Nolan Tarkington, Chief Nursing Officer at Animas Surgical Hospital and incident commander at the hospital for the COVID-19 pandemic, has been recognized as a “Colorado Hospital Superhero,” an initiative organized by the Colorado Hospital Association and American Sentinel University.
This recognition honors individuals who have gone above and beyond for their patients and communities throughout the pandemic, exhibiting superhero traits such as courage, a strong moral code, a fighting spirit, and mental toughness.
“Although many people at Animas Surgical Hospital have contributed greatly during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nolan Tarkington has been instrumental in leading our hospital’s medical staff and incident command team. At the same time, he has tirelessly collaborated with other local healthcare facilities, medical providers, emergency management officials, and public health professionals,” Animas Surgical Hospital CEO Joe Theine wrote in Tarkington’s nomination.
From the outset of the pandemic, Tarkington has worked with others to develop effective strategies to ration Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in times of shortage, while at the same time ensuring hospital staff have the materials and supplies needed to safely care for patients, Theine said. Tarkington’s knowledge, communication, collaboration, and expertise have contributed to our region’s response to the pandemic, including the initial launch of community testing and development of a regional surge plan.
“Tarkington empowers others to be engaged in developing solutions. He is often one of the first in the building in the morning and often one of the last to leave at night. Tarkington represents the best in all of our employees at Animas Surgical Hospital. We are so appreciative of each and every frontline health care worker for the personal sacrifices they have made on behalf of our community,” wrote Theine.
CHA will be honoring Colorado Hospital Superheroes at a virtual appreciation event in early 2021. For a list of honorees, visit the CHA Website.