Guided by Kaiser Permanente’s mission to provide high‑quality, affordable care and improve community health in Vallejo, the Chemotherapy Committee was established to strengthen oncology readiness, ensure patient safety, and standardize workflows across inpatient units. Initially composed of nine frontline nurses in 2024, the committee doubled in size within one year. By 2025, it represented 18 chemotherapy‑certified nurses—a 100% increase reflecting both the program’s momentum and nurses’ strong commitment to meeting the community’s growing oncology needs.
For years, clinical nurses on 5West advocated for a dedicated chemotherapy committee, but progress remained limited due to gaps in structured education and inconsistent management alignment. Recognizing the need for greater coordination and standardization, Rita Zhughbaba, BSN, RN; Edlyn Vega, BSN, RN; and Guadalupe Malazo, RN, began collecting patient volume data to demonstrate the rising number of inpatient admissions requiring chemotherapy. The introduction of new immunotherapy agents further increased care complexity, while less tenured nurses expressed the need for clearer guidance and formal support. Their advocacy laid the foundation for the committee’s establishment in August 2024, with support from Harley Rebaja, MSN, RN, Manager of 5West, and Charity Shelton, DNP, RN, Director of Adult Services.
The committee’s first 8‑hour Chemo Skills Day was held on September 29, 2025, and was led by Menel Reyes, MSN, RN, Nursing Professional Development, with co‑facilitation by clinical nurses Eugene Butler, MSN, RN, and Clarissa Paga, BSN, RN. Chen Fu, MD, on‑call oncologist/hematologist, provided focused education on oncologic emergencies and hazardous spill response, reinforcing safe, consistent practices across inpatient units.
Ahead of the 2024 regional chemotherapy conference, Chief Nurse Executive Juanita Jularbal‑Walton, DNP, MBA, RN, met with six participating nurses and sponsored team t‑shirts and education vouchers through Nursing Professional Development. Additional support from Michaela Davis, PhD, RN, Director of Nursing Professional Development, demonstrated visible executive commitment to frontline learning, engagement, and professional growth.
Today, the Chemotherapy Committee’s impact extends beyond compliance. Through workflow optimization, safety surveillance, and continuous process improvement, the team has strengthened chemotherapy administration standards, improved interdisciplinary coordination, and enhanced the patient experience for individuals undergoing complex treatment regimens. Their work advances patient safety while responding to the growing needs of a vulnerable community that relies on safe, timely, and compassionate oncology care.
