A key highlight in 2025 was the San Leandro Emergency Department’s recertification as a Level III Bronze Geriatric Emergency Department (GED), a distinction that reflects our deep commitment to the well-being of older adults in our community. Building upon this achievement, the interdisciplinary GED team - comprising physicians, nurses, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, pharmacists, and dietary staff - is working diligently toward Level II Silver accreditation. Every geriatric patient who enters our ED now receives a delirium screening, mobility assessment, and hourly rounding, supported by automatic fall risk precautions. The team also introduced a GED cart, stocked with comfort and communication items designed to enhance safety, reduce delirium, and improve the patient experience. These integrated practices ensure that every patient receives personalized, compassionate care that supports both their physical and emotional well-being.

Another significant accomplishment in 2025 was the successful rollout of the Pre-Op to Gastroenterology (GI) Handoff Tool, developed through close collaboration among the Pre-Op, GI, and Post-Op nursing teams. Recognizing the need for improved communication and continuity of care, nurses worked together to design a comprehensive, single-sheet handoff tool that supports both Pre-Op–to–GI and GI–to–Post-Op transitions. The tool standardizes critical information exchange - such as procedure details, consent verification, and post-procedure instructions - ensuring that no key elements of patient care are missed. Since implementation, nurses have reported more efficient workflows, stronger interdepartmental relationships, and improved confidence in the quality of handoffs. Ongoing staff education and feedback have further refined the process, resulting in safer care and greater satisfaction for both patients and staff.

Beyond these achievements, San Leandro nurses continue to embody the values of compassion, professionalism, and lifelong learning. Through active participation in shared governance councils, quality improvement initiatives, and community outreach efforts, they exemplify the power of nursing leadership in transforming care delivery and building trust with the patients we serve.

As we reflect on 2025, it is clear that our collective efforts have strengthened not only our nursing practice but also the culture that defines our medical center. I am deeply proud of our nurses’ resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Together, we will continue to lead, inspire, and transform care - today and in the years ahead.