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 April 11 in Grand Junction, Bowden and Kelly were selected from a group of 59 nominees and honorees to receive the 2026 Luminary Award for the Colorado Western Region. Together, they are among 12 individuals regionally chosen to advance to the 2026 Nightingale Luminary Awards Banquet, which will take place May 16 in Denver.

Bowden, nominated in the Acute Care Clinical Practice LPN: Exceptional Achievements in Nursing category, has been a nurse for 13 years. Kelly, nominated in the Community Nursing LPN: Exceptional Achievements in Nursing category, has spent the past six years in nursing.

“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.”

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.