On Nov. 10 and11, 2025, more than 50 Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco (KP SSF) nurses gathered for the 2025 Nursing Symposium, a two-day educational event designed to enhance clinical expertise and strengthen evidence-based nursing practice. The symposium was developed and led by Doanh Ly, DNP, RN, APRN-CNS, CCRN, SCRN, Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, with the support of Tina Bray, DNP, MBA, RN, CENP, Chief Nursing Executive and Chief Operating Officer, and Michelle McIlwain, MSN, MBA, APRN, FNP-BC, NEA-BC, Clinical Adult Nursing Director.
The symposium centered on advancing evidence-based strategies in cardiovascular and respiratory care, providing nurses with the latest knowledge to improve patient outcomes. Participants explored current best practices for managing heart failure, identifying and treating chest pain, and understanding valvular heart disease such as mitral regurgitation. Sessions also reviewed updated national guidelines for managing atrial fibrillation and reducing stroke risk. In addition, nurses examined the differences between low oxygen (hypoxemia) and high carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) levels in the blood, learning how these imbalances affect breathing and patient stability. Presenters compared two key respiratory support methods, non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), and discussed best practices for assessing and monitoring patients who require these advanced therapies.
Expert speakers from across Kaiser Permanente, including Charlotte Bai, MD, Helen Hong, MD, Charles Mitchell, MD, Douglas Zuckermann, MD, Tomio Miyai, MD, and Melinda Hofmeister, RRT, delivered engaging, clinically relevant presentations that deepened nurses’ understanding of complex cardiac and pulmonary care.
The 2025 Nursing Symposium reflected Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco’s commitment to advancing nursing knowledge and fostering a culture of lifelong learning. Through collaboration and shared expertise, nurses left the event equipped with new insights and renewed confidence to deliver exceptional, evidence-based care.
Photo: 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