Kaiser Permanente Northern California (NCAL) is at the forefront of surgical innovation, with nurses and surgical technologists (STs) playing a pivotal role in advancing robotic surgery, which offers benefits for patients, including smaller incisions, reduced pain, and faster recovery times.
“This advanced technology requires highly skilled perioperative staff to ensure optimal outcomes,” said Jenny Mendenhall, MSN, RN, CHSE, CNOR, NCAL lead perioperative consultant. “Partnering with industry leaders, we developed a comprehensive training program that focuses on theoretical knowledge and hands‑on experience.”
In June, Mimi Nguyen, RN, Nursing Professional Development Practitioner at Kaiser Permanente San Francisco, piloted the first robotic “Train the Trainer” Kaiser Permanente NCAL training event.
The “Train the Trainer” program empowers experienced nurses and STs to become educators in their respective departments,” said Nguyen.
By equipping these nurses and STs with advanced robotic skills and teaching methodologies, Kaiser Permanente NCAL aims to create a sustainable pipeline of qualified robotic team members.
Another initiative is the regional robotic surgery program which provides hands‑on instruction and simulation to nurses, STs, and Sterile Processing Technicians (SPDs). The staff rotate through robotic stations to learn about the patient’s experience, the surgeon’s perspective, and troubleshooting the robot.
Ruth Leong, RN, who works at the Modesto Medical Center participated in the regionwide training, and said “I now have more knowledge, and am better equipped to answer questions from patients and their families about their robot‑assisted surgeries.”
“By investing in the professional development of our nursing and perioperative workforce, we are ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality care, delivered by highly skilled and knowledgeable clinicians,” said Mendenhall.