feel welcome have led many new physicians to remain in the rural area which is an enormous win for both the hospital and the community.

“Khrystynn is a natural leader who redirects staff with a smile and will always take time for a coworker, patient, or visitor in need,” said Candice Allen, Chief Nursing Officer for Rio Grande Hospital. “On top of this, she is a Basic Life Support instructor who assists with outreach in the community teaching CPR to local law enforcement, forest service agencies and our own internal hospital staff, all in her spare time.”

Allen says that Cano’s dedication and drive to help others has inspired more individuals to volunteer with local Emergency Medical Services agencies or pursue health care careers. “She inspires through her caregiving abilities, her positive attitude and willingness to teach others. Her impact on Colorado health care is known in our rural area and we are so lucky to have her at Rio Grande,” said Allen.

“Nurses like Khrystynn bring much-needed care and kindness to their communities,” said Michael Richter, Vice President of Partner Engagement for American Sentinel University. “She is a shining example of the fact that you don’t need to live in the city to receive excellent care with compassion. We are honored to recognize her as a Colorado Health Care Star.”

Nominate the Next Colorado Health Care Stars Winner
Nominate an exceptional clinical professional. Complete the nomination submission form at https://www.chacareercenter.com/Employers/Employer-Items/Colorado-Healthcare-Heroes.aspx

Each month the Colorado Hospital Association draws from the pool of nominees and chooses an individual that will be featured the following month on the Colorado Hospital Association Career Center website, receive a $100 Visa gift card courtesy of American Sentinel University and be entered into a drawing at the end of the year for a monetary scholarship toward an accredited health care certificate or degree at American Sentinel University.

Learn more about American Sentinel University’s online degree programs at https://www.americansentinel.edu/nursing or call 866.922.5690.

About the Colorado Hospital Association

The Colorado Hospital Association represents 100 member hospitals and health systems throughout Colorado. The Colorado Hospital Association partners with its members to work towards health reform and performance improvement, and provides advocacy and representation at the state and federal level. Colorado hospitals and health systems are committed to providing coverage and access to safe, high-quality and affordable health care. In addition, Colorado hospitals have a tremendous impact on the state’s economic stability and growth, contributing to nearly every community across the state with 72,000 employees statewide.