Crystal Bowden, LPN at HopeWest in Grand Junction, and Lindsay Kelly, LPN at HopeWest in Montrose, have been named finalists for the prestigious Nightingale Award, Colorado’s highest honor recognizing excellence in nursing.
At the Western Colorado Nightingale event held this past Saturday in Grand Junction. Bowden and Kelly were selected from a distinguished group of 59 nominees and honorees to receive the 2026 Luminary Award for the Colorado Western Region. Together, they are among just 12 individuals regionally chosen to advance to the 2026 Nightingale Luminary Awards Banquet, which will be held on May 16, 2026, in Denver.
Bowden, nominated in the Acute Care Clinical Practice LPN: Exceptional Achievements in Nursing category, has been a nurse for 13 years, while Kelly, nominated in the Community Nursing LPN: Exceptional Achievements in Nursing category, has spent the past six years in nursing touching the lives of countless individuals and families in the community.
“How deserving Crystal and Lindsay are to have their names listed among the many outstanding nurses in our communities,” said Meghan Martin, Vice President of Clinical Practice at HopeWest. “Licensed Practical Nurses are an essential part of providing exceptional care to patients and families. At HopeWest, we truly value the unique role LPNs play in strengthening our care teams. This award reflects that impact, and we are proud to recognize the dedication and excellence demonstrated by both nominees.”
In Colorado, nearly 60,000 nurses have answered the call to serve, Bowden and Kelly are among those who go above and beyond to provide truly extraordinary care to those in need.
Both Kelly and Bowden are known throughout HopeWest for their deeply compassionate care delivery and grounded, steady presence in the most difficult moments. Because of them, HopeWest nurses are inspired to lead with compassion, confidence, and true presence. Their commitment to providing exceptional care directly supports HopeWest’s mission to profoundly change the experience of aging, illness, and grief—one family at a time.
“I feel deeply honored to receive this award,” said Bowden. “It stands out as a special moment in my career, made possible by our incredible CNAs who help to get me through each shift. The support from fellow nurses and leaders in the field means so much to me.”
Founded in 1885, the Nightingale Award honors Colorado nurses who best exemplify the philosophy and practice of Florence Nightingale, a 19th-century nursing pioneer. The award is promoted through the Colorado Nurses Foundation.
“How deserving Crystal and Lindsay are to have their names listed among the many outstanding nurses in our communities. Licensed Practical Nurses are an essential part of providing exceptional care to patients and families. At HopeWest, we truly value the unique role LPNs play in strengthening our care teams. This award reflects that impact, and we are proud to recognize the dedication and excellence demonstrated by both nominees.”
Meghan Martin, Vice President of Clinical Practice at HopeWest
