As National Nurses Week came to an end, Littleton Regional Healthcare (LRH) presented two special awards to deserving nurses. Presented annually during National Nurses Week, these awards recognize two members of the LRH nursing staff who are shining examples of the profession, go above and beyond for their patients and colleagues, and demonstrate admirable qualities that inspire others.
First introduced in 2013, the LRH Nursing Excellence Award is presented each year to a member of the nursing staff who best exemplifies compassion and excellence in nursing care. The LRH Nursing Excellence Award for 2026 was presented to Caitlyn Clark, LPN.
Caitlyn came to LRH as a Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) and quickly distinguished herself. Known for being highly organized and dependable, Caitlyn continues to take on additional responsibility to support the Medical-Surgical Unit at LRH. Her consistency and ability to engage others make her an emerging leader amongst her peers. Caitlyn’s role in acute care grew when she became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Through her work ethic, she continually demonstrates her value to both the team and LRH’s patients. Caitlyn’s leadership is evident in her continuous investment in others. Most recently, she has oriented another LPN and is actively working toward becoming a Registered Nurse.
LRH’s Senior Director of Nursing, Kimberly Force, DNP, RNC-MNN, FACHE, noted, “Caitlyn doesn’t just focus on her own growth; she brings others along with her. She represents the kind of accountability and steady leadership that make a real difference, and she continues to push herself to be better for her patients, her team, and this organization.”
The Above & Beyond Nursing Award was established at LRH in 2020 and is presented annually during National Nurses Week to a nurse who consistently exceeds expectations and makes outstanding contributions to our success. LRH’s Above & Beyond Nursing Award for 2026 was presented to Skyler Ornstein, RN.
Skyler began his career at LRH as an LNA. Those around him quickly noticed how deeply he cared about his patients. While working full-time, he completed nursing school and chose to continue his career at LRH as a Registered Nurse in the Medical-Surgical Unit. Last year, Skyler transitioned to the Intensive Care Unit, where he continues to provide excellent care in a high acuity setting. He has also cross-trained to assist in Case Management, Oncology, and the Emergency Department, further demonstrating his commitment, passion, and eagerness to support others. Skyler helps the development of future nurses as a clinical instructor of nearby LPN programs and by mentoring students who come to LRH, showing them what professionalism, teamwork, initiative, and compassion look like in practice.
“Skyler asks thoughtful questions, welcomes feedback, and looks for every opportunity to grow. He is dependable, eager to help, and well respected by those who work alongside him,” noted Force. “There is rarely a challenge put in front of him that he is not willing to step into. He leads by example through hard work, humility, and a genuine desire to help others,” she added.
“These Awards are a highlight of National Nurses Week each year,” noted LRH’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, Koren Superchi, RN, MSN, FACHE. “Both Caitlyn and Skyler are most deserving of the special recognition and exemplary examples of the nursing standards we uphold at LRH,” she added.
Photo 1: Caitlyn Clark, LPN, named Littleton Regional Healthcare’s 2026 Nursing Excellence Award recipient
Photo 2: Skyler Ornstein, RN, named Littleton Regional Healthcare’s 2026 Above & Beyond Nursing Award recipient
