Professional Governance Council
The Professional Governance Council has continued to work on structure, processes, and outcomes and celebrated their 1-year anniversary in August. Through the dedicated work of 51 front-line nurses and 25 advisors, including nursing professional development specialists, clinical nurse specialists, and subject matter experts, we have begun to see the councils mature into effective practice hubs of innovation and impact across the organization.
Some highlights include the development our KP AMC 2025-2026 Nursing Strategic Plan, supporting over 115 practice change action requests from colleagues, Nurses’ Week and Board Certification Day planning, hosting both an EBP/QI poster fair and on-site education fair to promote education advancement in health care and nursing throughout the organization, and a PGC Open House to showcase each council’s leadership focus and work.
Care Experience and Caring Science Core Council graduated two new Caritas Coaches and contributed to this year’s Care Experience Week and Quality and Safety Core Council sponsored the “Suds and Bubz” hand hygiene program.
Professional Development Core Council supported establishing professional portfolios, educational attainment, self-evaluations with peer feedback, and certification as a key component of enhancing nurse empowerment in addition to launching the skill advancement of a medical center ultrasound guided IV insertion program.
The Practice and Informatics Council developed a new professional governance website and policy clarity to support nurses in their practice at the front-line.
Leadership Core Council formed in May and immediately began collaborating with the Professional Development Core Council to establish a meaningful hospital-wide evaluation process based on the recommendations from front-line nurses. The team utilized the 2024 RN Excellence Survey results to guide this year’s work through an across-the-board focus on Professional development, RN to RN Teamwork, and Leadership Access in Response. These efforts resulted in Professional Development increasing 30.74% and Leadership Access by 7.19% from the previous year, exceeding the national Magnet Benchmark
Chairs and Advisors also attended the AONL Leadership in Professional Governance Conference in San Antonio, TX in August and ANCC Magnet and Pathway to Excellence Conference in Atlanta, GA in October furthering their leadership capacity and learning of best practices in nursing from around the country and globe!
Several members also visited Kaiser Permanente South Sacramento and Vallejo sites to learn about their Magnet program, professional governance structure, and best practices to enhance our strategies at Antioch Medical Center.
Members participated in leadership development sessions focused on a variety of topics such as Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity, Code of Ethics, Emotional Intelligence, Research and EBP, Stress Management, and our inaugural retreat for Professional Governance with esteemed world-renown nursing thought leader Dr. Tim Porter O’Grady.
Coordinating and Executive Council
Chair Coordinating: Olivia Casela, BSN, RN
Chair Executive: Tina Cartwright, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, EBP-CH, MEDSURG-BC, Caritas Coach®, Director, Magnet Program
Advisor: Christina Geis, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Executive
Professional Development Core Council
Chair: Arwa Abuusba, BSN, RN
Chair-Elect: Delphine Joko, MSN, RN
Members: Megan Ochoa, BSN, RN, CEN; Vicky Gibbs, BSN, RN; Mikee Rufo, BSN, RN; Arizza Laude, BSN, RN, Tenzin Lhadon, MSN,FNP; Yurika Taylor, BSN, RN, CNOR
Advisor: Laura Balleza, BSN, RN
NPD Support: Eric Morgenroth BSN, RN, CEN, CFRN, PCCN
Quality and Safety Core Council
Chair: Celina Lopez, BSN, RN
Chair-Elect: Michaela Cabanilla, MSN, RN
Members: Celina Agbo, BSN, RN; Samira Popal, BSN, RN; Sheila Bernardez Tolentino, BSN, RN; Arriane Pinatacan, MSN, RN; Mike Marino, RN; Emily Segundo, RN
Advisor: Lee Montgomery, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
Subject Matter Expert: Melissa A Pinheiro, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC, Robbie Glasper, MSN, RN
NPD Support: Makia White, DNP, RNC-OB, C-ONQS, PHN, LE
Research and EBP Core Council
Chair: Sheena Kataria, MSN, RN, CEN
Chair -Elect: Melanie Roberts, BSN, RN, RNC-OB
Members: Arlen Garcia, BSN, RN; Jenelyn Endriga, BSN, RN; Suada Sahnic, BSN, RN; Janelle Derit, RN; Sonam Choegyel, MSN, FNP-BC; Erliz Bucalon, BSN, RN
Advisors: Rochelle Arenas, MSN, RN, CNL; Otilia Loya, MSN, MBA, RN; Tina Cartwright, DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, EBP-CH, MEDSURG-BC, Caritas Coach®; Shiela Sulit, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CNOR
Care Experience and Caring Science Core Council
Chair: Aimee Poole, BSN, RN
Members: Imani Adele, RN; Arya Wahaj, BSN, RN; Adrianna Heredia, RN, Benjamin David, RN; Kulvinder Purewal, BSN, RN; Cherrie Tsuda, BSN, RN; Robin Nicolas, BSN, RN
Advisor: Laura Holladay, MSN, RN, NE-BC
Subject Matter Experts: Laura Tongi, MHL, MSOD; Trisha Ramirez, Lisa Sargent, BCC
NPD Support: Thessalonia “Thessy” Gladden, MSN, IA, RN, PHN
Practice and Informatics Core Council
Chair: Zarah Dotimas, MSN, RN, CEN
Chair Elect: Channel Davis, BSN, RN
Members: Liezel Mallare, MSN, RN; Vitalyn Matibug, BSN, RN, CCRN; Shawna Caywood, BSN, RN; Catherine Suarez, BSN, RN, PCCN; Mikee Rufo, BSN, RN; Marilene Villa, RN
Advisor: Anie Gella, MSN, RN, NEA-BC
NPD Support: Mary Salas, MSN, RN, APRN-AGCNS-BC
Leadership Core Council
Chair: Bowen Wiest, BSN, RN
Chair-Elect: Melanie A. Smith, MSN, RN, CNL, CCRN
Members: Ginalyn Cecilio, MSN, RN, Carly Skeath, MSN, CNL, RNC-OB, Honesto Lucero, BSN, RN; Brendalyn Malimban, MSN, RN, CNL, CCRN; Jane Esmilla, MSN, RN, CNL; Juan “JP” Poncia, BSN, RN
Advisor: Christina Geis, MBA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Executive
ED Unit Council
Chair: Megan Thoresen, MSN, RN, CEN, CPEN
Chair-Elect: Megan Adams, BSN, RN, CEN
Members: Aimee Poole, BSN, RN; Sheena Kataria, MSN, RN, CEN;
Celina Lopez, BSN, RN; Zarah Dotimas, MSN, RN, CEN
Advisors: Laura Balleza, BSN, RN; Jennifer Fowler, RN; JP Poncia, BSN, RN
2MT Unit Council
Chair: Daarina Brooks, MSN, RN
Members: Mikee Rufo, BSN, RN; Arya Wahaj, BSN, RN; Jenelyn Endriga, BSN, RN; Samira Popal, BSN, RN; Marilene Villa, RN
Advisors: Gina Cecilio, MSN, RN; Laarni Dilmahomed, BSN, PCCN; Eric Morgenroth BSN, RN, CEN, CFRN, PCCN
3MS Unit Council
Chair: Bolanle Balogun, BSN, RN
Chair-Elect: Noemi Estrada, Arwa Abuusba, BSN, RN; Adrianna Heredia, RN, Sheila Bernardez Tolentino, BSN, RN, Liezel Mallare, MSN, RN
Advisors: Bowen Wiest, BSN, RN; Mary Salas, MSN, RN, APRN-AGCNS-BC
4MT Unit Council
Chair: Connie Cuadneral, BSN, RN
Chair-Elect: Catherine Suarez, BSN, RN, PCCN
Members: Arizza Laude, BSN, RN; Benjamin David, RN; Janelle Derit, RN, Emily Segundo, RN
Advisors: Gina Cecilio, MSN, RN; Honesto Lucero, BSN, RN; Eric Morgenroth BSN, RN, CEN, CFRN, PCCN
ICU Unit Council
Chair: Imani Adele, BSN, RN
Chair-Elect: Vacant
Members: Vicky Gibbs, BSN, RN; Celina Agbo, BSN, RN; Vitalyn Matibug, BSN, RN, CCRN; Navreet Kaler, BSN, RN
Advisors: Funmi Umoren, MSN, MBA, RN; Thessalonia “Thessy” Gladden, MSN, IA, RN, PHN
Periop Unit Council
Chair: Kim Sanchez, MSN, PHN
Chair-Elect: Thereasa Pilja
Members: Yurika Taylor, BSN, RN, CNOR; Cherrie Tsuda, BSN, RN; Erliz Bucalon, BSN, RN; Mike Marino, RN; Channel Davis, BSN, RN; Eden Dela Cruz, BSN, RN
Advisors: Patty Fordahl, MHA, BSN, RN; Heidie Dunson, BSN, RN; Shiela Sulit, MSN, RN, AGCNS-BC, CNOR
MCH Unit Council
Chair: Rosie Yciano, RN
Chair-Elect: Shawna Caywood, BSN, RN, RNC-OB
Members: Delphine Joko, MSN, RN; Melanie Roberts, BSN, RN, RNC-OB; Robin Nicolas, BSN, RN; Kathleen Whitefield, BSN, CIMITT, PHN
Advisors: Carly Skeath, MSN, RN, RNC-OB; Jennifer Babb, BSN, RN; Makia White, DNP, RNC-OB, C-ONQS, PHN, LE
Coordination of Care Unit Council
Chair: Mahjabeen Merchant, BSN, RN, PHN
Chair-Elect: Vacant
Members: Tenzin Lhadon, MSN, FNP; Kulvinder Purewal, BSN, RN, Sonam Choegyel, MSN, FNP-BC; Arriane Pinatacan, MSN, RN
Advisor: Georgette Mims, MSN, MBA, RN, HCM
HEROES Committee
Over the past year, the HEROES Committee has exemplified the strength of interdisciplinary collaboration, uniting nursing, physicians, and respiratory therapy in our shared commitment to patient safety at Antioch Medical Center. Together, these teams have driven a remarkable and sustained decline in our Safety Priority Index (SPI) for hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), improving from a peak of 2.04 in November 2024 to an outstanding 0.79 by September 2025. This consistent downward trajectory reflects rigorous adherence to evidence-based practices, strengthened communication across disciplines, and a collective focus on preventing harm. Our progress highlights not only the effectiveness of our HAP prevention strategies but also the culture of safety and accountability our teams continue to build. As we celebrate this success, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing patient safety through ongoing partnership and shared purpose.
Antioch Medical Center Workplace Safety Committee
Through monthly meetings, the committee oversees safety programs, reviews policies, analyzes departmental performance, facilitates best practice sharing and standardization, leverages technology, and escalates issues as needed.
Highlights include:
- The Workplace Safety Fair, held on October 21, 2025, featured educational booths and hands-on engagement, drawing participation from over 145 staff members.
- The Antioch Integrated Workplace Safety Subcommittee (IWPSS) achieved a 3% reduction in injuries year-over-year, with the overall injury rate decreasing from 5.8 in 2024 to 5.6 in 2025.
Advancing Excellence in Maternal and Newborn Care
The Antioch Maternal/Newborn Collaborative Practice Council (CPC) drives quality and safety in perinatal care through strong interdisciplinary collaboration. Nurses play a central role in coordinating education, improving communication, and ensuring consistent, evidence-based care across inpatient and outpatient settings. This shared approach enhances patient outcomes, professional satisfaction, and quality compliance throughout the birth experience.
The Perinatal Patient Safety Project (PPSP) Committee promotes a culture of safety and reliability within the Women’s and Infants Unit. Nurse leaders partner with physicians and interprofessional teams to review clinical events, identify lessons learned, and strengthen care processes using human factors and performance improvement principles. Their work directly improves system reliability and patient safety.
Stroke Committee
From December 2024 to July 2025, Antioch Medical Center (AMC) demonstrated continued improvement in key Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) stroke quality metrics. Both measures exceeded the target performance threshold of 75%:
- Stroke education compliance increased from 95% to 97%.
- Door-to-IV thrombolytic administration within 60 minutes improved from 98% to 100%.
Highlights included:
- AMC Nurse Stroke Champions implemented a streamlined feedback process through Chart Chat in KP HealthConnect to enhance real-time stroke education documentation.
- Nurse Stroke Champions also provided focused education on the stroke alert workflow during nursing skills days, contributing to faster door-to-IV thrombolytic times.
- AMC stroke nurses hosted a Halloween-themed World Stroke Day event for staff and visitors, featuring educational exhibits on stroke types, warning signs, diagnostics, and treatment. Stroke Champion nurses developed dynamic visual displays and distributed informational materials and awareness items to promote community understanding of stroke prevention and response.
Sepsis Committee
AMC nurses continue to drive initiatives aimed at optimizing sepsis protocol implementation and reducing response times, which are critical factors in preventing complications and improving survival outcomes. Our inpatient sepsis bundle compliance improved significantly from 29.8% in December 2024 to 50.4% in September 2025, exceeding both facility and regional performance targets of 30%.
Key Improvement Activities
- Nurse Patient Safety Core Council members delivered targeted education on the sepsis bundle using a swim lane workflow to enhance clarity and standardization.
- Council members also promoted the use of the “sepsis clock” to empower staff nurses to rapidly identify concerning symptoms and escalate findings to providers without delay.
- On September 25, 2025, AMC nurses recognized Sepsis Awareness Month with a Sepsis Escape Room Challenge, an interactive activity designed to strengthen staff competence in identifying sepsis signs, causes, and evidence-based treatment pathways. The event enhanced interdisciplinary teamwork and critical-thinking skills essential for rapid sepsis recognition and intervention.
NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Health system Elders) Committee
Our NICHE nurses are committed to improving the care of our older adult patients through individual practice and peer and patient education about evidence-based practices that help to prevent functional decline, support discharge to home, and maintain cognition. They are committed to promoting age-friendly care focused on mobility, safe medication usage, preserving mentation, and basing care on what matters most to the patient, ensuring a patient and family-centered approach to care.