Transformational Leadership

Sacramento Medical Center has once again proven its excellence in advanced stroke care. The Joint Commission has recertified it as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, a distinction held by only 211 hospitals nationwide. Since earning this prestigious designation in 2017, the hospital has maintained it, solidifying its role as a major referral center for advanced stroke care locally and within Northern California. 

A rigorous review by the Joint Commission surveyors followed the Comprehensive Stroke Center designation. The survey team noted several best practices, including: 

• Physician outreach to stroke patients 7 days post-discharge. 

• A dedicated patient care coordinator and social worker. 

• The Wellness After Stroke class and journey to Magnet status. 

• A pilot in the Neuro Unit to provide patients with blood pressure cuffs and education upon discharge. 

This achievement reflects the hospital’s strong culture of interdisciplinary collaboration, which is essential to delivering and maintaining the highest standard of care for patients requiring advanced medical and surgical stroke treatment. Jason Murray, MSN, RN, Quality Nurse Consultant for Stroke, highlighted the staff’s dedication to quality stroke care, stating, “Our team is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes for stroke patients. Maintaining a prestigious designation requires us to adhere to and exceed the highest standards of advanced stroke care. We are not just checking boxes—our patient outcomes are the true measure of our success.” 

Neuro Clinical Nurse Specialist Almaz Haile, MSN, RN, CCNS, CNS, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, adding, “Every department plays a critical role—from the Emergency Department, Interventional Radiology, and Pharmacy to the ICU and Transport teams. This coordinated effort ensures we deliver care promptly and effectively when every second counts.” 

The Patient Care Services (PCS) Day Away is a quarterly event designed for Assistant Nurse Managers, Managers, House Supervisors, Nursing Professional Development Specialists, and Directors to engage in learning, reflection, and team-building activities. Led by the Chief Nursing Executive, this event serves as a professional and leadership development platform through networking, skill-building, and exposure to diverse perspectives. 

During the Day Away, participants take part in interactive learning activities, including presentations, role-playing exercises, and team-building sessions. Leaders are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones by presenting on unfamiliar topics, conducting literature reviews, and sharing leadership insights. Departments are tasked with facilitating Day Away sessions, creatively enhancing each event through unique themes, games, activities, and interactive elements. 

Guest speakers—accomplished leaders from diverse industries—are invited to share their leadership journeys, providing new perspectives beyond health care. These talks highlight the challenges, inspirations, and sense of purpose inherent in leadership roles. 

Nurse leaders may face unique situations daily, from addressing clinical questions to interpreting policies. In the Day Away, a scenario based on an event that occurred in the hospital is presented and each participating team is required to do a role-playing on how they will address the scenario. These exercises are both instructive and entertaining, allowing participants to actively practice critical skills such as conflict resolution, communication, and providing feedback in a fun way. After each role-play, the directors facilitate debriefing sessions to offer constructive feedback and refine leadership strategies for addressing the scenarios presented. 

“Regardless of your position or years of experience, professional and leadership development is an ongoing process for all leaders,” says George Tutu, MSN, RN, Nursing Professional Development Director. “This event is also a valuable platform for nurse leaders to share perspectives and solutions to issues impacting their departments and staff. Each unit leaders faces unique situations but there are commonalities in the principles used on how situations are addressed or approached.”  

Filipinos comprise 1% of the U.S. population. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Filipino nurses working on the frontlines, even though they made up only 4% of the nursing workforce, comprised 30% of COVID-19 nurse deaths despite facing a resurgence of anti-Asian hate.  

In the celebration of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) Month and Nurses Week, the Greater Sacramento Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity hosted a special event to honor the contributions of Filipino American nurses. On May 15, 2024, Kaiser Permanente employees and physicians were invited to a complimentary screening of the documentary Nurse Unseen, a film highlighting Filipino nurses’ experiences during the pandemic. The documentary examined the historical context that led to the substantial presence of Filipino nurses in the U.S. The film also highlighted stories of humanity and resilience during the pandemic.   

Following the screening, a virtual panel discussion was conducted, moderated by Esperanza Chavez, MSA, BSN, RN, and the Chief Nursing Executive of Sacramento. Chavez reflected on the film and Filipino American nurses’ contributions to the U.S. health care system. “This documentary brings to light the stories of minority nurses, who have long been part of the backbone of health care in the U.S. Their dedication, resilience, and compassion are often unsung, but their impact is immeasurable. “It also highlights the stories of nurses who bravely cared for patients during the pandemic despite the uncertainties and how their culture shaped their resilience.”  

 The panel also featured the film’s director and producer, as well as Sacramento Medical Center’s Ace Delos Santos BSN, RN, and Staff Nurse IV -5th floor. During the discussion, Ace shared the challenges faced by Filipino Nurses at the bedside, away from their families, and facing the impact of the pandemic on nursing care. The event offered an opportunity to reflect on stories about resilience, culture, and diversity in nursing.  

As one of the nation’s leading health care providers, Kaiser Permanente values its diverse workforce and is committed to fostering a work environment that recognizes cultural heritage and supports the well-being of all employees and patients it serves.