Columbine Health Systems

2012 Nursing & Health Professions Career Fair Agency Participant

Contact Information

• Joyce Shorthill, (970) 492-6230

• joyce.shorthill@columbinehealth.com

• www.columbinehealth.com

• Mailing Address: 802 West Drake Road, Suite 145 / Fort Collins, CO  80526

About Columbine Health Systems

At the heart of the Columbine Health System beats the energy of a network designed to address the comfort and safety of seniors. That network offers a spectrum of services that include skilled nursing facilities, both independent and assisted living options, rehabilitation and therapy services, home care, pharmacy, and medical equipment and supplies. The two campuses, located in Fort Collins and Loveland, provide senior clients and their families a chance to create a living environment that caters specifically to needs and provides a chance to continue living an integrated life. With those individual needs in mind, Columbine Health Systems now offers more private rooms with private bathroom and varying types of activities for different ability and interest levels. Columbine's staff works at being tuned into the changing needs of the senior population by listening to clients/residents and their families, and by integrating frequently with other community organizations. It's all about community. Columbine has been part of the Larimer County community for over 35 years and has always been locally owned and operated. Because of the local ties, decisions are made locally and in relation to the clients served, the employees in the operation, and the surrounding neighborhoods. The sense of community is also played out in Columbine's staffing. Currently, over 1,100 local residents are employed within the facilities and there are a number of employees, nurses, dietary staff, pharmacy techs, and others who have been with Columbine Health Systems for over 25 years. Columbine staff works in conjunction with many local education centers so that grants and collaborations can be pursued as a means to help increase the numbers of health care workers. The plan is to energize and replenish the workforce by providing more training, skill, and professional development and by re-enforcing the idea of long-term care as a viable career opportunity.