Fremont Medical Center
A message from Juana Gonzalez, MSN, RN
Interim Chief Administrative Officer
This was an extraordinary year for nursing at the Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center. It was a year marked by significant progress in our Magnet journey, underscoring our steadfast commitment to nursing excellence and the enhancement of patient care.
Our dedicated teams at the Fremont Medical Center have exemplified transformational leadership, mentoring and guiding their colleagues while fostering partnerships that strengthened both ambulatory and hospital care. These efforts have been instrumental in aligning our shared vision of excellence and ensuring cohesive, high-quality care delivery.
One of the standout achievements in 2024 was the implementation of a structured handoff process for stroke patients following tissue plasminogen activator (TNK) administration. This ensured seamless transitions between the Emergency Department (ED) and ICU, with the ED nurse assessing and documenting the patient’s neurological status using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and providing a detailed handoff tool to the ICU team. Before transfer, an abbreviated NIHSS assessment is performed jointly by ED and ICU nurses, followed by a bedside report that involves the patient and family. This approach enhances patient satisfaction through transparency and supports optimal clinical outcomes with precise communication and monitoring. The coordinated efforts between the ED and ICU teams exemplify our commitment to excellence in care delivery.
Our medical center’s dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion was demonstrated through culturally sensitive care practices. These initiatives have highlighted the importance of understanding and meeting the needs of our diverse patient population, ensuring that all care provided is respectful and personalized.
Community health has remained a fundamental priority. Our nurses have championed outreach efforts that extend beyond the medical center’s walls. Through health screenings, educational events and partnerships with local organizations, the positive impact of our teams has resonated throughout the community, building trust and enhancing access to care.
The progress made in 2024 has elevated nursing practice and established a solid foundation for future innovation and continuous improvement. As we look ahead, I am proud to stand with our exceptional team at Fremont Medical Center, whose dedication and passion embody the true spirit of nursing excellence.
Together, we will continue to lead, inspire and transform care.
“I had the misfortune of being hospitalized. At Kaiser Fremont, I can say during my stay I received outstanding care. The doctors explained my condition clearly along with the steps towards my improvement. The nurses were equally outstanding and made my stay very pleasant.”
—Ken
About Fremont Medical Center
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.
2024 By the Numbers
555
Registered nurses
89
Nurses hired
9
Nurse residents hired
4.6%
Average turnover
79
Board certified nurses
15%
Associate’s degree/diploma in nursing
71%
Bachelor’s degree in nursing
12%
Master’s degree in nursing
2%
Doctoral degree in nursing
1
Conference posters & presentations
2
New Caritas Coaches
2
Evidence-Based Practice graduates
Transformational Leadership
Fostering a culture of innovation and adaptability to evolve the way we provide care.
Nurse development programs
Members of the Kaiser Permanente Fremont Professional Governance Research and Evidence-based Practice (EBP) Council were excited to attend the KP Evidence-Based Practice Council Retreat on December 2, 2024.
Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center welcomed 2 new Caritas Coaches in 2024
The Caritas Coach Education Program® (CCEP) is a six-month professional development program focused on inner reflective work and emersion in theory.
Senior Surgical Care Program Outreach
Senior Surgical Care Program Nurse Champions and physicians held an education session at Beth Eden Baptist Church located in Oakland in collaboration with Day Break Adult Care.
Backpack drive
The Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center’s backpack drive in July beautifully showcases its commitment to the local community by helping families prepare for the upcoming school year.
EMPOWER Council
The Fremont Medical Center Professional Governance, also known as the EMPOWER Council, has made significant strides since its inception in November 2023.
Celebrating our Fremont 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.
Structural Empowerment
Empowering nurses to actively contribute their ideas and suggestions to help achieve organizational goals and enhance health outcomes effectively.
Journey to obtaining a case management certification
"Since graduating in 2014, I’ve managed complex cases for adult and geriatric populations."
Empowering potential: Mentor-mentee partnership
"Throughout my journey as a mentee in the Kaiser Permanente mentoring program, I had the privilege to learn from Winchell Kuttner, DNP, RN, CPHQ whose guidance has been instrumental in preparing me for the role of chair for Professional Governance in 2025."
Earning a master’s degree in nursing
"My early work with diverse adult and pediatric patients fueled my commitment to continual learning and providing compassionate, knowledgeable care. "
Nurse resident’s journey
Emmy Lou Taguinin, BSN, RN is a proud member of Cohort 7 in the Kaiser Permanente National Nurse Residency Program in Northern California.
Exemplary Professional Practice
Utilizing evidence to deliver care that aligns with Kaiser Permanente’s mission and vision, and our nursing Professional Practice Model.
Preventing hospital-acquired pneumonia in ICU
Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia remains one of the most common and serious infections in the ICU, contributing to prolonged hospital stays, increased health care costs, and higher mortality rates.
Nursing contributions to the Care Experience
At our Fremont Medical Center, Nursing Communication is the area of focus for patient experience as measured by the HCAHPS patient experience survey.
New Knowledge, Innovation & Improvements
Continually evolving to advance patient care rooted in evidenced-based practice, research, and innovation.
KP Cares 2.0
The Kaiser Permanente Fremont Medical Center continues to participate in the KP CARES: Kaiser Permanente Caring Attributes and Resilience to Stress in 2024.
TrackCore improves efficiency
TrackCore tissue implant tracking system is a significant step forward in improving efficiency and compliance.
Mobile application interface to improve skin assessment
Epic Rover presents a unique ability to document and track wounds via photos directly on a mobile device.
Empirical Quality Outcomes
Demonstrating the impact Kaiser Permanente nurses are making in the lives of our members, patients, and communities we serve.
Achieving zero catheter-associated urinary tract infection in the ICU
This includes ensuring that urinary catheters are used only when necessary, maintaining proper insertion and care techniques and removing catheters as soon as they are no longer needed.
Implementation of Kaizen Principles reduces hospital-acquired pressure injuries
One of the Medical-Surgical and Telemetry departments, 2 South, was selected to pilot the Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries (HAPI) reduction effort due to its high rate of HAPI stage 2 and above.