Denver Nuggets Nurse Appreciation 2026: Discount Tickets, Nurses To Be Honored
Denver Nuggets Nurse Night: Event Details
>>Get Tickets, Starting at $48!
Event: Nurses Night with the Denver Nuggets
Date: March 25, 2026
Time: 8:00 PM MT
Game: Denver Nuggets
Location: Ball Arena
Tickets: Starting at $48 (must be purchased through the official link to access nurse experiences)
Nurse Night Honors! FOUR nominated nurses will be honored on the court and get FREE tickets! 30 nurses will be invited to watch the team warm-up.
Nurses Night Experiences
Join us for a special evening celebrating nurses who go above and beyond for their patients and communities. Nurses Night with the Denver Nuggets features exclusive on-court recognition and behind-the-scenes experiences designed just for nurses and their families.
On-Court Honors (Pre-Game)
- Game Ball Presentation (Top Nurse – 1 winner)
One outstanding nurse will present the official game ball on the court before tip-off.
Information needed: Name, years practicing, specialty (short and simple). - Pre-Game Nurse Recognition (3 winners)
Nurses ranked 2, 3, and 4 will be recognized on the court before the game.
Each will receive a 30-second recognition announcement based on their nomination submission.
🎟️ Tickets for the top four nurses will be provided by nurse.org!
Here are the 4 nurses who received the most votes and will be honored at Denver Nuggets Nurse Night:
Brooke Hayes: Game Ball Presentation
I would like to nominate Brooke Hayes for Denver Nuggets Nurses Night in recognition of her 21 years of unwavering dedication to the nursing profession. Throughout her career, she has served patients with compassion and excellence across Telemetry, GI, and PACU, and she now leads as the Nurse Manager for GI, Pre-op, and PACU. In every role, she has been a steady presence of nursing excellence. Brooke is knowledgeable, selfless, and deeply committed to both her patients and her team.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, she exemplified the very heart of nursing. When families were unable to be at the bedside, Brooke sat with patients in their final moments, holding their hands so they would not be alone. She offered comfort, dignity, and humanity during a time of fear and isolation, ensuring that no patient passed without compassion and care. These moments reflect not just what she does as a nurse, but who she is as a person.
Her influence extends far beyond her own practice. Through her leadership, resilience, and example, she has inspired others in her life to pursue nursing and to lead with empathy and courage. She represents the very best of nursing, and her impact will be felt for generations. She is truly deserving of recognition on Nurses Night.
Amy Tease: Pre-Game Nurse Recognition
Amy has dedicated over 30 years to nursing, with a wealth of experience across various pediatric specialties. She has served in roles including Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Pediatric Emergency Department (ED), Pediatric Urgent Care, Pediatric Primary Care, and the Nurse-Family Partnership, all within the Denver Health system. After more than three decades of service to the community, Amy now brings her expertise to Denver Public Schools as a school nurse, continuing her lifelong commitment to the well-being of children and families. Her extensive background reflects a deep dedication to healthcare and a passion for making a positive impact in the community.
Christy Lindenschmidt: Pre-Game Nurse Recognition
Christy is my mom, and she has been in the healthcare career for her whole life! She graduated from a nursing school in Denver, and went on to become a pediatrics nurse, then a travel nurse, and now she is the Burlington, Colorado school nurse! She single handedly began a HOSA Club for our high school, which is Healthcare Occupation Students of America, and it basically is a club for students like me who are interested in the healthcare profession to learn more! She has taken students to nationals and we are going to state in February! I aspire to be just like my mom when I grow older, as she is a huge figure of care and kindness in our community who has saved many lives from school students to adults who she has passed by. She is an inspiration to not just me, but all of her students in the PCT class she started, in HOSA, and even in just regular kids. She is proud to represent our rural town in healthcare, whether or not she wins this.
Amanda “Mandy” Jackson: Pre-Game Nurse Recognition
Nurse Mandy Jackson should wear a cape because she is a hero. I can’t count the number of times she has swooped in and saved the day at Mountain Vista Elementary School within the Cherry Creek School District. She has a natural way with students that immediately puts them at ease. She is kind, patient, knowledgeable, caring, and positive. Over the years, she has been essential in helping a few of my high medical needs students feeling happy and safe while at school. This has helped me personally within the classroom. For example, she checks in with students who require daily aide as well as offers personal care to students who are sick, have chapped lips, lost a tooth, bumped themselves, checking ingredients for allergy foods, and so much more. When we are preparing for field trips, she ensures teachers have the correct resources, medicines, and knowledge before going. She calls parents to inquire about medical situations, missed school, or to follow up on a care plan. She makes sure emergency plans are up to date and that everyone is informed. She goes above and beyond for our school community and will often support student events like the Walk for Downs Syndrome and Autism Awareness events on her own time. She is a positive role model for all teachers and students, giving high fives and kind words of encouragement. We are so lucky to have Nurse Mandy Jackson at Mountain Vista Elementary School. I highly recommend her to be honored at a Nuggets Game! She would be thrilled as she is a HUGE fan!
Warm-Up Watchers Experience
- Top 30 nurses and their families will be invited to participate in a Warm-Up Watchers experience, giving them special access to watch the Denver Nuggets warm up on the court before the game.
- Tickets must be purchased through the official link to participate in this experience.
Here are the 30 nurses who received the most votes and are invited to participate in a Warm-up Watchers Experience at Denver Nuggets Nurse Night:
- Brooke Hayes
- Amy Tease
- Christy Lindenschmidt
- Amanda “Mandy” Jackson
- Megan Nellis
- Marina Hillard
- Megan Smith
- Andrea Tate
- Miriam Cavender
- Gloria Strong
- Brittany Garcia
- Jordan Wilson
- Brian Fun
- Abby McPherson
- Sarah Salomon
- Veronica Duffy
- Jennifer Darrington
- Amanda Webster
- Kevin Clement
- Kim Cato
- Rhonda Montano
- Amanda Nordman
- Annette Haugh
- Aisha Douaidary
- Luis Delgado
- Kate Marshall
- Mary Hild
- Leslie Montoya
- Alexandra Hare
- April Placher
Enter to Win FREE Tickets
One lucky nurse will win 2 FREE tickets to the game, courtesy of Nurse.org! This contest has closed—the winner has been contacted via email.
Get Your Tickets
Celebrate Nurses Night at Ball Arena and cheer on the Denver Nuggets while honoring the nurses who make a difference every day.
🎟️ Tickets start at $48 — purchase through the official link to access nurse experiences.
Questions?
For event details, tickets, or nurse experiences, please contact:
Alexa McMahon
📞 303.405.1196
📧 Alexa.McMahon@TeamKSE.com
T-Shirts
As part of this slam dunk of appreciation, Mel's Crafty Corner is thrilled to offer nurse-basketball-themed t-shirts! Equip your gear to show your support and pride in style. Shirts start at $28 and will sell out, shop now!
Don’t Miss It
Join us for a night of basketball, recognition, and gratitude as we celebrate nurses and the incredible impact they make every single day.
🏀💙 Nurses Night with the Denver Nuggets — Get Your Tickets Now →
2025 Event Recap
FOUR nurses were recognized on the court in a pre-game ceremony. Each winner received 2 game tickets, Clove shoes, and a NuWest prize bundle! Plus, 20 nurses and their guests were invited to watch the pregame warm-ups from the VIP section courtside!
Here are the nurses honored on the court, chosen by an online vote:
Tori Gortmaker: I am nominating Tori because I think she is so deserving of this recognition. During COVID, she tirelessly cared for patients with blood cancer undergoing bone marrow transplants in the ICU. She advocated for them and treated them like her family when their own family couldn’t be there due to the restrictions in place. When she decided to leave the ICU, she went straight into high-risk labor and delivery where she cared for moms from across several states. She would sit with her patients celebrating the (big) little milestones like staying pregnant another week and give them support when things were difficult or they had to deliver early (some as early as 24 weeks). She now works on an LDRP floor where she can be there for her patients during their pregnancy, labor, and recovery. She loves being able to see them through the entire journey and help teach new parents. Tori has been a nurse for 5 years, and she has always put her patients and loved ones first, even before herself. She loves her job and she loves the Denver Nuggets (she even went to a game two nights before her own baby was born) and I think this would be a great way to show her some appreciation for all the amazing things she does!
Maggie Sheehan: Maggie has been recognized by multiple patients and providers for her excellent patient care and dedication to their needs. She is an amazing nurse navigator and makes a difference in patients’ lives every day.
Jaylese Alissa Guerrero: Jaylese is one of the most selfless people I have ever met not just as a nurse but as an individual inside and outside of the hospital, Jaylese will go above and beyond to ensure you are taken care of.
Marcia Jolly: Marcia is an amazing person both inside and outside of work. In addition to being a bedside nurse, taking care of patients every day (including through covid, despite having an autoimmune disease), in her free time she also serves as a respite foster parent for abused/neglected children from across the Denver metro area. Even with all of that, she still makes time for family and friends, and her other true passion - DENVER SPORTS TEAMS!
Awards and Prizes:
- The 4 nurses with the most votes were honored on the court!
- The 4 nurse winners each received 2 game tickets, courtesy of Nurse.org, a pair of Clove shoes, and a prize bundle from NuWest!
2024 Event Recap
FOUR nurses were recognized on the court in a pre-game ceremony, including a delivery of the game ball. Each winner received 2 game tickets, Clove shoes, and a NuWest prize bundle! Plus, 50 nurses were invited to watch the pregame warm-ups from the VIP section!
4 Nurses Honored at the Game!
Here are the four nurses who were chosen by an online vote:
Marty Turner
- Nomination: It is my esteemed honor to introduce you to Martha “Marty” Turner. Marty, a Colorado native, has worked in the Burn Center at University of Colorado hospital for 34 YEARS and is finally retiring after a career of tireless caring, educating, and advocating. Many of us know someone who has experienced a heart attack, cancer, stroke, a broken bone, but a major burn injury is rare and extremely specialized. Marty is with the patient from day one of their injury in the ICU all the way through their recovery in the outpatient clinic once they return home. She is the calm, reassuring voice on the worst day of their life, losing not only their skin but sometimes loved ones, pets and belongings. These patients are the sickest of the sick in the hospital and Marty has been training new nurses and doctors for over 30 years on how to best care for our patients, inspiring a whole community of burn center staff and helping create one of the best Burn Centers in the country. Her impact is exponential. The number of patients she has cared for over the years is in the thousands but add to that all the people she has trained, and that number becomes incalculable. Marty teaches our advanced classes locally, along with training others to teach all over the country as a National Faculty for the American Burn Association. The list doesn’t end there, Marty is an instructor for our Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum (TNCC) class, she volunteers in the Recharge Room helping all hospital staff have a moment of respite in the middle of a crazy day at the hospital, and is an active member in her church leading book and discussion clubs. She has presented at national conferences, sharing her knowledge with new generations of nurses and healthcare staff. Whenever there is a question that cannot be answered, we all look to Marty to give us guidance. She tried retiring once a few years ago, but we didn’t really see much of a change in how much impact Marty has made on all of us and our patients. A breast cancer survivor, Marty barely missed a step as she trudged through treatment and surgeries, still showing up however she could for everyone. You may ask yourself, where is the proof of all of Marty’s great work; pics or it didn’t happen, right? Well, the vast majority of Marty’s work happened before the proliferation of social media. And even if it was around, Marty would be too busy to show off her amazing work. She also makes a difference every day, at the bedside, where social media still can’t touch (for privacy purposes). Marty is one of those nurses that you just know is going to take care of you, whether you are a patient or a new nurse. Many burn patients feel scared and lost in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges until Marty comes along.
Ritchie Hernandez
- Nomination: All of the residents love him. He is so caring to the people he takes care of. He is always making light of tough situations and knows how to make everyone laugh and deserves appreciation.
Amy Kent
- Nomination: Amy Kent worked the Covid ICU through the shutdown and far after. She never missed her shifts. She has now become a charge nurse and is literally running around making sure everyone is taken care of! I would trust her with my life anyday! She’s smart, kind, empathetic, and loves her job!!
Nicole Retana
- Nomination: Nicole works as an RN at North Suburban Medical Center as the nurse educator. She is very present in our facility and knows everyone by name. She comes to every floor asking how she can help and provides education in all areas of our hospital. She goes above and beyond to help us provide quality care to our patients. Nicole is such a positive person and is a shining light at NSMC. Our facility would not be the same without her! I always look forward to seeing her during my shifts. She love being an RN and she truly loves the Nuggets also!!
Event Photos
Nurse Night
