Colorado Chapter #018

Jen Albertson, MS, RN, NI‑BC, CNOR, CNAMB

Member of the Colorado ANIA Chapter Since 2025

Current Role: Director of Clinical Services (Beacon Communication, LLC) overseeing Clinical Application Specialists and Informatics staff across the Midwest, West Coast, and Rocky Mountain regions, supporting clinical communication systems, workflow optimization, analytics, and standardization initiatives.

Location: Greater Denver Area

Linkedin: (17) Jen Albertson, MS, RN, NI-BC, CNOR, CNAMB | LinkedIn

About Jen

Jen Albertson is a seasoned nursing informatics professional whose career spans perioperative nursing, clinical informatics, and enterprise‑level workflow leadership. Currently serving as a director supporting multiple regions across the United States, she brings strategic vision, technical depth, and a passion for data‑driven transformation to her work.

Keeping it Lite

• Coffee, Tea, or Something Else: Coffee in the morning; Diet Coke throughout the day.
• Star Trek: TOS or TNG: Neither—Jen prefers a break from tech on her off‑time. Her go‑to shows include Yellowstone, Landman, and Real Housewives.
• When will the Tricorder be developed? Jen believes the industry is moving closer to this reality as wearable biosensors, remote monitoring technologies, and AI continue to mature - though diagnostic accuracy and environmental sensing capabilities remain in early stages.
• Informatics Superpower: Vision— Jen combines big picture strategic thinking with attention to operational detail, enabling her to anticipate how emerging technologies will shape workflows, patient care delivery, and change management approaches.
• Certifications: NI‑BC, CNOR, CNAMB, and currently pursuing Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification
• Education: Master’s degree in Healthcare Informatics from the University of Colorado College of Nursing

Fun Facts

• A former varsity golfer, she earned a scholarship to the University of Northern Colorado.
• Enjoys golf, shooting sports, camping, hiking, paddle boarding, and anything outdoors.

• Values balancing tech‑heavy workdays with “technology detox” time in nature.

ANIA Involvement

Jen has been an ANIA member for approximately one year, following an earlier period of student membership during graduate school. While she has not yet held leadership roles within ANIA, she looks forward to becoming more involved and contributing to the ANIA Colorado Chapter in the future.

Quote

“Ultimately, strategic vision brings technology, workflows, and data into alignment to drive effective care delivery and improved patient outcomes.”

Jen's Message to Colorado ANIA Members:

“Stay active, stay engaged, stay informed. Our strength as an ANIA community comes from connection and exploration. Engage fellow members, ask questions, share insights, and contribute ideas. Progress begins when we step off the sidelines and into the dialogue.”

Be sure to reach out to Jen and connect!

Member Spotlight

Sharon Giarrizzo-Wilson, PhD, RN, CNOR, NI-BC, FAAN

Member of the Colorado ANIA Chapter Since 2006

Current Role: Specialty Director Healthcare Informatics Program, Assistant Professor, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus

Location: Greater Denver Area

Linkedin Profile: Sharon Giarrizzo-Wilson, PhD, RN, CNOR, NI-BC, FAAN | LinkedIn

About Sharon

Sharon Giarrizzo-Wilson stands as a trailblazer in nursing informatics, leaving an indelible mark on the specialty through her visionary leadership and tireless advocacy. Her career has been defined by advancing national standards, shaping educational programs, and championing the integration of technology to improve patient care. Sharon's contributions include direct involvement in the creation and revision of the ANA's Nursing Informatics Scope and Standards, the development of innovative informatics models, and pivotal work in merging and strengthening professional organizations.

Beyond her organizational leadership, Sharon has influenced policy at the highest levels-advocating for the recognition of nursing informatics in federal workforce classifications and guiding the automation of hospital quality measures nationwide. Her strategic vision, commitment to mentorship, and unwavering dedication to ethical, patient-centered technology have helped elevate nursing informatics as a vital and respected specialty.

Keeping it Lite

Coffee, Tea, or Something Else?

Sharon: Coffee, but depends on the time of day.

Star Trek Original Series or The Next Generation:

Sharon:  Star Trek Original Series

How close are we to the development of a Tricorder? 

Sharon: 2-5 Years for Tricorder-like technologies to emerge, especially as AI and nanotechnology continues to advance and some current technologies attempt to replicate the Tricorder, like environmental sensors and personal log recording.  

What would you say is your Informatics Superpower?

Sharon: Curiosity

ANIA Involvement

During Sharon's early years with ANIA she was a member of the East Coast informatics group which operated as the Capital Area Roundtable on Informatics in Nursing(CARING). At that time ANIA was primarily a West Coast organization with some cross collaborations with CARING. Sharon played an active role during the official CARING and ANIA merger in 2010, helping to unify the national voice of nursing informatics despite some initial hesitancy among members.  She has consistently supported the chapter's growth by encouraging students and new professionals to join ANIA. Sharon's contributions to the Colorado ANIA chapter are countless.  The Colorado ANIA Chapter deeply values Sharon's countless contributions and ongoing support.

Sharon's Message to Colorado ANIA Members

Sharon encourages all members to pursue continuing education-whether in informatics, leadership, or analytics-and is happy to answer questions for anyone considering going back to school. She emphasizes choosing the right program for your career and staying actively involved in local chapters and professional organizations to network and advance the profession.

Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn or reach out through the Colorado ANIA Chapter to learn more about her work and insights.