“Kelli’s patients repeatedly remark how well cared for they feel during leader rounding and how Kelli’s clear communication about expectations and timeframes help them better understand their emergency department journey,” said Damian D. Gulbransen, MD, service director at the Santa Rosa Emergency Department.
Kelli Cox, MSN, RN, CNL, is an emergency department (ED) nurse at the Santa Rosa Medical Center and will celebrate 21 years with Kaiser Permanente in December 2024.
Inspiration for Nursing
“Witnessing the incredible care and compassion given to my grandmother during her battle with breast cancer inspired me to become a nurse. I realized the importance of healing moments and establishing intimate connections with patients,” said Cox.
“My nursing colleagues also inspire me with their unwavering dedication, resilience, and compassion. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and their commitment to providing high-quality care motivates me to strive for excellence,” said Cox.
Leading with Purpose
“I lead with purpose by setting a positive example, fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment, and continuously seeking ways to improve patient care,” said Cox.
“As the chair of the People Pillar Committee, Kelli plays a pivotal role in driving positive change. She aligns the committee’s efforts with the shared goals of improving staff morale and gratitude,” said Gulbransen.
“Her clear communication and love of education ensures everyone on the committee is engaged and dedicated to the mission,” she added.
The People Pillar Committee is a shared governance group of ED frontline staff. Its purpose is to address anything related to people. Currently, the committee focuses on transforming the department’s culture by reducing feelings of burnout through positive recognition and enhanced communication.
“Staff love receiving ‘Kapow Kudos,’ a new form of appreciation the committee introduced for team members to recognize one another,” stated Gulbransen.
Delivering Care Excellence
“Kelli is passionate about incorporating evidence-based practice (EBP) into her patient care. She created an EBP rounding project where nurses and techs check on patients every hour. Because of this, patients feel well-attended and safe in our care,” said Gulbransen.