Transformational Leadership

The air buzzed with energy on October 16, 2024, as the Safe Patient Handling (SPH) Fair unfolded in alongside Rachel Grigg and Crystal Goff, showcased the perfect blend of innovation, collaboration, and education, all in the name of patient and staff safety. 

The fair featured hands-on demonstrations and practical skills training. Joanna Nielson, RN, a dedicated safety officer, worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success, while Raul Valderrama, BSN, RN, led engaging sessions on mobile lift usage. Attendees explored advanced equipment, including patient transfer aids, and practiced ergonomic techniques to prevent injuries. Engineering demonstrated evacuation chair functionality, while Bio-Med educated staff on equipment tagging. Security introduced safety initiatives and their new teams, promoting a secure workplace environment. 

This year, Chief Nurse Executive Juanita Jularbal-Walton DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC elevated the event by introducing a strategic initiative aimed at reinforcing safety in the workplace. Her commitment created a unified sense of purpose that transcended the day’s activities. 

With interactive learning, staff were empowered to improve their safe patient handling practices. The SPH Fair 2024 was more than an event; it was a collective movement toward safer, smarter patient care. 

On October 29, 2024, Kaiser Permanente nurses Poonam Singh BSN, RN PHN and Jica Naval BSN, RN SNIV participated in the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano’s Second Annual Staff Health and Wellness Fair in Fairfield. This event brought together diverse vendors and resources aimed at promoting holistic well-being for Food Bank employees, emphasizing physical, mental, emotional, and social health. 

The involvement of clinical nurses reflected Kaiser Permanente’s deep commitment to community health. Representing the Voice of Nursing (VON), their participation extended beyond a simple outreach effort—it fostered meaningful connections with shared values and initiatives central to both organizations. Their dedicated table served as a hub for engagement, where attendees gained insights into health resources and received answers to health-related questions. Poonam noted, “This opportunity allowed me to better understand the community’s needs and how nurses can provide essential resources. It also deepened my understanding of the positive experiences KP members have with our services.” 

For Jica, the fair was equally impactful. “I was inspired by the thoughtful initiatives the Food Bank showcased, such as their Workplace Safety and Equity Committees, which closely align with our own programs at Kaiser Permanente Vallejo. Seeing these shared commitments to care and compassion was truly energizing.” 

As a member of the Food Bank’s Board of Directors, our Chief Nurse Executive Juanita Jularbal-Walton DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC exemplifies the shared mission of advancing health equity and wellness. Together, Kaiser Permanente and the Food Bank continue to build bridges between healthcare and the community it serves. 

Behind every successful hospital lies a team of dedicated professionals whose tireless work ensures smooth operations and exceptional patient care. Recently, the Campus Support Nurses (CSNs) were honored with the prestigious Victory Award for their contributions to the hospital’s 5 Star Discharge Information composite in Patient Experience, recognizing their remarkable contributions to teamwork, safety, and outcomes. This accolade shines a spotlight on the pivotal role CSNs play in facilitating seamless patient transitions and hospital efficiency. 

CSNs are the backbone of throughput, supporting discharges, admissions, and transfers. They do not carry assigned patient loads, allowing them to focus on creating admittable beds, assisting with clinical procedures, and addressing critical needs. They are collaborators, problem-solvers, and patient safety advocates. 

Their impact is deeply personal. Angelica Ojascastro, BSN, RN, SNIII, flagged a prescription for ibuprofen for a patient on blood thinners, recognizing the risk of bleeding and coordinating with pharmacy staff to ensure a safer alternative. Jica Naval, BSN, RN, SNIV, stepped in during a discharge to provide more detailed dietary guidance. By collaborating with a dietitian and social worker, Jica ensured the patient and caregiver felt fully prepared for recovery at home. 

Patricia Solis, ADN, RN, considers CSNs as the last set of eyes on patients before discharge, they take extra moments to address concerns, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and reassure patients with the information that matters most. 

For the CSNs, the Victory Award is more than recognition. “This award reminds us that the work we do matters,” Angelica shared. Patricia added, “Knowing I’ve made a difference gives me immense pride in the quality of care I provide.” 

Eugenia “Gene” Ventura, MSN, RN, AMSN has distinguished herself as a transformational leader and innovator in nursing, leaving a lasting impact through her work on the 7th edition of the Scope and Standards of Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice. By shaping Standard XII: Caring Across the Lifespan and Standard XIII: Critical Thinking, she infused the publication with practical insights that bridge the gap between theory and bedside care, advancing nursing standards nationwide. 

Gene’s journey from frontline staff nurse and VON Tri-Chair to Assistant Nurse Manager (ANM) has provided her with a well-rounded perspective, enabling her to champion patient-centered care while supporting her team. She excels at identifying resource challenges and dismantling barriers, ensuring both patient safety and optimal outcomes. 

As a contributor to this national publication, Gene collaborated with multidisciplinary experts, broadening her expertise in critical thinking and expanding her visibility within the nursing profession. This experience has further fueled her passion for research, including pioneering areas like artificial intelligence in nursing. 

 Guided by Magnet principles, she embodies the spirit of inquiry, evidence-based decision-making, and collaboration. Her leadership inspires peers and sets a standard of excellence that resonates across her organization. Through her work, Gene exemplifies the power of advocacy and innovation in elevating nursing practice and mentoring future leaders. 

 To view the publication: 

https://amsn.org/Publications/Scope-and-Standards 

In July 2024, Vallejo Medical Center proudly celebrated the first anniversary of achieving Magnet designation, marking its place in history as the first Kaiser Permanente hospital in Northern California to earn this prestigious honor. This milestone reflects the dedication, innovation, and profound commitment of every nurse in the hospital.  

The celebration began with apple ciders in the hospital lobby, a heartfelt nod to the warm welcome extended to our Magnet appraisers a year ago. The event was graced by Regional CNE Toby Marsh MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, Juanita Jularbal-Walton DNP, MBA, RN, NEA-BC (CNE), and Dr. Norman Absar, who helped set a festive and reflective tone for the day. 

The celebration continued with a Magnet Expo, spearheaded by the Voice of Nursing (VON) under the leadership of Samantha Avecilla, MSN, RN CNL, CRRN one of our new tri-chairs, and skillfully organized by Marisa Flores, BSN, RN, SNIII, who designed the layout and logistics for the event. The expo highlighted transformative projects from units across the hospital, showcasing inspiring posters and presentations that fostered collaboration and innovation. Attendees explored the exhibits and participated in reflection exercises, answering the question: “If you were a nurse leader for a day, what would you do or change aside from staffing?” Insights from these responses captured key areas like resources, communication, and team building, providing valuable input ahead of our Nurse Excellence Survey.  

 Recognizing that not all staff could attend the expo, ice creams were distributed across the hospital, ensuring everyone felt included in the celebration. Toby and Nita personally connected with staff, expressing gratitude for the dedication that earned our Magnet designation. 

This event exemplified how to leverage moments of triumph to drive continuous improvement. By combining celebration with meaningful data collection, we are shaping a brighter future for our teams and patients. As we reflect on this remarkable year, we remain inspired by what we have accomplished and excited for the work ahead. Here is to a year of Magnet excellence and the many milestones yet to come! 

Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center celebrates the outstanding achievements of Eileen Lang MSN, RN and Karla Gutierrez, recipients of the Nursing Operations Director of the Year and The Guiding Light Award, respectively, from the Northern California Patient Care Services Performance Team. 

Eileen Lang’s transformational leadership and operational expertise positioned Vallejo as a regional leader in Hours Per Patient Day (HPPD) for 2024. Her ability to align resources with strategic priorities, while maintaining cost-efficiency and delivering high-quality patient care, serves as a benchmark for excellence. “Eileen’s actions and presence yield quantitative outcomes,” noted Randy Williams, Regional Director PCS Performance. “Her leadership and willingness to share knowledge have inspired peers across Northern California’s 21 medical centers.”  

Karla Gutierrez, Vallejo’s Staffing Office Manager, was recognized for her remarkable expertise in fostering collaboration, standardizing processes, and elevating team engagement. Her contributions to recoding, onboarding, and operational consistency have driven meaningful improvements. “Karla’s leadership inspires confidence and enables others to excel,” said Michelle Pavano, Regional Director PCS Process Improvement. “Her mentorship and dedication make her an exemplary leader.” 

These awards underscore Vallejo Medical Center’s commitment to operational excellence and collaborative leadership in Northern California healthcare. Their achievements set a gold standard for the organization.