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3 nurses smiling with awards and flowers

Vallejo nurses soar to new heights in their practice

Kaiser Permanente nurses demonstrated their commitment to creating and sustaining a culture of excellence by advancing their professional practice through earning advanced degrees, moving to the next level of the clinical ladder, obtaining national board certification, and graduating from the nurse residency program.

Nursing degrees earned

Samantha Avecilla, MSN, RN – KFRC COC
Laverta Horner, NP, RN – KFRC
Eileen Lang, MSN, RN – Nursing Operations
Keshni Lal, DNP, RN – Lactation

George McEnroe, DNP, RN – Director of Quality & Safety Improvement
Michelle Pecson, MSN, RN – 5 East
Flor Tandoc, MSN, RN – KFRC

Nurse Residency graduates

Mac Herfild Abat, RN
Precious Joyce Delijero, RN
Mickaela Estep, RN
Karen J Hernandez-Gopar, MSN, RN
Marley Lester, BSN, RN
Luis Ikeo Ayala, RN
Joanne Quinto, BSN, RN

Ruth Santiago, BSN, RN
Jeremy Edward Snyder, BSN, RN
Olivia Torreano, BSN, RN
Coulson Williams, BSN, RN
Angelie Bustos Soriano, RN
Leila Young, BSN, RN

Board certifications

Samantha Avecilla, MSN, RN, CRRN, CNL – KFRC COC
Cori McKinney, BSN, RN, PCCN – 4 East

Gabrielle Assemian, BSN, RN, CRRN – KFRC

Career Ladder advancements

Clinical Nurse 4

Frank Bito, RN — Psychiatry
Chelsea Bunch, RN, CNOR — OR
Molly Cole, MSN, RN, FNP — ICU
Shannon Gamoras, MSN, RN — ED
Cecilia Jarmin, RN — Recuperative Skills

Ellen Le-Sangco, BSN, RN — ICU
Jacki Lindblom, DNP, RN, CCRN — Cath Lab
Deryn Milarezi, MSN, RN — PACU
Jica Naval, BSN, RN — CSN

Clinical Nurse 3

Roseanna Ainsley, BSN, RN — L&D
Sherydahn Aldrich, BSN, RN, PCCN — ICU
Mamerta Anunciation, BSN, RN — PACU
Rhadimir Avecilla, BSN, RN, CCRN — ICU
Donna Bean, RN — HH
John F. Kennedy, Benito, RN — ED
Shannon Birkel, BSN, RN — KFRC
Rochelle Claar, RN —
Maria Dayrit, BSN, RN — ED
Rachel Duque, RN — Home Health
Lalaine Escaner, BSN, RN — Cath Lab
Emily Fernandez, BSN, RN — ICU
Marichu Gallejo, BSN, RN — Cath Lab
Carmina Gevana, BSN, RN — L&D
Catherine Hernandez, BSN, RN, CEN — GI
Bethany Honeycutt, BSN, RN, EFM — L&D
Luiza Da Hora, RN — L&D
Maddalena Intintoli, RN —
Carthon Johnson, MSN, RN — 4 East
Ramanjit Kaur, RN — ICU
Jeaneil LaRue, RN — L&D
Ma. Teresa Laxamana, BSN, RN, CCRN — ICU
Mila Llave, BSN, RN, CRRN — KFRC
Reminda Lopez-Licad, RN — COC

Marly Luna, BSN, RN — ED
Abigail Marlow, MSN, RN — ICU
Monique Martel, BSN, RN — ED
Shannon McSweeney, BSN, RN — ICU
Sandra Miano, RN —
Glory Nwaoha, MSN, RN — 5 East
Aika Ojascastro, RN — CSN
Kaitlyn Pfeiffer, BSN, RN — L&D
Terri Phan, RN —
Michelle Pothier-Jones, RN — L&D
Marta Ryan, RN — ED
Allan Salita, BSN, RN, CRRN — KFRC
Joanna Marie, Sena, BSN, RN — ICU
Peggy Shen, RN — PACU
Ashley Stabile, MSN, RN — L&D
Julie Tam, BSN, RN — 4 East
Aimee Tran, BSN, RN — ED
Teresa Upson, RN — HH
Edlyn Vega, BSN, RN — 5 West
Dyan Vicencio, BSN, RN, IBCL — Lactation
Teneshia Wallace, RN — ED
Jean Whitt, BSN, RN — PACU
Rosa Zambrano, BSN, RN, CHI — ED

Vallejo Coordinating Council

The heartbeat of excellence: Voice of Nursing’s transformative journey in 2024

Following the historic achievement of securing the first Magnet designation among 21 Kaiser facilities in Northern California, the Voice of Nursing (VON) propelled into 2024 with renewed energy, focusing on engagement, growth, and innovation.

Each month brought a unique theme, engaging nurses through meaningful discussions led by notable speakers from multiple disciplines. In April, Liss Leal, Operations Director for KP HealthConnect, explored Advancements in Nursing Technology, while August featured Dr. Lela Gahanjehei, Cardiologist, highlighting the management of Heart Failure and Chronic Conditions. These sessions inspired and empowered nurses to envision and elevate nursing practice.

Leadership transitions added a dynamic layer to VON’s journey. Eugenia Ventura, RN and Nestle Vitug, RN, two tri-chairs, were promoted to leadership roles, making way for Samantha Avecilla,  RN (COC KFRC) and Deryn Milarezi, RN (PACU) to step in, joining Jeanette Ferrer-Valladares, RN in shared governance. In a demonstration of thoughtful succession planning, Krystle Javier, RN is being mentored for a future tri-chair seat.

In September, VON underwent a strategic restructuring, introducing four core councils: Professional Development, Care Experience, EBP/Research, and Quality and Patient Safety, with plans for an Informatics Core Council in late 2025. These councils, the “heart of nursing excellence,” focus on developing critical skills such as data interpretation, crafting charts, A3s, and public speaking. TPMG procedural areas (GI, Cath Lab, IR) were also integrated into VON, further broadening its scope. The inaugural meeting laid the foundation with charters and planning for 2025 topics.

The Voice of Nursing remains a dynamic force, fostering leadership, collaboration, and innovation. With its focus on mentorship, professional growth, and meaningful engagement, VON continues to demonstrate that nursing excellence is not a destination—it’s a journey.

Voice of nursing structure

Coordinating Council

Samantha Avecilla

Samantha Avecilla MSN, RN CNL, CRRN

Deryn Milarezi

Deryn Milarezi MSN, RN CNL SNIV

Jeanette Ferrer-Valladares

Jeanette-Ferrer Valladares BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, IBCLC, LEC, SNIV

Krystle Javier

Krystle Javier ADN, RN

Gene Ventura

Eugenia Ventura MSN, RN CMSRN

Nestle Vitug

Nestle Vitug MSN-NI, RN PCCN SNIV

2024 Voice of Nursing Tri-Chair

The “silent architect of nursing evidence,” Samantha “Sam” Avecilla MSN, RN CNL, CRRN delivered a powerhouse year of progress—completing both a research study and a clinical EBP project, sharing findings internally at RIA, presenting nationally at a nursing conference, and submitting them for publication, driving nursing practice forward with groundbreaking inquiry and innovation.

Known for her tenacity and relentless drive for improvement, Deryn Milarezi MSN, RN CNL SNIV spearheaded the formation of the first Unit Practice Council in the ED, championed the installation of splash guards to enhance safety, implemented post-code debriefings, and stood as a strong advocate for peers and patients—bringing critical “awareness to the mental health needs of nurses while honoring the lives they strive to save.”

Jeanette-Ferrer Valladares BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM, IBCLC, LEC, SNIV, is a passionate advocate for advancing care experience and a founding tri-chair known as the “heart” of the team. She serves as the site co-principal investigator for the KP-CARES Study, a mentor to nurses advancing the clinical ladder, and an active member of the Facility Selection Committee by nurturing the next generation of professionals.

Krystle Javier ADN, RN, exhibited her remarkable ability to unite a fragmented unit, educate and empower her team, and achieve an unprecedented 100% RN Excellence Survey participation for a medical-surgical unit in just five days. Demonstrating the true essence of transformational leadership, she inspired a culture of nursing engagement to a dynamic and evolving level of professional practice.

Eugenia “Gene” Ventura MSN, RN CMSRN is one of the original tri-chairs and the “brains of the operation,” now serves as Assistant Nurse Manager on 5 East Medical-Surgical Floor, continuing to mentor and empower frontline staff. A 2024 contributor to the 7th edition Scope and Standards of Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice and DAISY Leader Award recipient, she continues to exemplify excellence in nursing leadership.

Nestle “Twinkle” Vitug MSN-NI, RN PCCN SNIV, a former VON tri-chair dubbed as the “stealth tech” of the group, transitioned earlier this year to a quality nurse consultant role in patient safety and risk before returning to KP Vallejo as Magnet Program Director. She expeditiously deployed eight strategic initiatives driven by critical insights from their initial Magnet journey, fostering sustainability and enculturation across the organization.

Vallejo Coordinating Council nurses
Certification-Celebration---Leaders

South Sacramento nurses soar to new heights in their practice

Pictured: Corey Osberry, MBA, RN, Laura Borges, BSN, RN, Kim Beetz, BSN, RN, CNOR, Martha Ruvalcaba, Rachel Wyatt, DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, Reid Hirsch, BSN, RN, CCRN, Kendal Bailey (previous employee), Carl Schroeder, MSN, RN, PCCN, Roman Roxas, BSN, RN, CMSRN, CMNL, Tracy Esposo, MSN, RN, Allison Johnson, BSN, RN, CAPN, CPAN Cathleen Nickels, BSN, RN.

Kaiser Permanente nurses demonstrated their commitment to creating and sustaining a culture of excellence by advancing their professional practice through earning advanced degrees, moving to the next level of the clinical ladder, obtaining national board certification, and graduating from the nurse residency program.

Board certifications

Abigael Crisostomo, BSN, RN
CNOR

Ahmed Sakr, MSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Leader

Ailleen Calantog, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Ajani Hoffert, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Aleah Cottle, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Aleksandra Mitchell, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Alessi Agnes Dime, MSN, RN
Cardiac Medicine (Subspecialty) Certification, Cardiac Surgery (Subspecialty) Certification, Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Alex Cunningham, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Allen Bigornia, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Allison Johnson, BSN, RN
Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse, Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse

Alvin Alag, BSN, RN
CNOR

Amanda Fox, MSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Amandeep Sohi, MSN, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – ANCC

Amber Glukhenkiy, MSN, RN
Adult Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Amin Mashriqi, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Andrea Muniz, BSN, RN
Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Andrea Whitmore, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Angela Brooks, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Anitra Daniels, MSN, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – ANCC

Ann Albinto-Arcueno, BSN, RN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing

Anna Bryan, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Anna Perez, BSN, RN
Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse

Anne Shaver, RN
Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Anthony Cadiz, BSN, RN
CNOR

Aprilyn Garcia-Dijan, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Archivald Zaguirre, BSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Armando Lopez Gonzalez, RN
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Audrey Vergara, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Benny Tabingo, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Bernard Magruder, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Bertha Nyamadzawo, MSN, RN
Certified in Infection Control

Bonnie Dabi, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Brett Silverman, BSN, RN
CNOR

Brian Mutchler, RN
Certified Case Manager

Briana Allen, BSN, RN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Carissa Shenko, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Carl Schroeder, MSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Catherine Raines, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Cathreen Naidu, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse, Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Cecilia Bernadas, BSN, RN
Maternal Newborn Nursing

Celestina Surita, MSN, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – ANCC

Chanae Joi Haylock, MSN, RN
Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Charlene Aguilar-Wheeler, MSN, RN
Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Chastity Driver, MSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Cher Lozano, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Cheryl Bruce MSN, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – ANCC, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Nurse Midwifery & Midwifery

Cheryl Miller EdD, BSN, RN
Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator, Certified Nurse Educator, Nursing Professional Development Certification

Choua Vang, BSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Christen Straw DNP, RN
Certified in Executive Nursing Practice, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Executive, Advanced

Christina Martin, MSN, RN
Nurse Executive, Advanced

Christina Martinez, BSN, RN
Electronic Fetal Monitoring

Christina Stewart, RN
Certified Respiratory Therapist, Registered Respiratory Therapist

Christine McGahey DNP, RN
Nurse Executive, Advanced

Claudia Ascencio, BSN, RN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Collette Monie, RN
Cardiac Surgery (Subspecialty) Certification, Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Concepcion Supnet, BSN, RN
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Connie Lynn Cabanag, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Corri Martella, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Cynthia Denton, BSN, RN
Gerontological Nurse

Cynthia Mocko, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Daisuke Agarpao, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Daniel Lim, MSN, RN
Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner – AANPCP

Daniel Teddla, RN
Gerontological Nurse

Danielle Elam, MSN, RN
Advanced Public Health Nursing

Deborah Albert, BSN, RN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Demmelash Mengistu, BSN, RN
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Denise Lentini-Ley, MSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult, Vascular Access-Board Certified

Desiree Rogovoy, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Diana Dado, BSN, RN
CNOR

Diana Saelee, MSN, RN
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Dinna Ilar, RN
CNOR

Don Sim, MSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Douglas French Jr, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Eduardo Carlos Jr, BSN, RN
Vascular Access-Board Certified

Eduardo Garcia, BSN, RN
CNOR

Edward Robinson, BSN, RN
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse, Nursing Professional Development Certification

Eileen Higgins, BSN, RN
Vascular Access-Board Certified

Eleanor Sanders-Estes, MSN, RN
Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification, Certified Emergency Nurse, Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult, Trauma Certified Registered Nurse

Eleanore Brown, BSN, RN
Wound Care Certified

Elias Rhodes, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Elizabeth Rafail, BSN, RN
Maternal Newborn Nursing

Ellie Rippy, MSN, RN
Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse

Elyse Sugimoto, BSN, RN
CNOR

Emiliano Zazueta, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Eric Correa, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Ericson Fernando, MSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Leader

Erika Swensen, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Esther Moyo, BSN, RN
Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Inpatient Obstetric Nursing, Maternal Newborn Nursing

Ethan Rippy, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Evelyn Nguyen, BSN, RN
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Faith Benjamin, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Fatima Pilar, MSN, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – AANPCP

Fatmeh El-Mahmoud, BSN, RN
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Fidel Vecino, BSN, RN
Certified Registered Nurse Infusion, Vascular Access-Board Certified

Frederick Chamorro, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Gagandeep Badwal, MSN, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – AANPCP

Gemma Paulo, BSN, RN
Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse, Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse

Genevieve Mcreynolds, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

George Mhosira, BSN, RN
Certified Case Manager

Gwenneilyn Franza, BSN, RN
CNOR

Hannah Alexion, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Hannah Young, BSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Harpreet Kooner, BSN, RN
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality

Hau Ting Panoke, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Hazel Lam, MSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Heather Welch, MSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Leader

Huong Bui, BSN, RN
Maternal Newborn Nursing

Ignacio Araneta, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Jackline Odhiambo, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Jae Pak, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Jamie Windsor, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Jeffrey Lacalle, RN
CNOR

Jeni Bermudez, MSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Jennifer Acenas, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Jennifer Brower, BSN, RN
Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse

Jennifer Demayo, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Jennifer Franco, BSN, RN
Maternal Newborn Nursing

Jennifer Oloyede, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Jennifer Stewart, RN
Certified Nurse Manager and Leader

Jennifer Stimpson, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Jennifer Valdez, BSN, RN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Jennifer Wendley, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Jessica Lyon, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Jessica Salvatore, MSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Leader

Jill Edgar, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Jocquilyn Vigay, BSN, RN
Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Joel Schaefer, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

John Johnson, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Joni Claudio, BSN, RN
CNOR

Jose Madrigal PhD, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – ANCC

Joseph Gerard Repotente, MSN, RN
Certified Nurse Manager and Leader, CNOR

Joseph Libutan, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Joseph Ritchie Ruiz, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Josephine Policarpio, BSN, RN
Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse

Joshua Fox, MSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Leader

Joy Verzosa, BSN, RN
Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse

Joyce Alega, RN
Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse

Juanita Weathersby, BSN, RN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Julius Joson, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Junghyun Cho, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Certified Nurse with Cardiac Medicine Subspecialty

Kacee Clyne, MSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Leader, Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult, Gerontological Nurse, Nurse Executive

Kailey Moravek, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Kamie Gotico, MSN, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – ANCC

Kanwalpreet Gill, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Kara Dalisay, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Karah Leung, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Karah Lopez, RN
Certified Wound Care Nurse, Wound Care Certified

Karen Basamot, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Karen Dax, BSN, RN
Certified Wound Ostomy Nurse

Karen Hansen, MSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Kathryn Garson, BSN, RN
Vascular Access-Board Certified

Katie Hoganson, MSN, RN
Nurse Executive, Advanced

Kayla Akromas, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Kelly Katolin, RN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing

Kevin Ho, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Kevin Villa Ramirez, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Certified Nurse with Cardiac Medicine Subspecialty

Khine Thazin, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Certified Nurse with Cardiac Medicine Subspecialty

Kierney Mongerson, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Kim Beetz, BSN, RN
CNOR

Kristopher Bolek DNP, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult, Nurse Executive, Advanced

Lalaine April Pearcy, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Lalaine Fancubila, BSN, RN
CNOR

Laura Chavez, BSN, RN
Certified Ostomy Care Nurse, Certified Wound Care Nurse

Leonila Bragado, BSN, RN
CNOR

Liezel Montero, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Lily Rose Batayola, MSN, RN
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Linda Sikes, MSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Lindsey Warfield, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Lisa Miller, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Lisa Rael, MSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Lissa Thazhathumariyil Skaria, RN
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Loan Vo, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Loren McClintock, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Lorenza Cuasay, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Lori Saari, BSN, RN
Electronic Fetal Monitoring

Lulette Infante, MSN, RN
Ambulatory Care Nursing Certification, Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse, Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality

Madonna Abria, BSN, RN
CNOR

Mai Yang, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Malee Vue, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Marcus Moore, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Maria Edralin, BSN, RN
CNOR

Maria Mia Sindayen, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Maria Shary Ann Lee, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Maria Socorro Macadangdang PhD, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Maria Theresa Celedonio, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult, Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Marian Jacinto, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Marian Lee, BSN, RN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Maribel Justo Garcia, BSN, RN
CNOR

Mariecar Alegre, BSN, RN
Certified Gastrointestinal Registered Nurse

Marievi Hernandez, BSN, RN
Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse

Marina Nguyen, BSN, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – ANCC

Mark Alvin Muan, BSN, RN
Stroke Certified Registered Nurse

Mark Smith, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Martha Tuivai, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Mary Fine, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Mary Parmer, BSN, RN
Electronic Fetal Monitoring, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Mary Valerio, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Maxwell Tyrrell, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Maylee Iwai, MSN, RN
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Megan Gonzalvo, BSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Meghan Hanson, MSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Melissa Powell, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Michael Lint, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Michael Sarmiento, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Michelle Anne Del Rosario, MSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Michelle Bonivert, BSN, RN
Electronic Fetal Monitoring

Michelle Martin, RN
Emergency Nurse Practitioner (AANP), Family Nurse Practitioner – AANPCP

Michelle Rabanal, MSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse, Orthopedic Nurse Certified

Mickey Reroma, BSN, RN
CNOR

Milanelle Guiao-Tranchina, BSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse, Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Miltom Cruz, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Mona Roque, MSN, RN
Nursing Case Management

Muhammed Arif, BSN, RN
Stroke Certified Registered Nurse

Murtaza Haidermota, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Nadejda Subbotina, BSN, RN
CNOR

Nancy Madden, BSN, RN
Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse, Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse

Nastascia Osborne, RN
Wound Care Certified

Navroop Dhillon, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Neftali Cabezudo, MSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Leader

Nelab Najrabi, MSN, RN
Adult Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Neneh Barrie-Fania, MSN, RN
Advanced Public Health Nursing

Nhan Duyen Loeun, MSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Nhia Yang DNP, RN
Emergency Nurse Practitioner (AANP), Family Nurse Practitioner – AANPCP

Nonieper Fortuno, BSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse, Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Norman Luque, BSN, RN
CNOR

Norman Penalosa, BSN, RN
CNOR

Noura Balian, MSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Pik Kam, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Pramila Ram, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Rachel Wyatt DNP, RN
Nurse Executive, Advanced

Rachelle Briard, BSN, RN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Randall Nelson, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Raquel Toscano, MSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Leader

Rebecca Forbes, MSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse, Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse

Rebecca Thiel, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Reid Hirsch, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Rendeerizzah Maylas, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Resmi Nair, MSN, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – AANPCP, Family Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Rex Ambatali Jr, RN
Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Reyna Loveland, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Richelle Zaragoza, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse, Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Robert Juner, MSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Rodnel Bernaldez, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Rodolf Gandeza, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Roman Roxas, BSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse, Certified Nurse Manager and Leader

Ronald Williams, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Rosa Romero, BSN, RN
Trauma Certified Registered Nurse

Rosalinda Seipler, RN
Trauma Certified Registered Nurse

Roselle Estipona, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Rosette Agustin, BSN, RN
Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing

Roxanne Minor, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Ryan Luu, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Sadie Ortigoza, MSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Sam Tongco, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Sarah Morgan-Lawson, MSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Satpreet Kaur, MSN, RN
Adult Nurse Practitioner – ANCC

Shanon Kim, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Sharifa Ahmad, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult, Wound Care Certified

Shelley Andrade, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Sherly Mathew, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Sherry Whitcomb, MSN, RN
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, Stroke Certified Registered Nurse

Sherwin Peter Militante, BSN, RN
CNOR

Sheyn Gullion, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Smitha David, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Smitha Skaria, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Somphong Sayabath, BSN, RN
Vascular Access-Board Certified

Songhee Na, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Songsook Cho, BSN, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Sophie Vang, MSN, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – AANPCP

Spring Edwards, BSN, RN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Stephanie Bracanovic, BSN, RN
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Stephanie James, RN
Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Stephanie Lee, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Neonatal

Sue Tran, MSN, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – ANCC

Sukhman Khangura, BSN, RN
CNOR

Sunshine Ly, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Susamma Chacko, BSN, RN
Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse, Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse

Sushma Pokle, BSN, RN
Electronic Fetal Monitoring, Inpatient Obstetric Nursing

Tamara Camero, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Tami Dux, BSN, RN
Advanced Public Health Nursing

Teri Nguyen, MSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Thanh Dieu Nguyen, MSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Theresa Cagampan, MSN, RN
CNOR

Thien Tran, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Timothy Schremser, BSN, RN
Cardiac Vascular Nursing

Tita Tannoia, RN
CNOR

Toby Butler, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Tracylyn Browne, MSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Travis Edwards, BSN, RN
Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult

Tyron Tiu, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Vanessa Lambunao, BSN, RN
CNOR

Vincent Gaite, BSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Vincent Samuel, MSN, RN
Clinical Nurse Leader

Virgilio Algoso, MSN, RN
Stroke Certified Registered Nurse

Walena Rochester PhD, RN
Family Nurse Practitioner – AANPCP

Wendi Taylor, BSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse

Wendy Sherman, BSN, RN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Yejin Stephens, BSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse, Certified Registered Nurse Infusion, Vascular Access-Board Certified

Yukiko Hanson, BSN, RN
Progressive Care Nursing (Adult)

Yukyung Kang, BSN, RN
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

Yuriy Vorobets, BSN, RN
Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

Yvonne Hansen, MSN, RN
Certified Emergency Nurse, Critical Care Registered Nurse – Adult, Trauma Certified Registered Nurse

Zachary Biaggi, BSN, RN
ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist

Caritas Coaches

Jessica Jones, BSN, RN
Chanae Joi Haylock, MSN, RN, PCCN, PMHNP-BC

Laura Appleby, BSN, RN

Career Ladder advancements

Clinical Nurse 4

Amy Sheehan, BSN, RN
Cynthia Denton, BSN, RN, GNCE
Danielle Lucas, RN
Eduardo Garcia, BSN, RN, CNOR
Erin Dougherty, RN
Inna Bondarenko, RN
Jackline Odhiambo, BSN, RN, PCCN
Linda Kay, RN

Marisa Galli, BSN, RN
Navroop Dhillon, BSN, RN, CCRN
Neneh Barrie-Fania, MSN, RN, APHN
Rosette Agustin, BSN, RN, NICN
Shipti Parikh, BSN, RN
Stephanie Bracanovic, BSN, RN, CMSRN
Tania Cortez, BSN, RN

Clinical Nurse 3

Alexander Rehe, BSN, RN
Andrea Guerrero, BSN, RN
Anne Laroco, RN,
AnnMarie Haas, BSN, RN
Ashley Clark, BSN, RN
Bhupinder Kaur, BSN, RN
Brendan Whitney, RN
Cecilia Khalaf, BSN, RN
Charles Wiley, BSN, RN
Cherry Ann Florendo-Garcia, BSN, RN
Chris Grissom, BSN, RN
Christa Menniti, BSN, RN
Deborah Valdez, RN
Nhan Duyen Loeun, MSN, RN, PCCN
Elizabeth Roberts, RN
Ellaine Sioson, BSN, RN
Emily Morris, BSN, RN
Eric Correa, BSN, RN, CEN
Fatima Saleh, BSN, RN
Frank Singson, RN
Hunter Copeland, RN
Jae Pak, RN, CEN
Jasmit Dhillon, RN
Jaswinder Kaur, RN
Jeanine Spivey, BSN, RN

Jessica Singh, RN
Jocelyn Aguilar, BSN, RN
Julia Ann Hinahon, RN
Karen Vishaj conf
Kelly Herrick, BSN, RN
Kristina Arbuckle, BSN, RN
Lalaine April Pearcy, BSN, RN, CCRN
Lea Sayos, BSN, RN
Maiva Ly-Grimshaw conf
Marian Jacinto, RN, CEN
Mary A Soberano-Barnes
Nicholas Troxell, BSN, RN
Okjoo Choi, RN
Rebecca A Grijalva conf
Rebecca Thiel, BSN, RN, CCRN
Reyna Loveland, BSN, RN, CEN
Richelle Lear, MSN, RN
Robert Juner, MSN, RN, CEN
Scheifren Ramos, BSN, RN
Stacie Ward, RN
Stacy Walters, RN
Stephanie A Samson Lim, RN
Sumaya Wilson, BSN, RN
Timothy Riddle, BSN, RN
Vincent Gaite, BSN, RN, CMSRN

Professional-Governance---Group-Photo-before-PG-Achievements-Showcase

Nursing Professional Governance at South Sacramento

Pictured: Carminda Pantoja, BSN, RN, Yen Nguyen, BSN, RN, Loan Vo, BSN, RN, PCCN, Milanelle Guiao-Tranchina, BSN, RN, CMSRN, PCCN, Madonna Abria, BSN, RN, CNOR

Each year, South Sacramento nurses create posters that showcase their Unit or Facility councils’ achievements and moments of pride over the year. Members of our Patient and Family Advisory Council join in on the fun and visit each booth and learn about the goals and achievements from the nurses. The council with the best presentation, creative flare, and passion for their work wins the competition. Congratulations to 3 North on winning the 2024 Nurse’s Week Poster Contest.

Coordinating Council

In 2024, the Coordinating Council achieved significant milestones in enhancing transparency and accountability. They fostered greater engagement by collaborating with all councils to achieve many strategic goals throughout the year. Council members established an annual process for evaluating the effectiveness of each council using an evidence-based tool. They also standardized all by-laws and charters across the board by creating an easily adaptable template. Caritas processes were also prioritized and incorporated into each agenda; for example, each meeting starts with a caring moment or HeartMath’s Quick Coherence.

Importantly, they also ensured that nurses were well-represented across all core councils in the hospital. Members of the Coordinating Council were empowered to practice leadership and shared decision making by developing their expertise in reading and trending empirical outcomes, by articulating goals well in public, by collaborating with the interprofessional teams and by aligning council work with SSC’s nursing strategic plan. These efforts culminated in better governance, stronger teamwork, enhanced communication, and innovative solutions that benefited our nurses and our members. South Sacramento’s Shared Governance structure now boasts of 278 nurses across all licensed spaces within the organization.

Milanelle Guiao-Tranchina

Chair
Milanelle R. Guiao-Tranchina, BSN, RN, CMSRN, PCCN
Staff Nurse IV

Rianna Aglubat

Co-Chair
Rianna Ramos Aglubat, MSN, RN
Staff Nurse IV

Quality & Safety Council 2024 accomplishments

  • Held on-unit celebration and recognition for unit(s) 3 West, 3 East, and 4 South for SPI and safety milestones
  • Provided Patient Mobilization Education for all Patient Care Services
  • Launched the ‘Tis the Season for Quality initiative
  • Created SPHM Committee
  • Waffle mattress discontinuation
  • Created a user-friendly bed algorithm
  • Launched the Quality and Safety Newsletter
  • Provided a Sepsis Booth for patients and staff members during the weekly farmer’s market designed to increase awareness and prevention of sepsis

Sepsis Booth

The Quality & Safety Council provided education to the community, our patients, and to fellow staff members on the importance of recognizing the signs of sepsis. The booth was set up at KP South Sacramento’s weekly Farmer’s Market and provided games, kids activities, and information on “4 Ways to Get Ahead of Sepsis.” Infection prevention, practicing good hygiene, knowing sepsis symptoms, and acting fast if sepsis is suspected were all teaching points in their effort to decrease sepsis mortality rates and improve recognition and prevention of sepsis in the community.

Nursing-Practice-Council

Pictured: Archivald Zaguirre, BSN, RN, CMSRN, Bhupinder Kaur, BSN, RN, Ayumi Saito , BSN, RN, Rachel Wyatt, DNP, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, FAONL, Emiliano Zazueta, BSN, RN, PCCN, Middle: Cherry Ann Florendo-Garcia, BSN, RN, Bottom Row: Rosette Agustin, BSN, RN, NICN, Loan Vo, BSN, RN, Laura Appleby , BSN, RN

Nursing Practice Council 2024 Accomplishments

  • ED/IP collaboration: Admission kits, hospital gowns, and pillowcases are stored in the ED and given to all patients with admission orders.
  • Wellness champions subgroup developed connecting representative in multiple departments throughout the hospital in meeting NPC strategic goals, facilitated wellness huddle messages, utilizing wellness board, and collaborated with Wellness University.
  • Caritas rooms in progress on 4N; ED TBD due to expansion.
  • The People Pulse Culture of Health Index goal is 67 by the end of 2023 and 69 by the end of 2024. Goal met: 71 end of 2023
  • Iris feeding tube policy change to eliminate 2nd verifier to expedite treatment. Developed competency for RRT nurses and campus support nurses in the insertion of tube feeding.
  • Massimo adult pulse oximetry device switchover for ED and MST. This change has a projected annual cost savings of $250,000.
  • 3M CHG impregnated central line dressings to roll out when the current contractual agreement expires.
  • Community service:
  • Elk Grove Food Bank: June 5, 13, 2023.
  • Sacramento Heart/Stroke Walk: Sept 23, 2023
  • Elk Grove Food Bank: June 17, 2024
  • Sacramento Heart/Stroke Walk: September 14, 2024
  • The electrolyte replacement protocol was implemented in the MST setting, not just in the ICU.
  • Nursing Grand Rounds:
  • Ethics: April 2024
  • EBP: 2024
  • Burnout and Resiliency: December 2024
COC department photo

Pictured: Christian Chua, RN, Denie Alquisada, BSN, RN, Marcus Colon, RN, Rosette Agustin, BSN, RN, NICN, Michelle Claro, BSN, RN, Hau Ting Panoke, BSN, RN, CCRN, Bhupinder Kaur, BSN, RN, Lisa Kamphuis, Arminder Kaur, BSN, RN, Jaskaran Nijjar, BSN, RN

Professional Development Council 2024 Accomplishments

Recognition of Advanced Nursing Degrees, Certifications, and Clinical Ladder

  • Annual national certification and advanced degree recognition event successfully held.
  • Members participated in cart rounding, distributing information on how to obtain certification/advanced degrees.
  • Pins and treats were distributed to nurses with advanced qualifications.
  • Several departments have added a board dedicated to nurses with certifications/adv. degrees.

Training for Code BERT and Broset-Violence Checkist (BVC)

  • Worked closely with Nic Troxell, BSN, RN, Brandon Pace (former COO, now Rachel Wyatt), and the Workplace Violence (WPV) team to enhance educational content for Professional Development Day (PDD) and integrated into Patient Care Services Orientation (PCSO) as well.
  • Education for staff members was held via roaming carts and during the WPV fair on Oct. 18, 2024. It continues to be socialized during huddles and staff meetings.

Involvement of Clinical Nurses in Technology Use

  • Members participated in an immersive Virtual Reality Research Study, which catered to various learning styles and may enhance future simulation experiences.
  • Members attended Advanced High-Fidelity Simulation Mannequin Training with Reid Hirsch and representatives from the company.
  • Select PDC members attended a 6-part TPMG Simulator Instructor Course that began Sept. 26, 2024, to facilitate the integration of use of mannequins into simulation events.
  • Staff were trained as super-users for Vocera and training sessions were incorporated into PCSO. Continued training on functionalities of Vocera such as wound photo uploads, scanning medications, etc., is being held within individual departments and designated super-users.

SSC Tiered Mentorship Program for Clinical Nurses

  • This voluntary program aims to foster personal and professional growth, build connections, and enhance the sense of belonging amongst our nursing staff.
  • Program launched in July 2024 with successful matching of nurses based on their mentorship interests.
  • First cohort is set to conclude by end of December and ongoing promotion of the program continues for the 2nd cohort in 2025.

Evidence Based Practice and Research Council launched in 2024

The Evidence Based Practice and Research Council, chaired by Shavinderpal Sanga, MSN, RN, CNS, ACCNS-AG, GERO-BC, and co-chaired by Kevin Ho, BSN, RN, CCRN, launched in 2024 with the goal of increasing the presence of EBP and research within nursing at South Sacramento. We are excited to see the accomplishments of this important council in the near future.

Pictured: Arianne Danica Garon, BSN, RN, Joseph Zink, BSN, RN, Marie Ceballos, DNP, RN and Chris Grissom, BSN, RN. Not pictured: Timothy Schremser, BSN, RN

The TPMG Procedural Unit Practice Council, launched in July 2024, represents the Cardiac Cath Lab, GI/Endoscopy, and Interventional Radiology. As the inaugural UPC for licensed clinic areas, members conducted a needs assessment to evaluate the needs of the unit(s) and to be sure their goals represented the needs of each area.

Utilizing results from the Nursing Clinical Excellence Survey and the needs assessment, the Procedural UPC identified opportunities to:

  • improve procedural documentation, starting with “time out” procedures
  • develop an “Education Road Show” for both Peer and self-review and the new Dynamic Health platform (Lippincott replacement),
  • develop workplace wellness boards to place in each department
Mentoring---Match-Day---Larger-Group-Photo

Supporting the future of South Sacramento nursing

Pictured: Cheryl Miller EdD, BSN, RN, CHSE, CNE, NPDCE, Jaskaran Nijjar, BSN, RN, traveler, Emily Melville, BSN, RN, Leah Navarro, BSN, RN, Rebecca Pierce, BSN, RN, Vivian Huynh, BSN, RN, Heather Barden, RN, Milanelle R. Guiao-Tranchina, BSN, RN, CMSRN, PCCN, Reid Hirsch, BSN, RN, CCRN, Angela Robinson-Catara, BSN, RN, Cherry Ann Florendo-Garcia, BSN, RN, Bonnie Dabi, BSN, RN, PCCN, Rianna Ramos Aglubat, MSN, RN, Michelle Claro, BSN, RN, Harminder Sahni, BSN, RN, Leah Navarro, BSN, RN

Mentoring is a hallmark of professional practice and transformational leadership that inspires, empowers, and develops leaders at all levels of nursing. Several nurse leaders supported the future of nursing by serving as a mentor to nurses new to their practice.

“Mentorship is something that enriches one’s life in ways both professional and personal. I have found that through mentorship, you can find clarity and meaning in your own role while also serving as a guiding light to someone else. Through support, advice, and a sharing of knowledge, a mentor can positively impact the way someone learns and grows. This relationship can plant the seed for a new career path or help refine how a mentee finds success in their own endeavors. It allows me to feel like I can contribute to both the success of another, as well as make an impact on the future of nursing.”
— Mentor Carl Schroeder, MSN, RN, PCCN

Mentors

Carl Schroeder, MSN, RN, PCCN
Cheryl Miller EdD, BSN, RN, CHSE, CNE, NPDCE
Christen Straw, DNP, RN, CNL, CENP, NEA-BC
Corey Osberry, MBA, RN

Helen Singh, RN
Jamie Rivera, RN, NE-BC
Lulette Infante, MSN, RN
Nicholas Lamar, BSN, RN

Mentees

Angela Robinson-Catara, BSN, RN
Ann Albinto-Arcueno, BSN, RN, ILBCB, NICN
Bonnie Dabi, BSN, RN, PCCN,
Brandon Bert, BSN, RN
Breanna Bui, BSN, RN
Cherry Ann Florendo-Garcia, BSN, RN
Jaskaran Nijjar, BSN, RN
Jeni Bermudez, MSN, RN, CEN

Mark Mamaclay, BSN, RN
Melanie Villa, BSN, RN
Mikayla Joel Pena, BSN, RN
Navjot Kaur, BSN, RN
Rianna Ramos Aglubat, MSN, RN
Sarah Dinius, MSN, RN
Vincent Samuel, MSN, RN, CNL
Vivian Huynh, BSN, RN

SCL-Professional-Governance

Santa Clara Voice Of Nursing Professional Governance

Annually, our Coordinating Council evaluates our professional governance model and identifies opportunities for improvement. A task force of dedicated clinical nurses and nurse leaders conducted an in-depth assessment, including interviews and evaluations of the Voice of Nursing (VON) facility and unit councils. Members highlighted challenges such as inconsistent meeting times, operational obstacles, and a need for more support and alignment with projects.

The new model, aimed at enhancing participation and effectiveness, emerged from this feedback. In collaboration with the Coordinating Council, the task force developed a one-day Professional Governance model, leveraging Caring Science to connect actions through authentic caring relationships.

The Nursing Professional Governance Day, launched on February 22, 2024, occurs on the fourth Thursday of every month. It begins with a 90-minute session featuring recognition, information sharing, and education aligned with the nursing code of ethics. The day focuses on nurse-led improvements, professional growth, and development opportunities within units and across the medical center.

This new model provides time and opportunities for nurses to achieve our nursing vision, fostering a more efficient and effective healthcare environment. We are inspired by the positive impact this will have on our profession.

Innovation featured image placeholder

Empowering nurses to utilize data for change: Acquiring an antisiphon valve to enhance patient comfort and safety

Hospitals can be noisy, disrupting patients’ sleep and affecting their recovery period. Studies have shown that noise in hospitals can lead to sleep loss, which is a particular problem in the adult oncology population at KP Santa Clara. Were noisy alarms often disturbed patients receiving intravenous IV medications.

A new pump introduced at KPSCL caused excessive air-in-line alarms (AIL) leading to complaints from both nurses and patients. Despite various attempted solutions, the problem persisted, significantly impacting patient satisfaction and sleep. However, our focus on improving patient satisfaction and sleep quality provides reassurance about the goal of this proposal.

To address this issue, clinical nurses and nursing leadership identified the anti-siphon valve (ASV) as a promising solution. A literature review highlighted the potential of ASV to reduce the number of air-in-line (AIL) alarms and improve patient satisfaction, instilling hope for a resolution.

Participants: Alia Bana, MSN, RN, CNS, AG-CNS, OCN, GERO; Jennifer DeLozier Smith, DNP, CNS, CPNP PC/AC; Sarah Fried, MHA, BSN, RN, OCN; and Shaowen Zhu, BSN, RN, OCN

Meeting-Surge-Demand-CV-Services-TL

Meeting the surging demand for cardiovascular services

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the demand for cardiovascular services has surged, creating a backlog of patients awaiting surgeries in our Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR). This increase underscores the crucial need for timely access to medical care for this patient population.

In response, healthcare professionals at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara (KP SCL) launched the CV Surgical Access project. By adding a cardiovascular operating room every Tuesday for 12 months and creating flexible capacity in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) with 1-4 beds for lower acuity Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) patients, they aimed to improve access and reduce the backlog.

Their meticulous planning involved procuring necessary equipment, cross-training MICU nurses for postoperative care, and conducting case simulations. These efforts ensured that all details were accounted for and potential risks were resolved before the project launch.

On July 9, 2024, the team celebrated a significant milestone with the successful launch of a third CV operating room. This achievement reflects our collective dedication and hard work, instilling a sense of accomplishment and optimism for the future, as we continue to improve access to cardiovascular care for our patients.

Nicu-Read-a-thon-2

Neuroprotective care with the NICU Read-a-thon to benefit brain growth and development

Santa Clara Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) clinical nurses have taken extraordinary nursing care to help benefit brain growth and development.

NICU newborns are at higher risk for neurodevelopmental delays. In alignment with our mission to support our communities and promote a safe environment, NICU clinical nurses have determined the need to participate in a yearly Read-a-thon program initiative to promote healthy brain development through reading. Santa Clara Chief Nurse Executive Stacy Alves, DNP, MS, RN, NEA-BC, describes the NICU team as shining examples of what makes Kaiser Permanente great. “They have taken the empirical evidence around developmental needs of pre-term babies in the intensive care setting, integrated that with our nursing theory of Caring Science to create a reading program that meets the holistic needs of our babies and their families.”

Reading to the babies has received praise from parents, with one baby born at 23 weeks sharing, “I loved the reading program. It was great for bonding and a great tool to build familiarity with my voice for my daughter. We continue to read to her.”

The Santa Clara team presented their reading program at the National Association of Neonatal Nurses conference to spread this best practice beyond the walls of our organization, and their participation in the read-a-thon has been featured on the local news.

Hospital featured image placeholder

Measure-vention: Creating a program of formalized real-time peer to peer coaching to improve nurse sensitive outcomes

The ICU team introduced a new approach called Measure-vention in Kaiser Permanente Vacaville’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This method involves measuring care quality and providing real-time feedback between staff members to ensure high standards are maintained using evidence-based practice guidelines.

Measurement at the point of care, combined with real-time intervention (Measure-vention [MV]) can promote reliability and adherence to quality bundles. Implementation of peer-to-peer feedback using Measure-vention will improve staff engagement, increase receptiveness to feedback, and decrease HAP, HAPI, CAUTI, CLABSI, and falls in 2024.

The ICU conducted a pilot program from April to June 2024 in our 20-bed ICU Trauma unit in the hospital. During this time, 15 nurses used QR codes to answer questions about patient care practices. If any part of the care process was found to need intervention, immediate peer feedback helped address the issues.

The team saw great improvements during the pilot. Nurses became more engaged and open to feedback, and we noticed a significant drop in hospital-associated infections like pneumonia and urinary tract infections. The need for feedback interventions decreased from 60 to 39 per week, and the number of adverse events was cut in half from our target.

We learned the importance of team alignment and staff accountability. We recommend integrating Measure-vention into regular performance improvement efforts to enhance patient care quality.

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