The Central Valley Voice of Nursing has been dedicated to aligning VON projects with the nursing strategic plan and assessing the maturity of each council. In 2025, VON took significant steps to support the professional growth Professional Governance and Unit Based Council (UBC) members. This included developing a structured communication pathway, working with councils to understand evidence-based practice (EBP) and quality improvement (QI) principles, and ensuring all stakeholders have a seat at the table. It’s been a year of growth, education, and celebration for VON, and Professional Governance is excited for what’s ahead in 2026.
Jared Goslinga, BSN, RN
Co-chair
Anna Espejo, BSN, RN
Co-chair
Kristie Silvia, MSN, RN, PHN
Secretary
Evidence Based Practice Council
We’re excited to support our nurses through structured education and mentorship. Together, we’ll define clinical problems, explore the latest research, develop inquiry plans and share our findings with our organization. This approach aligns regional nursing strategies with local initiatives, aiming to achieve nursing excellence, promote consistent evidence-based practices, and ensure that every nurse’s voice is heard. Together, we can make a difference.
Caring Science Council
We are excited to introduce the Caring Science Nursing Council. This group brings together nurses from across our organization to strengthen professional practice, advance shared decision-making, and integrate caring science into everyday care. Guided by Magnet principles, the committee will focus on collaboration, quality improvement, and creating a culture where nurses’ voices shape the future of nursing excellence.
Magnet Ambassadors
Our Magnet Ambassadors are dedicated champions of nursing excellence and patient care within our organization. They play a vital role in promoting the standards of Magnet Recognition, inspiring a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation in nursing practice. Each ambassador brings unique insights and experiences, serving as leaders and mentors to their peers. Through their efforts, they enhance the professional development of nursing staff while ensuring the highest quality of patient care.
N.E.S.T Council
We provide ongoing nurse leadership, process direction, and education for frontline nursing staff by means of the Nurse Excellence Service Transformation (NEST) council members in UBC meetings, huddles, and newsletters. Our team organizes initiatives to promote recognition of professional nursing and to foster a positive image of nursing for patients and colleagues. We address issues of concern in nursing and develop process improvements integrating technology and information systems. The team will identify and communicate successful practices within the units and facilitate changes when needed to improve the quality and safety of nursing care delivery.
Professional Development Council
Our Professional Development council focuses on:
- Developing processes that support nurses ongoing education and certification progression
- Supporting & mentoring nurses in their specialty practice
- Leadership development pathways
- Assessing and supporting specialty area competencies according to national standards and scope of practice
- Acknowledging nurses’ accomplishment of acquiring certification and competencies