Critical Care has introduced a new recognition program called Moments Matter, designed to highlight and formally recognize registered nurses and staff members who provide exceptional patient care. The program builds on the KP rounding tool, which leaders already use to capture verbatim patient and family comments. These recognitions are now transferred onto certificates and presented to staff along with a Moments Matter pin during huddles and staff meetings.
The idea originated at KP Sacramento, where the program was well-loved by staff. Ben Mauk, BSN, RN, Intensive Care, Staff Nurse III, recalled how much the Sacramento team appreciated the frequent, meaningful recognition and suggested bringing the initiative to KP San Francisco. With that inspiration, he partnered with Area Experience Leader Emma Fulton and Magnet Program Director Gabriela DeBenedetti, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, to develop workflows for the program. Mauk pitched the project to Chief Nurse Executive, Bridget Williams, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, and Critical Care Nurse Manager Tina Mangayo, MSN, RN, who supported its launch.
As project lead, Mauk is responsible for answering questions, transferring recognitions from KP Rounding to certificates, and placing completed certificates in the ANM office for distribution during huddles. Leaders are encouraged to continue using the recognition feature in KP Rounding by selecting “recognition,” adding the employee’s name, and including the patient’s comment or a brief summary.
Meaningful recognition is a core standard of both the AACN and Magnet model. Research shows that consistent recognition increases nursing engagement, improves retention, and helps reduce burnout. By embedding recognition into daily workflows, the program ensures staff feel valued for the compassionate care they provide.
The only change to current workflows is the addition of presenting Moments Matter recognitions during huddles. Everything else remains part of normal leader rounding. This program celebrates staff in real time and serves to create a stronger culture of meaningful recognition.