Best Hospitals to Work for in Colorado

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Hospitals in Colorado have many open opportunities for nurses. This is a popular choice for a change in scenery, due to the state’s natural wonders and quality of healthcare.

Magnet hospitals are designated by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It measures the quality of nursing and patient outcomes. Less than 10% of hospitals are awarded this designation.

Every hospital on this list is a Magnet hospital as determined by criteria used by the ANCC. Let’s look at these hospitals in Colorado and how they aim to promote value in their care.

Best hospitals in Colorado

The following hospitals have been rated using websites such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), U.S. News & World Report, and Medicare. Other trusted employment websites, like Glassdoor and LinkedIn, have also been used to compile their rankings.

Children’s Hospital Colorado

The Children’s Hospital Colorado has ranked number 7 on the Best Children’s Honor Roll and is nationally ranked in 10 pediatric specialties by the U.S. News & World Report. Regionally, it ranked number one in Colorado and number one in Rocky Mountain. This hospital received the 2015 Quest for Quality Prize, as awarded by the American Hospital Association-McKesson. It obtained the necessary criteria for Gold recognition in the American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index. 

Learn more about Children’s Hospital Colorado:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Aurora, CO
• Hospital network: 15 facilities
• Employees: 5,000

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Lutheran Medical Center

Lutheran Medical Center was rated high performing in 6 adult procedures and conditions by the U.S. News & World Report. It received 4 out of 5 stars from the federal government. This hospital also has been awarded an ‘A’ grade in Spring 2021 from The Leapfrog Group for Hospital Safety.

Learn more about Lutheran Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Wheat Ridge, CO
• Hospital network: 11 facilities
• Employees: 3,500

Parker Adventist Hospital

Parker Adventist Hospital was rated high performing in 1 adult specialty and 5 procedures and conditions by the U.S. News & World Report. It received 5 out of 5 stars from the federal government. In 2022, this facility was awarded the Critical Care Excellence Award by Healthgrades.

Learn more about Parker Adventist Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Parker, CO
• Hospital network: 14 surgical sites
• Employees: 1,230

Porter Adventist Hospital

Regionally ranked number 7 in Colorado and number 5 in Denver, Porter Adventist Hospital was rated as high performing in 6 adult procedures and conditions by the U.S. News & World Report. It has 4 out of 5 stars by the federal government. This hospital has also ranked among America’s 100 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in 2021 for Joint Replacement for 6 years in a row.

Learn more about Porter Adventist Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Denver, CO
• Hospital network: 21 surgical sites
• Employees: 1,156

Rose Medical Center

The Rose Medical Center has been rated as high performing in 1 adult procedure or condition by the U.S. News & World Report. It has a 5 out of 5 stars rating by the federal government and has been named a Denver Post Top Workplace for the past 7 years.

Learn more about Rose Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Denver, CO
• Hospital network: 15 facilities
• Employees: 1,125

Saint Joseph Hospital

Saint Joseph Hospital is Regionally ranked number 3 in Colorado, number 2 in Denver, and rated high-performing in 1 adult specialty and 11 procedures and conditions by the U.S. News & World Report.  The federal government has rated it 5 out of 5 stars. It is in the top 2% in the nation for Overall Clinical Excellence by Healthgrades (2014 – 2016).

Learn more about Saint Joseph Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Denver, CO
• Hospital network: 8 facilities
• Nurses: 4,500

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital

UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is nationally ranked in 8 adult specialties specialties and rated high-performing in 3 adult specialties and 16 procedures and conditions by the U.S. News & World Report. It is also regionally ranked number 1 in Colorado and number 1 in Denver. It was included in the Fortune/IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospitals list and is number 12 in the U.S. Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals. 

Learn more about UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Aurora, CO
• Hospital network: 13 facilities
• Employees: 12,000

What makes a best hospital in Colorado

Though these hospitals have impressive accreditations, they also offer favorable salaries and benefits to attract employees. This includes vacation time, sick leave, employee discounts, financial assistance for certain home buying and tuition programs, wellness benefits, and much more.

Growth opportunity

Nurses may look for job opportunities with growth options since this is a field that allows additional education and schooling. Whether that’s shifting fields to be a nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner, employees search for opportunities that allow advancement in their roles.

Employee satisfaction

Healthcare is an industry that relies on the wellness of its employees. High employee satisfaction promotes a more positive environment and is less likely to have nurses deal with negative consequences, such as job fatigue or burnout.

High patient satisfaction 

Patient peace of mind, especially in healthcare settings, is a reflection on the employees. Happy employees in a constructive work environment lead to higher patient satisfaction. It matters to promote this type of setting for patients’ wellbeings.

Other factors that make a top hospital 

It’s important for top hospitals to include safety measures, customer service policies, technological innovations, and ethical standards as well.

Safety record is critical

Though hospitals commonly acquire and transmit infection, healthcare systems that foster safety measures show commitment to care. Top-of-the-line procedures of safety methods help to prevent up to 80% of hospital infection. 

When nurses, doctors, and other staff adhere to these measures, the health facility sets a higher quality standard.

Hospital policies focus on customer services 

Hospitals are customer-centric spaces, and it’s important their approach coincides. When a hospital is dedicated to customer service, it’s a sign of being an exceptional workplace.

Hospital policies should be reflective of patients’ care and their bill of rights. This makes Colorado’s top hospitals highly sought after for work.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

New technology continues to pop up, so in order for hospitals to meet these standards, it’s important to stay updated with these practices. Implementing training for this new tech can help in meeting standards for patient care, treatment, and diagnosis.

Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare members can improve their capabilities through technological trends and training, providing the highest standard of health delivery.

Ethics lead the way

Ethics in healthcare requires consideration, in order to better serve health providers and patients. When healthcare is made more affordable for Colorado residents, quality health regardless of culture or personality can be delivered. This creates a better connection with patients of all walks of life.

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Next steps

From experienced nurses to recent graduates, having the right nursing expertise can boost your candidacy for top hospitals in Colorado.

To better land your dream job in Colorado, we have some easy guides to help on the job search. Better showcase your skills and advance your career aspirations with these steps.

Build your resume

Standing out among other candidates can be as simple as personalizing your resume and tailoring it to the listed opening. Share your knowledge and skills while emphasizing your accredited certifications. Gather solid references who will speak to your work quality and care, as well.

Join a nurses association

Connecting with other nurses helps with networking and finding job opportunities down the line. These organizations can be advantageous for building relationships and accessing opportunities. If your state has a nurses union, look into the pros and cons when making the decision to join.

Attend industry educational conferences and workshops. 

Since the healthcare system is rapidly advancing, attending educational workshops and nursing conferences will guide you in learning relevant skills. This includes new technologies and techniques that give you an opportunity to better stand out. You can also seek out helpful answers and advice from professionals in the industry. 

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Considering that different states have different continuing education requirements, be sure you’re up to date with those guidelines for Colorado, especially if transferring from one state to another.  

Incredible Health offers free CEU courses to stay informed about educational qualifications. Sign up for a profile to access them now. 

Search for job openings

If you’re interested in a variety of resources, our platform can guide you to nursing openings at the hospitals above or elsewhere in Colorado. Create your own profile to have hospitals apply to you!

Transfer your nursing license to Colorado

If you currently don’t live in Colorado and want to transfer from out of state, it’s important to understand your options. Relocation from a compact state to another compact state, for instance, allows easier transference. However, noncompact states have their own guidelines. Read our guide on the entire process.

Sources

• “Quest for Quality Prize Honorees” aha.org Accessed June 28, 2022.
• Workplace Health Achievement 2019 heart.org Accessed June 28, 2022.
• Health Care Ratings and Reports leapfroggroup.org Accessed June 28, 2022.
• Lutheran Medical Center Hospital Safety Grade hospitalsafetygrade.org Accessed June 28, 2022.
• “ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®.” nursingworld.org. Accessed June 28, 2022.
• Glassdoor. glassdoor.com Accessed June 28, 2022.
• Medicare. medicare.gov Accessed June 28, 2022.
• “U.S. News Best Hospitals.” health.usnews.com Accessed June 28, 2022.
• “World’s Best Hospitals 2022.” newsweek.com Accessed June 28, 2022.