At Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco (KP SSF), nurses continue to demonstrate excellence in infection prevention, achieving remarkable results in patient safety and quality outcomes. Under the guidance of Nursing Infection Prevention Program Manager Stephanie Leong, MSN, RN, CIC, the hospital has recorded zero hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infections and only one hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) in 2025. These outcomes highlight the daily dedication of SSF nurses who integrate evidence-based practices into every aspect of patient care.

In the prevention of HAP, nurses consistently implement the ROUTE bundle: Raise the head of bed, oral care, use of mobility, Tube feeding precautions, and evaluate sedation/extubation readiness. Oral hygiene protocols are performed reliably and documented with precision, helping maintain healthy airways and reduce infection risk. Mobility remains a key nursing focus, with staff ensuring patients are out of bed early and often. Progress and challenges are discussed transparently during Quality Daily Safety Briefings. Nurses also take the lead in daily risk surveillance, assessing for factors such as low Glasgow Coma Scale scores, tube feedings, and abnormal chest imaging, and promptly escalating findings to enable timely interventions.

Education and teamwork are central to these efforts. Data on oral care and mobility are shared during HEROES and Quality Daily Safety Briefing meetings, reinforcing accountability and shared learning. Nursing leaders, in collaboration with Infection Prevention, regularly provide refreshers during staff huddles and meetings to sustain awareness and promote best practices.

In addition, SSF nurses have been instrumental in preventing hospital-onset C. diff. By recognizing symptoms early, isolating promptly, and collaborating with physicians and Infection Prevention, nurses ensure appropriate testing and stewardship. They work closely with Environmental Services to confirm UV disinfection is completed for all C. diff-positive discharge rooms and receive ongoing education on testing protocols during orientation and quarterly updates.

Thanks to the steadfast leadership of Leong and the vigilance of every nurse, KP South San Francisco continues to excel in infection prevention, delivering care that is safe, evidence-based, and grounded in daily nursing excellence.