The Clinical Practice Specialist (CPS) utilizes nursing arts and sciences, child development, education, psycho-social and cultural theories to facilitate the delivery of comprehensive nursing care to patients and families. The CPS works independently and as a member of the interdisciplinary team to provide quality patient management, education and continuity of care.

Major responsibilities and functional areas include, but are not limited to, demonstrated leadership in the following: clinical practice, consultation, education, evidence base practice, research and quality improvement with a focus on optimal patient outcomes and dissemination of information.

Children's Hospital Colorado's Heart Institute is nationally ranked for heart care and surgery by U.S. News & World Report (#6), treating patients from across the country. Here, over 70 cardiac faculty and 250 cardiac staff work together to provide care for all kinds of congenital and acquired heart diseases. As a leader in pediatric heart care, our institute is the largest in the region, treating over 20,000 patients each year, with over 600 surgeries, 900+ cardiac cath lab procedures, and 5,000+ ICU days per year. Because we're dedicated to training tomorrow’s leaders, our heart fellowship program has educated more than 100 pediatric cardiologists who are changing the lives of children with heart disease across the country. We are also one of only eight stand-alone pediatric research centers in the country and we are committed to improving the lives of all kids and families with heart disease.  We offer our patients comprehensive care and treatment for both congenital and acquired cardiac conditions before birth, during infancy, childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood.  Our ECMO Program has reached Platinum status with ELSO for the last several years.  We are a Magnet designated institution that prides itself on nursing quality and excellence, and the Heart Institute is no exception to that.