DENVER – Aug. 3, 2022 – PRLog — Leslie Barela, RN, MSN came to Colorado Palliative and Hospice Care in late April 2022, from Seasons Hospice where she was a Director of Clinical Operations. Her hospice career progressed from an on-call nurse to clinical liaison and eventually case management. As the Front Range Clinical Director, Barela will lead a dedicated clinical team and provide training and mentorship to new employees.
“Leslie is a rare talent, and I am excited to have her lead the Front Range clinical team. We look forward to working with her as she applies her commitment and diverse experience to our patients, families, and staff,” said Jennifer Forrester, Executive Director.
Barela obtained her nursing degree in 2009 at Front Range Community College, graduating with honors. She earned her BSN in 2011 followed by a master’s degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University in 2015. Barela’s nursing experience includes perioperative services, dialysis, cath lab, and hospice. After more than twelve years of working in the perioperative field, she resolved to focus on hospice patients when a childhood friend endured a bad hospice experience. “There has to be a better way to do hospice, caring for patients and loved ones.” Barela’s commitment to patients, families, and our organization demonstrates her passion for hospice and building strong patient-centered care teams.
Barela will work in collaboration with the management staff to ensure accountability for the quality and continuity of nursing care. She will actively participate in improvement initiatives and support the nursing process – planning, organizing, and directing clinical care activities.
“I am so blessed and thankful to be part of such an amazing team that shares my love and honor of providing patients and loved ones the best possible care and dignity until their last breath. Hospice is not just a job it is who we are. Not everyone can do hospice care, it takes someone with a hospice heart to be truly successful as a hospice nurse. My heart is a hospice heart. I look forward to leading and growing a strong team in the Front Range,” said Barela.