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.
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.
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:
Gastrointestinal 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.
Kristi Olson brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience to Penrose Hospital in her role as President. She has made relationship building with employees and providers a key pillar of her leadership. Kristi and her husband, Taylor, feel blessed to have raised their family in this thriving market.
In addition to her role as President, Kristi has also served as Market Chief Operating Officer for Penrose and St. Francis hospitals and previously served as CEO of St. Thomas More Hospital in Canon City. Prior to her leadership at STM, she was the Vice President of Operations for Penrose and St. Francis.
Kristi proudly served our country in the US Navy; she earned her Bachelor of Science at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. After her military career, she pursued her Master of Science, Physical Therapy, at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which generated her interest and love for delivery of quality healthcare.
Allen R. Overturf, MSN-L, RN, FACHE, CENP, CHFP, NEA-BC, serves as the Chief Nursing Officer of Penrose Hospital.
He brings close to 30 years of administrative and clinical experience to our ministry, including 15 years of combined CNO, senior leadership, and director of multiple complex departments.
Prior to his CNO role, Allen served as CNO at Ascension Seton Hays Regional Medical Center in Kyle, Texas, which included trauma level 2 and cardiac/stroke services.
Allen received his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. He received his Masters in Nursing Leadership from Regis University.
His family enjoys hiking, bicycling, gardening, and spending time together.
Kristin M. Mascotti, MD, MS-HQSM, CPE, serves as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the Greater Colorado and Kansas Market. In addition, she serves as CMO for CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Dr. Mascotti previously served as the System Chief Medical Officer at Naples Comprehensive Health System in Florida, System Chief Quality Officer/Interim Chief Medical Officer over four hospitals in Long Beach, California, and Enterprise Vice President of Clinical Quality at University of Minnesota Health, an eight-hospital academic medical center.
She graduated summa cum laud in Biology from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin and subsequently completed her medical education at the University of Minnesota in the twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. She was one of the first physicians in the country to complete a Master’s of Science in Healthcare Quality and Safety Management (MS-HQSM) at Thomas Jefferson University School of Population Health in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Mascotti also created a Physician Leadership Academy where leaders became the first physicians in the nation to “fly” simulated missions like The Blue Angels at the National Flight Academy in Pensacola, Florida.
Her hobbies include skiing, hiking, and travel.
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.
Thank you very much for your interest in volunteering at Penrose and St. Francis Hospital! Your enthusiasm to contribute to our team fills us with anticipation. Right now, we're working behind the scenes to make our volunteer program even better by restructuring our department and upgrading our systems to improve the volunteer experience.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We're aiming to have everything ready by June 1st, and we would be delighted if you could revisit our website and submit your application then. We are very excited about the possibility of welcoming you to our volunteer team and look forward to learning more about you!
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.
For the No One Dies Alone program:
Application process
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.
We are currently not taking applications at this time, please check back for updates.
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
Not all positions are available at all sites:
Volunteering at Penrose Hospital has benefits for you as well. We thank our volunteers with:
* Volunteer identification required (name badge and/or uniform)
.jpg?crop=yes&position=c){kind=logo}
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.
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.
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.
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.
Location: on the first floor of the 12-story bed tower
Weekday hours:
Weekend hours: 7 am - 2:30 pm
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.
Humankindness is the foundation of CommonSpirit Health Penrose Hospital. Hospital President Kristi Olson shares the hospital's unique history in Colorado Springs and how its caregivers are committed to providing patient and community care.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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:
