CommonSpirit - Penrose Hospital
About
Since its inception in the late 1880s, Penrose Hospital has been infused with vision and dedicated to clinical excellence, whole-person care, and serving the unique needs of its communities. Founded by the Sisters of St. Francis and the Sisters of Charity, Penrose Hospital celebrates the value of each person's life by lovingly offering care to people regardless of who they are, what they believe, or where they're from. We seek to combine finely honed medical skills with a compassionate touch to care for the whole person, body, mind, and spirit. In this manner, we strive to create healing sanctuaries that carry on the ministry of Jesus Christ.
About Our Hospital
Established in 1890, Penrose Hospital has grown to become a major health treatment and referral center specializing in cancer care, cardiac care, emergency trauma care, and physical rehabilitation.
Penrose Hospital by the numbers
- Active medical staff: 1,170
- Licensed beds: 300
- Emergency Department: 39 beds
- 2022 ED visits: 39,049
- Surgical suites: 15
- 2022 Uncompensated/Charity care: $193.2 million
Professional Nursing contributes to care of patients at Penrose Hospital and the surrounding community through the following services:
Bariatric Center of Excellence:
Penrose Hospital is currently the only Certified Center of Excellence in the southern Colorado region. Our Bariatric Program Coordinator (RN) provides pre- and post-surgical education to the patients as well as conducts an ongoing monthly support group. While giving post-operative care, our highly trained bariatric nurses continue to reinforce this education and provide support to the patients and their families through this life-changing surgical experience. Nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team throughout the hospital champion the use of enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery.
Cancer center:
Penrose St. Francis cancer program has received designation as Centers of Excellence from the Commission on Cancer (CoC), National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), National Quality Measures for Breast Centers (NQMBC), National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), American College of Radiology (ACR), Lung Cancer Screening Center of Excellence (LCOE) and is a member of the MD Anderson Physician Network. These Cancer Centers of Excellence demonstrate that our oncology nurses are nationally certified, providing the highest level of expertise in delivering chemotherapy, radiation, medical, surgical, and end-of-life care. Nurse navigators support the patient throughout their cancer journey from diagnosis to survivorship through education, care coordination, support, and facilitation of hospital and community resources. Radiation oncology nurses provide targeted treatments and assist patients in reducing side effects from those treatments. Clinical research nurses provide care and support to patients enrolled in clinical research trials. Palliative care nurses support end-of-life decision-making and pain management throughout the cancer journey. Nurses facilitate multiple community support groups, integrative therapies, cancer screening, and community events to help patients through their cancer experience.
Cardiac care:
Our cardiology nurses are dedicated to the care and health promotion of the community. When patients come in with a heart attack or any heart or vascular abnormalities, we offer a quality continuum of care from our emergency room nurses, that provide prompt interventions to our certified nurses on the cardiology floor. Our goal is for heart attack patients to receive care for an average of 60 minutes or less, a full 33% faster than the American College of Cardiology national benchmark of 90 minutes. Patients receive quality skilled care from our vascular center nurses, where we have a vast cath lab and electrophysiology lab services. Our dedicated cardiac unit has cardiac and telemetry trained nurses to support, monitor, and manage any cardiac and vascular symptoms. Our cardiac rehab nurses help with education and help prepare patients physically, mentally, and emotionally for return to work and normal family and social life. We have a strong structural heart program where our structural heart NP helps patients navigate and coordinate all testing and procedures needed for TAVR, mitral clip and watchman procedures from admit to discharge care follow-up.
Intensive care:
ICU nurses specialize in caring for a broad spectrum of patients that require extensive monitoring and an advanced level of care. Our patient population includes medical, surgical, trauma, stroke, and post-operative cardiothoracic patients. Our nurses provide care to trauma patients aged 15 years and older and medical/surgical patients aged 18 years and older. The diverse patient population challenges nurses to continually develop an extensive skill set. ICU nurses encounter a variety of patients who have undergone coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG), valve repairs, aortic aneurysm repair, as well as those that require intra-aortic balloon pumps (IAPB), Impella (left ventricular assist device), and continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD/CRRT) support. Stroke care offers both systemic and intracerebral tPA as well as any needed euro interventional radiology (NIR) procedures. We believe in a multidisciplinary approach to providing excellent patient care. Our interdepartmental relationships allow our staff to treat patients and families holistically. The team works together towards a common goal of excellent patient experience and a welcoming work environment. The ICU leadership and staff promote shared governance through the dynamic unit and hospital committee involvement. Nurses are encouraged to further their education and career through certification and continuing education.
Emergency and trauma care:
Delivering a continuum of care through all stages of life, our emergency and trauma nursing team uses evidence-based delivery protocols to provide superior outcomes for sepsis, geriatric, stroke, cardiac, medical, pediatric and trauma patients. Evidence-based triage guidelines help our nurses reduce wait times and provide prompt emergency care for high-acuity patients. Our nursing team has assisted in the achievement of Level II trauma designation from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and Level I trauma verification from the American College of Surgeons. In addition, our hospital holds a DNV Comprehensive Stroke Center certification.
Medical/surgical care:
Nurses care with compassion for patients needing general medical and/or surgical services. Acute care nurses have protocols to reduce hospital-acquired infections to influence hospital length of stay and increase patient comfort. Advanced training for our patient population has been completed in order to provide proper care for our various medical diagnoses.
Neurology care:
Nurses provide care to patients through the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical intervention process. There are nurse stroke coordinators who lead the Penrose St. Francis Hospital Stroke Certification process, ensuring top-level care for stroke patients.
Outpatient care:
Gastro-Intestinal Lab: GI lab nurses prepare and care for patients needing procedures like endoscopies or colonoscopies. Infusion services: Penrose St. Francis provides high-quality short- and long-term infusion services for a variety of illnesses with a focus on comfort, compassion, and convenience. Our infusion centers are staffed with registered nurses certified in chemo/biotherapy administration, pharmacists, pharmacy techs, phlebotomists, and schedulers who all specialize in outpatient Infusion and chemotherapy services. Therapy is provided in a stress-free and comfortable environment. Ostomy clinic: At the Penrose Ostomy Clinic, our specialty nurses, certified in ostomy and wound care, excel in providing care for patients living with stomas and for those patients considering ostomy surgery. Our team provides care to all patients that have had their ostomy surgery at Penrose St. Francis hospitals, and we also see patients that are living with stomas that need additional assistance and/or are interested in updates to their ostomy management systems.
Perioperative care:
Nurses work collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, techs, reps, and other support staff to care for the patient undergoing surgery. Whether preparing patients for surgery, working with them intraoperatively in the operating room, or focusing on their post-operative treatment, nurses remain a vital pillar to patient-centered care. Nurses' primary job functions and interventions in perioperative care include patient education, safety awareness for both patients and staff, infection prevention, and interprofessional communication. Our nurses ensure that they are at the top of their field by achieving certifications including ASPAN, CAPA, CPAN, and CNOR.
Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) team:
The PSF PICC/VA nurses provide ultrasound-guided vascular access via PICC, midline, and difficult PIV placement. They lead CLABSI prevention efforts by providing evidence-based specialty care, as well as patient and staff education at both Penrose and St. Francis campuses.
Spinal care:
Nurses provide compassionate care to those undergoing spine surgery or treatment for spinal trauma. Alongside a multidisciplinary team, nursing prioritizes early and frequent mobilization, increased pain control, and the education needed to continue healing after discharge.
Leaders
CommonSpirit - Penrose Hospital Leadership
Kevin Wikoff serves as the Market Chief Financial Officer for Penrose and St. Francis Hospitals. On a mission to live life to the fullest and bring joy to all those around him, Kevin has served in numerous leadership roles at CommonSpirit Health since 2009. Throughout his tenure with CommonSpirit, Kevin led the fiscal management of multiple hospitals simultaneously, and collaborated with leadership teams and physicians to drive rapid improvement and strategic service line growth.
Most recently, Kevin served as CFO at St. Anthony and OrthoColorado hospitals where he supported teams during the height of COVID-19.
Kevin enjoys spending time with my family and friends, cooking great meals and spending quality time together, camping and RVing in the summer, and going on adventures with his wife, Jeryl, and their two children, Hollin and Wyatt.
Kristi Olson brings more than 20 years of health care experience to Penrose and St. Francis Hospitals in her role as Market Chief Operating Officer.
Kristi also served as the CEO of St. Thomas More Hospital in Canon City. Prior to her leadership at STM, she was the Vice President of Operations for PSF.
Kristi earned her Master of Science, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Magna cum Laude. Additionally, she earned her Bachelor of Science at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
Volunteer
Volunteers are an integral part of Penrose Hospital. Our volunteers serve in over 100 departments throughout Penrose Hospital, and the service our volunteers offer is truly a gift from the heart.
Penrose Hospital wants to provide the very best patient care, and our volunteers play an important role in this. As a volunteer, you will derive great personal satisfaction while working with a team of dedicated staff and other volunteers.
For more information, contact volunteer services: 719-776-5677 or email.
To apply for the No One Dies Alone program, email the No One Dies Alone Coordinator or submit applications to the Spiritual Care Department at Penrose Hospital.
Volunteer requirements
For the adult and teen volunteer programs:
Volunteers are needed seven days a week between the hours of 8 AM and 8 PM, later hours are available at the Penrose Hospital Emergency Room.
- Must be 18 years of age or older for the adult volunteer program
- Must be 16 years of age or older for the teen volunteer program
- Applicants must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and Flu - volunteers will be asked to provide a copy of their vaccination record
- Work one three or four-hour shift/per week
- Attend an orientation session once accepted
For the No One Dies Alone program:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be a Penrose Hospital associate and/or Penrose Hospital volunteer with a minimum of three months of service within the organization
- Have an on-sight interview with the No One Dies Alone Coordinator
- Attend and complete a Penrose Hospital No One Dies Alone training and orientation
- Must not have had a death in their family during the past year
- Commit to two-hour shifts (four hours max. when called to sit a vigil - a No One Dies Alone volunteer will be provided with a coordinator and pertinent telephone numbers for a scheduled vigil)
- Attend at least one dying patient a year to stay active with the No One Dies Alone program
- Attend at least one Gathering per year
- Sign up for days and times available to be contacted for service
Application process
- Complete paperwork - print and complete the following documents (2 recommendation letters are required):
- Letter of Recommendation
Please mail, fax or email your Letter of Recommendation to:
Penrose Hospital Volunteer Services
2222 N Nevada Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Fax: 719-776-7446
- Letter of Recommendation
- Complete the application form and contact Volunteer Services.
Adult Volunteer Program
After completing the online application, the prospective volunteer will learn about the Penrose Hospital mission, core values, customer service program, volunteer opportunities offered at each site, and the training requirements needed before their volunteer service can begin.
Prospective volunteers will have the opportunity to review all position descriptions that appeal to them. On-the-job training will be provided when the volunteer receives his/her volunteer assignment.
Teen Volunteer Program
We are currently not taking applications at this time, please check back for updates.
No One Dies Alone Program
No One Dies Alone (NODA) is a national volunteer-centered program started by Sandra Clarke, CCRN, at PeaceHealth (Eugene, OR) in 2001. Its goal is to provide companionship and support for dying individuals so that no patient dies alone. The program is now a model for compassionate end-of-life programs in hospitals across the country. The program began at Penrose Hospital oi July 2000 and strives to provide compassionate companionship to the dying who have no family or friends to be with them in their last days to ensure that they do not die alone.
No One Dies Alone trains hospital associates and volunteers to become compassionate companions who offer end-of-life presence and support to patients who are near the end of life and who have no family or friends at their bedside. Trained volunteers provide 24-hour availability to dying patients who do not wish to be alone. During the vigil, companions may hold the hand of the patient, play soothing music, read to the patient and assist in other comfort care measures. They serve patients in shifts, sitting at the bedside until the patient death or a family member arrives.
The heart of this work is about being rather than doing, about the compassionate presence and heartfelt intention rather than fixing, solving, answering or resolving issues for others. To be a calming presence and truly compassionate with another requires no small amount of personal and spiritual maturity, as well as a capacity for reflection on the volunteer’s life.
No One Dies Alone volunteers receive orientation and training that is more process-oriented with an appropriate amount of content and protocol to provide a framework for the volunteer to be successful. All No One Dies Alone volunteers must be either a Penrose Hospital associate or a volunteer through Penrose Hospital Volunteer Services and have been volunteering for at least three months. No One Dies Alone gives Penrose Hospital associates the opportunity to provide comfort care to patients outside of their regular work day. Penrose Hospital associates must register with Volunteer Services, complete a No One Dies Alone application, be interviewed, and be accepted as a No One Dies Alone volunteer, and complete the No One Dies Alone training prior to beginning to sit vigils.
Competencies
- Works cooperatively with others as well as independently
- Follows the organization's confidentiality and infection control guidelines
- Respects a patient’s spiritual beliefs
- Understands and follows directions
- Demonstrates compassion
- Demonstrates an ability to be a calming presence and use silence well
- Demonstrates emotional availability
- Demonstrates appropriate personal and professional boundaries
- Demonstrates sensitivity to end-of-life issues
Not all positions are available at all sites:
- Patient Care
- Emergency Department
- Nursery
- Patient Care Ambassador
- Patient Transport
- Radiology
- Rehabilitation
- Surgical Services
- Gift Shops
- Greeters and Escorts
- Information Desks
- John Zay Guest House
- Pharmacies (In-Patient/Out-Patient)
- Surgical Waiting Rooms
- Clerical
- Offices
- Special Projects
- Spiritual Care
- Eucharistic Minister
- Knitters
- Baby Hats
- Comfort Shawls
- Mission Outreach
Volunteering at Penrose Hospital has benefits for you as well. We thank our volunteers with:
- Complimentary meal the day you work your shift ($8.00 allotment)*
- Service pins, awards – presented the month following; name on Recognition Board at 1,000 hours of service level
- Annual luncheon during National Volunteer Week
- *Free Flu vaccine each year
- TB Quantiferon Test
- Special parking
- *Pharmacy discount - 10% on over the counter/non-prescriptive items
- *Gift Shop discount - 20% on all regular priced gift items (excluding candy, flowers, magazines, sundries and sale items)
- *Use of the Penrose Hospital Wellness Center
- Labyrinth (Spiritual Care offers an instruction pamphlet)
* Volunteer identification required (name badge and/or uniform)
Services
Penrose Hospital services range of clinical specialties provides the expertise you need to manage your health and wellness. Our leading-edge teams deliver remarkable care, high-quality outcomes, and unparalleled patient satisfaction among a wide variety of medical specialties, services, and programs to help you get well and stay well.
![Alan Monroe, MD, Radiation Oncologist with Penrose Cancer Center Oncologist at Penrose Hospital talking with patient](https://embed.widencdn.net/img/centura/ci9hpw00zw/exact/Photo_MDAnderson_DelanoBenjamin_MD_ColorecSurgeon_002.jpg)
![Penrose Hospital ext](https://embed.widencdn.net/img/csdam/ydt12rurho/700x800px/Photo_Exterior_PenroseHospital_Twilight.jpg?crop=yes&position=c)
Visitor Information
You can count on us to be there for you. We understand that times of illness and injury affect not only our patients, but also their loved ones. The information below will help you before, during, and after you come to our hospital. Our goal is to provide the level of patient experience that enhances your peace of mind and earns your full confidence.
Visitor information
Please read CommonSpirit Health's current COVID-19 visitor restrictions. Contact the hospital directly for additional individual visitor policies that may apply.
All visitors of patients at our hospital enjoy equal visitation privileges consistent with patient preferences and subject to the facility’s clinical restrictions. Visitor policy may be subject to change. Please adhere to any adjustments to permitted visitors, as posted in our facility.
- Visitors under the age of 14 must be escorted by a responsible adult.
- At 8:30 pm, seven days a week, the main lobby entrance will be locked. After 8:30 pm, enter the hospital through the emergency department walk-in entrance.
- Visitors remaining after 8:30 pm are asked to go to the security desk in the emergency department to get a special visitor’s badge.
- There may be times when visitors are asked to leave to better meet the needs of our patients.
Patients and visitors may park in the parking lot in front of the main entrance and adjacent lots around the hospital. Free parking is available 24 hours a day. Free valet parking is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please see the security office, located at the emergency department, for assistance after hours.
Café/Cafeteria
Penrose Cafeteria
Location: on the first floor of the 12-story bed tower
Weekday hours:
- Breakfast: 6:45 am - 9:45 am
- Lunch: 11 am - 2 pm
- Snack: 2:30 pm - 5 pm
- Dinner: 5 pm - 6:30 pm
Weekend hours: 7 am - 2:30 pm
The Penrose Café and Bistro
Weekday Hours: 6 am - 3:30 pm
Weekend Hours: 7 am - 2:30 pm
Our gift shop is conveniently located in the main lobby. Visitors can find a variety of gifts and convenience items for their family members or loved ones in the hospital. Call 719-776-5119 to get the most updated hours.
Letters and packages are delivered to patients Monday - Friday. If you have letters to be mailed, you may give them to your nurse. Flowers addressed to you will be delivered to your room unless you are in the intensive care unit. Only Mylar® balloons are permitted in the hospital. Latex balloons can cause allergic responses and interfere with hospital safety systems.
ATM is located near the gift shop on the main level.
Patient Resources
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Programs and Community
Our Foundation
You make the difference for so many. We have the good fortune of meeting many of the patients that are so positively affected by the generous commitment of people in this community and the commitment of care they have received at Penrose Hospital.
We are truly blessed to have so many caring people who believe in and support our mission. We invite you to read more about the heritage of our hospital as well as the many patients and programs we help to support. We also invite you to join us in our mission to promote the health and well-being of the people in the communities we serve.
Programs
At Penrose Hospital we find it a privilege to support the health of our mountain community. We offer birth classes, community events, volunteer opportunities and give back through other community benefit programs. These resources and opportunities are all part of our mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ by caring for those who are ill and by nurturing the health of the people in our communities.
Corporate Wellness Program
Penrose Hospital offers the most comprehensive package of corporate wellness services available throughout Colorado designed to help employers keep employees healthy and productive. Our unparalleled years of experience and expertise in providing quality corporate resources support your employees in every facet of their work and personal environment. These complementary services will empower the employee to always be "at their best" while allowing your budget to breathe.
Employer Wellness Services
Your entire company can enjoy the highest-quality corporate wellness programs and create a healthy environment to help your employees succeed. We offer health solutions that span across the entire company, and integrate wellness into your organization's culture.
Profile Employee Assistance Program
Profile Employee Assistance Program is a full-service employee assistance program headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It began in 1982 at Penrose Hospital and is now backed by the facilities and resources of the CommonSpirit Health System. Profile EAP is an employer-sponsored benefit for both the employee and the employer. We provide confidential assessment, short-term counseling, referral and follow-up services for employees and their immediate family members. Our goal is to help your company reduce absenteeism, on-the-job accidents and substance abuse, and to decrease escalating health care costs. Studies have shown that a well-managed EAP reduces absenteeism by 66 percent, health care costs by 86 percent, and worker's compensation claims by 30 percent.
Community Engagement Request
Updated 11/1/23
As we fully integrate with CommonSpirit Health, we are pausing community engagement commitments until June 1, 2024. However, you are welcome to submit an application using the guidelines below. We will notify you directly if your organization is selected for funding. We appreciate your patience and look forward to working with you in the future.
How to submit an engagement request
CommonSpirit hospitals receive many requests each year asking us to engage in community events and programs. Supporting the communities in this way is a reflection of our mission to improve the health of the people we serve, especially those who are vulnerable, while we advance social justice for all.
Before submitting a request, please consider the following:
- Sponsorships and events should align with our mission and values; community health improvement or prevention; and one of the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment priorities.
- Please make your request at least 60 days prior to your event or sponsorship deadline.
- Completion of this form does not guarantee a donation or sponsorship.
- We are only able to support non-profit organizations.
- Completed requests will be considered by an internal committee. We will contact you regarding the status of your request when we reopen community engagement giving June 1, 2024.