Through partnerships with academic centers and the UCSF Middle Management Institute, many of our nurses have the opportunity to be mentors and mentees. Several nurses have advanced in their roles to leadership positions via the professional governance pathway.
Anjal Pong, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CNOR pictured above with mentee Min Kim, BSN, RN. Min was a clinical nurse prior to becoming an Asst. Nurse Manager, and is now serving as an interim Nurse Manager. Min participated as the lead for the Oakland “Courageous ANMs” committee, the lead for the regional Community of ANM Practice and in the Middle Management Institute for ANMs. Min is the recipient of the Nurse Scholars Academy academic sponsorship and is currently pursuing her MSN at the University of San Francisco School of Nursing and Health Professions.
“I had the wonderful opportunity to stretch into the nurse manager role and have been loving it. Couldn’t have done it without the support of my mentor Anjal, and the rest of the manager team. It was extra difficult as I had just begun my master’s program full time, but I am super happy with the decision to further myself.”
Gena Mathers, BSN, MSN, RN
Gena was an active leader in the ICU Unit Practice Committee and led the Legacy Committee. She was the Chair of the Oakland Professional Governance Coordinating Council before transitioning to Assistant Nurse Manager of the ICU.
“My leadership journey has been shaped by the inspiration I’ve drawn from leaders like the ICU team, our Adult Services Director, and my experience in the Kaiser Oakland Magnet journey. Their example motivated me to pursue my master’s degree and take on leadership opportunities within Kaiser Oakland. Through my preceptorship, I gained a deeper appreciation for nursing and saw firsthand the critical role leaders play in ensuring both staff and patients are supported. I continue grow both personally and professionally through my new role. “
Ehime Agbonkonkon, MSN, BS, PHN, RN
Ehime began her healthcare journey at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center over twenty years ago. Ehime currently holds the position of Assistant Nurse Manager for 10N and serves as an advisor to the core Quality and Safety Council. Prior to stepping into her new role, Ehime chaired the 10 North Unit Practice Council and the Departmental Quality Committee (DQC).
“I am truly blessed to be a part of the incredible journey at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center (KP-OMC), I feels akin to joining this captivating story, with each chapter offering new opportunities for growth, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence. I am deeply thankful to those who have envisioned me as a key player in Kaiser’s success story. My commitment to professional development is the subplot that weaves throughout, exemplified by continuous learning and certifications, I am excited about the prospect of contributing my comprehensive skills and experience.”