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Hospitals in Denver, Colorado, offer an extraordinary work environment in a lively metropolis that’s surrounded by awe-inspiring natural beauty. Denver’s unmatched fusion of urban vibrancy and outdoor exploration captivates visitors and residents alike with its iconic Rocky Mountain panorama and flourishing cultural scene. Healthcare professionals also enjoy the state’s many attractions and dynamic lifestyle, whether they come to Denver for staff or travel roles.
Living in Denver offers ample job prospects at prestigious hospitals due to the city’s growing population of 2.9 million, driving demand for healthcare services. Denver offers a welcoming atmosphere with options for urban living or a relaxed, small-town vibe in one of its many suburbs like Aurora. Although Denver’s cost of living is 27.8% above the national average, the average travel nurse salary and staff nurse salary were 6% higher than the nationwide average, helping compensate for the difference.
We’ve compiled a list of exceptional hospitals in Denver renowned for their diverse specialties and patient care. However, this isn’t a ranking of the top 10 hospitals. Instead, it represents a comprehensive overview of impressive healthcare facilities, drawn from facility and employee reviews and independent resources, such as U.S. News & World Report rankings for 2022-23.
Spotlight on 10 Great Hospitals in Denver, Colorado
1. Denver Health
Since its establishment in 1860, Denver Health has experienced significant growth, evolving into a substantial 393-bed teaching hospital. Denver Health is a comprehensive medical system offering general medical-surgical services, from primary and specialty care to urgent, emergency and trauma services.
Denver Health prioritizes the well-being of special populations, including the economically disadvantaged, uninsured individuals, pregnant teens, those struggling with alcohol and substance addiction, victims of violence and people experiencing homelessness. As the leading safety-net hospital in Denver, it has made a significant impact by offering billions of dollars in uncompensated care annually.
The hospital’s commitment to providing care and support for these vulnerable groups underscores its dedication to serving diverse and underserved communities. If you’re a nurse looking to make a difference, Denver Health offers one of the best hospitals in Denver, Colorado, for employment
2. (SCL Health) Saint Joseph Hospital
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With a rich Catholic legacy spanning 150 years, Saint Joseph Hospital is an integral part of the Intermountain Healthcare system. U.S. News & World Report ranks it as the No. 3 hospital in the state, excelling in two adult specialties and 16 procedures and conditions.
The hospital boasts various prestigious awards, including:
- American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition since 2017
- 5-star patient excellence rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Multiple 3-star ratings from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons
- “A” grade for Hospital Safety from Leapfrog Group in Spring 2022
- Chest Pain – MI Registry awards from the American College of Cardiology in 2022
- Guardian of Excellence Award in 2021
As a 364-bed teaching hospital, Saint Joseph boasts a verified 4:1 patient ratio, offering an ideal place for travel nurses to deliver high-quality care, further their professional growth and experience the warmth of its rich Catholic heritage.
3. The University of Colorado Hospital
According to U.S. News & World Report, the University of Colorado Hospital (UCH) secured the top spot in 2022-2023, being named the No. 1 hospital in Colorado. It earned high-performing ratings in five specialties and 17 procedures or conditions as well as national rankings in the following five adult specialties:
- Diabetes & Endocrinology
- Ear, Nose & Throat
- Gastroenterology & GI Surgery
- Pulmonology & Lung Surgery
- Rheumatology
As part of the not-for-profit UCHealth system, UCH stands as a leading medical-surgical facility and renowned teaching hospital associated with a premier academic research institution. UCHealth was recognized as the No. 1 employer in Colorado by Forbes in 2021, and UCH received first place in the Healthcare Innovator Awards program the same year.
The University of Colorado is a great place to be a staff nurse due to its top-ranking hospital, teaching opportunities, cutting-edge research and international recognition for nursing excellence. The hospital has garnered international acclaim in nursing care since 2002 through the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program for Excellence in Nursing Services.
4. Rose Medical Center
Source: Craig Talbert, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons</em
Rose Medical Center would make a great place to work if you’re a nurse seeking a low 2:1 patient ratio in a larger 422-bed teaching facility. Named a top workplace by the Denver Post for eight years in a row, Rose Medical Center has been granted many other prestigious awards, including:
- ANCC Magnet Designation (Since 2017)
- Colorado Parents Magazine: Best Birth Center 2022, 2023
- Leapfrog Group Straight A’s since 2012
- Maternal & Infant Care Quality Champion
- Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program Accredited Bariatric Center
- Merative Top 100 Hospital (14 years in a row)
- American College of Cardiology (ACC) Heart Care Center Accreditation
- ACC Atrial Fibrillation Accreditation
- ACC Cardiac Cath Lab Accreditation
- ACC Chest Pain Center Accreditation
- Certification by The Joint Commission: Primary Stroke Center, Advanced Hip/Knee, Spine, & Shoulder Certification
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Five-Star Recipient 2021, 2022, 2023
For nurses and allied health professionals with a passion for women’s health, Rose Medical Center recently introduced a dedicated Women’s Health Unit, catering to the unique needs of women.
5. Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children
As part of MyHealthOne’s healthcare system, Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children houses 279 beds and is highly sought after by travel and staff nurses for its exceptional attributes and commitment to 2:1 patient-nurse ratios. The hospital’s commitment to fostering a positive culture ensures a supportive and collaborative work environment. Nurses feel valued and appreciated, leading to job satisfaction and a sense of belonging. The hospital’s engaging family-like atmosphere creates a close-knit community among colleagues, fostering lasting connections and enriching work experiences.
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children offers a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Over 300 affiliated pediatric specialists, including neonatologists and maternal-fetal specialists.
- Exclusive advanced cardiology care delivered by board-certified providers.
- Highly specialized pediatric orthopedics and sports medicine.
- Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
- Minimally invasive pediatric surgery.
- Renowned pediatric oncology program in collaboration with Sarah Cannon Research Institute.
- Verified Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center, certified by the American College of Surgeons.
6. Colorado Acute Long-Term Hospital
This 63-bed long-term acute care facility is part of PAM health systems. It’s known to deliver top-notch healthcare for patients with high acuity needs who require longer-term intensive medical services. The hospital features private rooms for all patients, specialized bariatric rooms, a 10-bed intensive care unit, in-house radiology and CT scanner and an in-house pharmacy.
The benefits of being a staff nurse at PAM Health Systems include:
- Disability Insurance
- Parenting Leave
- Health Care FSA
- 401k retirement plan
- Medical benefits
- Vision benefits
Accredited by The Joint Commission and Medicare certified, Colorado Acute Long-Term Hospital offers convenience for patients and healthcare professionals with its location just minutes from downtown Denver. Staff and patients can enjoy picturesque views of Sloan’s Lake, the Rocky Mountains and the downtown skyline.
7. Kindred Hospital – Denver
With 68 beds dedicated to long-term acute care, Kindred Hospital provides the same comprehensive care as a traditional facility but with the added benefit of extended recovery periods for patients. This facility is a great place to increase your knowledge and advance your career working with medically complex patients as a nurse or allied health professional. Kindred Hospital specializes in the following types of care:
- Advanced Wound Care and Recovery
- Cardiac Care and Recovery
- Comprehensive Rehabilitation
- Intensive Care Recovery
- IV Drug and Nutrition Therapy
- Major Surgery Recovery
- Neurological Care
- Organ Transplant Care
- Post-Trauma Care and Recovery
- Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Care
- Traumatic Brain Injury and Stroke Care
8. National Jewish Health
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According to its vision statement, National Jewish Health strives to be a global leader in treating and researching respiratory, cardiovascular, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This healthcare institution offers a great place for travel and staff nurses to provide an upstream approach to their practice through pioneering personalized health programs and proactive versus reactive care. As a private research hospital, its efforts focus on discovering cures and bringing innovation to benefit patients worldwide.
National Jewish Hospital is a leading respiratory hospital, ranked as the No. 2 hospital in the nation for Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and rated high performing in the following related procedures and conditions:
- Lung Cancer Surgery
- Pneumonia
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The hospital’s expertise in the respiratory field makes it an excellent option for respiratory therapists or respiratory technicians exploring career opportunities at hospitals in Denver.
9. Veteran Affairs Eastern Colorado HealthCare System – Denver Veteran Affairs Medical Center
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The Veteran Affairs Eastern Colorado Health Care System – Denver VA Medical Center is an esteemed healthcare institution dedicated to providing comprehensive medical services to our nation’s veterans in every branch of the armed forces. Health services offered at the Denver VA Medical Center include primary, mental health and specialty care. Veterans also have access to telehealth, vocational rehabilitation and social programs and services.
Working at the Denver VA Medical Center is a rewarding experience, as it allows healthcare professionals to serve those who have selflessly served our country. The medical center also strongly emphasizes work-life balance, employee well-being and continuous learning through various training programs. The diverse patient population and the chance to collaborate with a team of skilled professionals further enrich the work experience at the Denver VA Medical Center.
10. Presbyterian/Saint Luke’s Medical Center
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Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center would be an ideal workplace for oncology nurses considering its high performance in cancer care. With a reputation for excellence in oncology services, the medical center provides a supportive environment for oncology professionals to advance their careers.
Working in a high-performing facility means accessing the latest research and a team of skilled experts who provide top-notch care for cancer patients. The facility’s collaborative approach to treatment allows you to significantly impact the lives of patients battling various forms of cancer. Your expertise and compassion as an oncology nurse will be valued and utilized to the fullest in this exceptional healthcare setting, fostering a fulfilling career.
The abundance of specialty services and procedures offered by hospitals in Denver, Colorado, makes choosing the best facility for your next career move a daunting task. Nonetheless, healthcare professionals looking to work in Denver can assess vital factors such as workplace culture, professional growth opportunities, benefits and other factors to find the healthcare facility that best aligns with their career aspirations and goals.
Explore nursing jobs in Denver at top healthcare facilities and seize amazing career opportunities in this vibrant city, all on the Vivian app.
