Sean M. Reed PhD, APRN, FAAN
Assistant Professor
- College of Nursing
Primary Phone:303-724-8508
Mailing Address:
- CU Anschutz
Education II North
13120 East 19th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
Dr. Sean M. Reed is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado College of Nursing and 2025 Fulbright Scholar, pioneering cross-cultural palliative care research in Romania. With two decades of expertise as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health, Hospice, and Palliative Care, his work spans acute, post-acute, ambulatory, and academic settings. As an Advanced Holistic Nurse and Global Academy of Holistic Nursing Scholar, Dr. Reed integrates evidence-informed innovations with compassionate, whole-person care approaches.
Dr. Reed's internationally recognized scholarship advances palliative care and aging research through innovative care delivery models and theoretical frameworks. His acuity classification systems and unitary caring frameworks have been adopted across multiple countries, with formal research collaborations spanning the Middle East and Europe. As Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on federally funded research (NIA, AHRQ, TriService Nursing Research Program), his work demonstrates measurable impact on healthcare quality, equity, policy, and practice.
Nationally, Dr. Reed served as President of the National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists, where he led major organizational transformation. He currently serves as Editorial Board member for the Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing.
Recognized for teaching excellence through the Chancellor's Teaching Recognition Award (2025), Dr. Reed mentors doctoral students in PhD and DNP programs, producing numerous co-authored student-led publications and presentations. His mixed-methods research approach and visiting scholar expertise make him highly sought after for international consultation and collaboration.
Education, Licensure & Certifications
Education
- 2019 - Post-Doctorate (T32) Palliative Care, University of Colorado
- 2011 - PhD in Nursing, University of Colorado
- 2006 - Post-Graduate Palliative Care, University of Colorado
- 2005 - Master in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Specialist, University of Colorado
- 2004 - Bachelor in Nursing, University of Colorado
Licensure
- Clinical Nurse Specialist - Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Colorado
- Registered Nurse, Multistate
Certifications
- Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist ACNS-BC
- Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse ACHPN
- Advanced Holistic Nurse AHN-BC
- Health and Wellness Nurse Coach HWNC-BC
Awards
- 2025 - Fellow, American Academy of Nursing (FAAN)
- 2025 - CU Anschutz Chancellor’s Teaching Recognition Award
- 2025 - U.S. Fulbright Scholar, HOSPICE Speranţei, Romania
- 2023,2024 - CU Anschutz Alumni Hero, University of Colorado, College of Nursing Alumni
- 2022 - Scholar, Global Academy of Holistic Nursing
- 2022 - Nightingale Luminary Award, Denver Metro Regional Nightingale Association
- 2022 - President’s Award, National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialist
- 2021 - Fellow Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute
- 2016 - Pathfinder Award: University of Colorado College of Nursing Alumni Award
- 2009, 2010 - Champion in Healthcare Award (finalist): Denver Business Journal
- 2005 - Inductee Sigma Theta Tau International
- 2003 - Diversity Leadership in Nursing, University of Colorado School of Nursing
Affiliations
- University of Colorado, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Adjunct Member
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, Secondary Appointment
- University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Division of General Medicine Palliative Care and Aging Research T32, Affiliated Faculty