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South San Francisco Medical Center

Extraordinary nursing care.
Every patient. Every time.

We are recognized as a top hospital in our community and honored for quality, patient safety and advanced medical care by industry and media organizations.

Nerissa del Rosario, MSN, RN

A message from

Nerissa del Rosario, MSN, RN
Director of Nursing and Clinical Practice

I am honored to reflect on the extraordinary contributions of our nursing community over the past year. Our nurses have consistently demonstrated commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care, qualities that continue to elevate our standards and foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement across our organization. Through a wide range of nurse-led initiatives, our teams have exemplified the core pillars of nursing excellence.

In the GI department, nurses led transformative efforts to enhance patient safety and operational efficiency. By identifying key barriers to barcode scanning compliance and implementing a targeted action plan, they significantly reduced medication errors and streamlined workflows. A Team Nursing model was introduced to address staffing challenges, promoting collaboration among licensed and unlicensed personnel and optimizing care coordination during peak hours.

Additional initiatives included the development of standardized limb alert protocols and the successful transition to electronic consent using Topaz signature pads — advancing documentation practices and supporting a more efficient, paperless environment. Regular procedural sedation audits further strengthened documentation accuracy and compliance through data-driven education and team engagement.

In Surgical Services, wound care nurses developed resource tools tailored for high-risk patients, ensuring consistent, high-quality care. Their proactive embrace of departmental changes to include the pediatric population reflects a deep commitment to inclusive, patient-centered care and adaptability in a dynamic clinical environment.

In the Emergency Department, nurses championed pediatric readiness by educating staff on asthma and sepsis protocols and launching a pediatric sepsis alert. A creative pediatric supplies initiative enhanced rapid identification and response, improving patient safety. Sepsis nurse champions provided real-time education on fluid management and blood culture collection, reinforcing best practices and improving clinical outcomes.

Staff wellness was prioritized through the creation of a QR code linking to mental health resources and the launch of “Mental Health Monday” huddles. Collaboration with the Morale Committee fostered connection and joy through inclusive events such as hikes, camping trips, and festive celebrations.

These examples offer just a glimpse into the countless ways our nurses lead, innovate, and care. I am deeply proud and inspired by the remarkable work of our nursing teams. Their dedication and ingenuity are the heartbeat of our organization. The impact of their contributions extends far beyond our walls, touching lives, transforming experiences, and setting new standards of excellence. Together, we will continue to drive progress and shape the future of healthcare!

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Transformational Leadership

Fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability to evolve the way we provide care.

Tina Bray

Transformational leadership in action: Investing in Assistant Nurse Manager growth

CNE/COO Tina Bray champions transformational leadership at KP SSF, equipping ANMs with tools, coaching, and confidence to lead with purpose.

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Empirical quality outcomes

Celebrating our South San Francisco Medical Center nurses

Through our awards programs, we recognize nurses and care partners who exemplify excellence and provide high-quality, compassionate care to our members and patients.

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Staff nurses Victoria Palomar, MSN, RN, CCRN; Marlon Caballero, BSN, RN; Pearl Wilson, BSN, RN, PHN; Renan Aspiras, BSN, RN; and Becky Nguyen, RN rehearse their Daily Readiness Pre-Shift Huddle to improve communication, teamwork, and engagement for their fellow unit nurses.

South San Francisco nurses strengthen Daily Management System

From managers to staff nurses KP SSF refreshed daily readiness pre shift huddles to elevate communication accountability and patient safety.

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Nurses proudly stand beneath the Filipino and United States flags, wearing traditional Baro’t Saya and Barong Tagalog, in front of ED Nurse Director Leo Eusebio’s hand-painted artwork—celebrating culture, pride, and unity after a meaningful Filipino American History Month event.

South San Francisco nurses bring culture and community to life during Filipino American History Month

KP SSF nurses led with culture and heart celebrating Filipino American History Month and inspiring healing connection and pride.

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Structural Empowerment

Empowering nurses to actively contribute their ideas and suggestions to help achieve organizational goals and enhance health outcomes effectively.

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South San Francisco Medical Center nurses soar to new heights in their practice

Kaiser Permanente nurses demonstrated their commitment to creating and sustaining a culture of excellence by advancing their professional practice through earning advanced degrees, moving to the next level of the clinical ladder, obtaining national board certification, and graduating from the nurse residency program.

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Professional Governance Structure

Nursing professional governance at South San Francisco Medical Center

At KP SSF, nurses don’t just deliver care—they shape it. Professional Governance amplifies their voice, influence, and innovation.

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Medical-Surgical assistant nurse Maria Perla Logronio, BSN, RN painting during Project Rebuilding Together, helping restore a safe home, because a healthy home is the foundation of preventive health.

South San Francisco nurses make an impact beyond the hospital walls

KP SSF nurses brought compassion beyond the hospital offering screenings education and hands on support to the community.

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Leadership

Supporting the future of South San Francisco Medical Center nursing

Mentoring is a hallmark of professional practice and transformational leadership that inspires, empowers, and develops leaders at all levels of nursing. Several nurse leaders supported the future of nursing by serving as a mentor to nurses new to their practice.

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Exemplary Professional Practice

Utilizing evidence to deliver care that aligns with Kaiser Permanente’s mission and vision, and our nursing Professional Practice Model.

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Nurses excel in preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia and C. diff infections

SSF RNs deliver standout results, preventing Clostridioides difficile and reducing hospital-acquired pneumonia through evidence-based care.

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Geriatric Nurse Champions Ayin Chang, BSN, RN, CCRN and Becky Nguyen, RN leading an interactive delirium education booth at the Senior Health Fair.

Geriatric nurse champions in action

From education to innovation—our Geriatric Nurse Champions brought delirium prevention to life at the Senior Health Fair.

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Northwest nurses Hazel Herrera, BSN, RN; Corazon Oller, RN; and Eileen Benisano-Thone sharing smiles and spreading the love after enjoying the Valentine’s Day Caring Cart Round.

The Caring Science Council brings heart to the hospital

More than treats—Caring Cart Rounds create moments of connection, gratitude, and Caring Science in action.

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Quality and Safety Council nurses Cleo Cruz, BSN, RN; Sherie May Domingo, BSN, RN; and Emily Magidina, BSN, RN creating an education board during the planning phase of the Fall TIPS Toolkit implementation.

Quality and Safety Council implements Fall TIPS Toolkit to strengthen patient fall prevention

Nurses turn evidence into action as Fall TIPS brings personalized fall prevention to every bedside at KP SSF.

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New Knowledge, Innovation & Improvements

Continually evolving to advance patient care rooted in evidenced-based practice, research, and innovation.

At the 2025 Nursing Symposium, Ruby Brar, BSN, RN; Arline Bocaling, BSN, RN, CCRN, PCCN; Christina Taylor, RN, MED-SURG-BC; Thomas Timbreza, RN; Nursing Professional Development Director and Symposium Coordinator Doanh Ly, DNP, RN, APRN-CNS, CCRN, SCRN; Sharlyn Guterres, RN; Mar Win, BSN, RN; Eryka Bactad, BSN, RN; and Clarissa Riotoc, RN enjoy breakfast and prepare for a day of learning, connection, and professional growth.

Inspiring growth and practice advancement at the 2025 Nursing Symposium

KP SSF nurses united for the Nursing Symposium to strengthen evidence based cardiac and respiratory care through expert led learning.

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From left to right, front to back: Nurses Eee Phyu, BSN, RN; Pearl Wilson, BSN, RN; Louis Tan, BSN, RN; Elena Anuryeva, BSN, RN; Nicole Fisicaro, RN; Cobi Tan, BSN, RN; Sherie May Domingo, BSN, RN; Alice Luu, BSN, RN; Cleo Cruz, BSN, RN; Joe James, BSN, RN; Lindley Molina, MSN, RN; Ronelle Winch, BSN, RN; and Becky Nguyen, RN actively engaging in group learning during the 3 Day Foundational Evidence Based Practice Workshop.

Advancing a culture of inquiry through evidence-based practice

KP SSF nurses embrace inquiry and innovation at the EBP Workshop turning questions into solutions for patient care.

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Post-Anesthesia Care Unit nurse Maureen Crehan, RN, CAPA, CPAN, and Nurse Manager Rowena Guarino, BSN, RN presenting their poster on reducing PACU length of stay at the International Collaboration of PeriAnaesthesia Nurses Conference in Dublin, Ireland.

South San Francisco Nurses Present Their Work on the Global Stage

KP SSF nurses took their work global sharing research and innovation in Australia and Ireland and elevating nursing worldwide.

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Celebrating a day of learning and presenting, Michelle McIlwain, MSN, MBA, APRN, FNP-BC, NEA-BC; Lilia Flores, BSN, RN; Irma Hong, BSN, RN, PHN; Becky Nguyen, RN; Rowena Guarino, BSN, RN; Christina Taylor, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC; and Doanh Ly, DNP, RN, CNS, CCRN, SCRN share a moment of joy at the RIA Conference.

South San Francisco nurses shine at the 2025 Research and Innovation Academy Conference

KP SSF nurses showcased research and innovation at the RIA Conference proving that when nurses lead excellence follows.

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Empirical Quality Outcomes

Demonstrating the impact Kaiser Permanente nurses are making in the lives of our members, patients, and communities we serve.

SSF Nursing Professional Governance cheering as the news is shared—advancing straight to Magnet Site Visit with zero deficiencies.

A historic milestone: KP SSF Submits First Magnet Document and Advances to Site Visit with No Deficiencies

From submission to celebration — KP SSF advances straight to Magnet site visit with zero deficiencies.

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Geriatric Nurse Champions

South San Francisco Nurses Lead the Way in Age-Friendly Care

RNs leading change: NICHE ignited Geriatric RN Champions, earning KP SSF Age-Friendly Health System recognition and elevating elder care.

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