At the 2025 Kaiser Permanente Northern California Research and Innovation Academy Conference, Kyle Nunes, BSN, RN and Akashdeep Sandhu, RN were awarded Best Poster Presentation honors for their project, “Wire Cutting for Jaw Fractures.”

The team’s work showcased what nursing excellence truly looks like — blending evidence-based practice, teamwork, and a deep commitment to patient safety. The project was inspired by a simple but critical question: Are we always ready when seconds count? For patients with jaw fractures, having wire cutters immediately available can be lifesaving.

The team reviewed current practices, identified gaps, and implemented a structured process to ensure wire cutters were consistently at the bedside. They also led simulation drills to build staff confidence in emergency response. Their efforts not only improved compliance and response times but also strengthened collaboration between nurses, physicians, and ancillary teams. It’s a great reminder that excellence isn’t just about research, it’s about turning ideas into action that truly improves patient care.