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“Cancer treatment is a trying experience. Little things make the biggest impact, and our oncology nurses are the absolute best at knowing how to make the experience more bearable,” said Anjal Pong, DNP, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, NPD-BC, CNOR, magnet director, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center. Pong feels fortunate to work alongside nurses who bring that level of compassion to every patient interaction. One of them is her colleague, Ejere Elekwachi, BSN, RN, who has worked at Kaiser Permanente for 11 years and joined the oncology team at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center in 2022. His personable demeanor, professionalism, and clinical expertise helped earn Elekwachi a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international recognition honoring exceptional nursing care. A steady and warm presence “I noticed right away that he was both highly skilled as a nurse and very good at interacting with people,” said a patient who nominated Elekwachi for a DAISY Award. Known for his warm, friendly approach, Elekwachi helps patients feel at ease while providing exceptional care. One patient who experienced that approach firsthand was recently diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “Cancer is overwhelming, so I greet patients with a smile, a positive attitude, and friendly conversation. The last thing I want to do is add to their stress,” Elekwachi said. For Elekwachi, caring for patients goes beyond treatment. “Learning about their interests, careers, and lives outside of cancer helps form connections, making the experience more personal and supportive,” he said. Attention to every detail “He took more time than others when accessing my chemo port, making sure everything was positioned comfortably and wouldn’t be pulled if I moved,” the patient shared. “I don't rush when accessing a patient’s port,” Elekwachi stated. “I take the time to numb the area, secure a comfortable dressing, and ensure patients can move comfortably throughout their treatment.” This attention to detail is central to Elekwachi's approach to nursing. “I put myself in the patient’s shoes,” he added. “I ask myself how I would want to be treated if I were receiving chemotherapy.” Answering the call to care “I began working as a pharmacy technician and soon realized I was drawn to a more direct role in patient care,” Elekwachi shared. “When I transitioned to a patient care technician, I discovered how much I enjoyed working with patients.” “Watching people arrive seriously ill and leave stronger, healthier, and ready to return home confirmed that nursing was the right path for me,” Elekwachi said. Looking ahead “Whether it’s building relationships, helping a patient connect with a family member, assisting with everyday needs, or ensuring comfort during treatment, nurses should approach every interaction with compassion, expertise, and attention to detail,” Elekwachi said. “Earning a DAISY Award is especially meaningful because the patient who nominated me is now in remission,” he shared.

“From the moment Whitney received my mom as a patient, she treated her like family,” said the daughter of a patient who was hospitalized after a fall. Inspired by the care her mother received, the patient's daughter nominated Whitney Moore, BSN, RN, LVN, for The DAISY Award®, an international recognition for exceptional nursing care. A staff nurse in the medical-surgical unit at Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center, Moore credits her approach to simple but meaningful acts of connection. “I gave my patient my full attention by listening carefully and maintaining eye contact,” she said. Moore has been with Kaiser Permanente for seven years and a registered nurse for the past two. Care patients never forget “My patients may not recall every medical detail, but they will remember how I made them feel,” said Moore. To help patients feel comfortable and supported, Moore begins each visit by introducing herself and taking time to understand each patient's needs and concerns. “Are you in pain? Is there anything I can do for you right now? Do you need water? Do you need to use the bathroom?” she asks. “By addressing immediate needs, I help patients feel seen and heard. I also partner with patients to set daily goals that support their recovery.” When Moore’s patient was admitted after a fall that left her with limited mobility, her goal was to take a bath. Moore's goal was to help her sit at the edge of the bed, an important first step toward rebuilding her strength and independence. The care Moore provided left a lasting impression on the patient and her family. “She was the first nurse to bathe my mother,” the patient’s daughter said. “It refreshed her spirit and restored a sense of dignity during a very difficult time.” Building trust through open communication “Have you ever been in a hospital and felt like just another number?” Moore asked. “I want every patient to feel seen, heard, and cared for, not like they’re simply the next person in line.” For Moore, this means open communication. “Before administering a new medication, I explain what it is, why it has been prescribed, and what patients can expect after taking it,” she said. “I also walk them through their options and answer questions so they can feel comfortable with their treatment plan.” She also keeps patients informed about their discharge plans, whether they are ready to go home or need additional care, such as physical therapy. “I’m honest and transparent with my patients, just as I’d want someone to be with my loved one,” Moore said. Why nursing is her purpose Moore’s approach to nursing was shaped by her brother, who became paralyzed when he was 22 years old. “I recall my brother’s nurses saying things that made him feel more like a burden than a person,” said Moore. “Patients deserve kindness, respect, and to be treated as individuals, especially during difficult moments.” That philosophy guides her today and helped earn her a DAISY Award early in…

“Reyzell cares for some of our most critically ill patients — such as people suffering from heart attacks and organ failure,” said Patrick Shane, Mendoza’s former manager and a Kaiser Permanente nurse manager. An 11-year Kaiser Permanente employee, Reyzell Mendoza, BSN, RN, is a staff nurse II in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) at the Santa Clara Medical Center. “She maintains a calm, steady presence that reassures both patients and families,” said Shane. That reassurance is needed in the CVICU, where monitors, alarms, and life-support equipment surround families. Mendoza regularly pulls up a chair, explains what is happening, and answers questions. “I avoid medical jargon and explain things in simple, everyday language that families can easily understand,” said Mendoza. The compassion, clinical expertise, and professionalism Mendoza shows her patients earned her a nomination from Shane and a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international honor recognizing nurses who provide exceptional patient care. Proactive care at every step “Even in highly stressful situations, Reyzell anticipates her patient’s needs and ensures they’re treated with respect and dignity,” said Shane. “It’s important for nurses to stay one step ahead rather than react to issues as they arise,” said Mendoza. “Doing so helps patients recover safely and gives families confidence throughout the process.” Before her first patient arrives, Mendoza has already reviewed their chart, studied test results, and planned the next phase of their care. She helps families understand recovery milestones and what to expect in the days ahead. Never far from the bedside Due to the severity of the conditions treated in the CVICU, nurses typically care for only one or two patients at a time. “Some of my patients aren’t used to being in the hospital, so I let them know when I need to step away to care for another patient,” said Mendoza. “I check on them often and even seeing me walk by their room can be reassuring.” “Whether it’s opening a curtain or simply stopping by to say hello, small check-ins help patients feel cared for and not alone,” she added. Providing comfort when it matters most “Reyzell advocates for comfort measures that make a meaningful difference,” explained Shane. Earlier this year, she cared for a patient who was nearing the end of his life. After his wife told her he loved spiritual music, she filled his room with songs that comforted him. She also helped his wife arrange transportation to a mortuary, which was two hours away. “It was one less thing for her to worry about during an incredibly difficult time,” shared Mendoza. Bringing your best self to every patient “My mentor once told me, ‘Choose work you would do even if you weren’t getting paid.’ I’ve always enjoyed spending time with older adults, which inspired me to become a caregiver while working toward a nursing career,” said Mendoza. “Receiving a DAISY Award is incredibly meaningful because it reinforces that I’m doing what I’m meant to do — caring for others,” she added. To recharge, Mendoza…

"In our work, it's essential to have people you can lean on. That's why the Emergency Department Director Leadership Academy (EDDLA) is so valuable. When we come together, we create a community," said Brandie Cherry, RN, BSN, MHA, Director, Emergency Services and Hospital-Based Services, Kaiser Permanente Sacramento. Every October, 21 emergency department (ED) directors from Kaiser Permanente Northern California gather for the EDDLA, a full-day, in-person program aimed at enhancing leadership skills and promoting collaboration. October 2025 marked the third year of the EDDLA. "As the creator and facilitator of the EDDLA, my goal is to create intentional space for ED directors to focus on leadership growth beyond daily operational demands and to strengthen connections across the region," stated Tracy Broce, DNP, RN, CNS, CEN, Regional Director, Strategy and Programs, The Permanente Medical Group. Investing in growth to keep KP the best The 2025 EDDLA focused on strengthening leadership skills, improving communication, and promoting resilience. A highlight of the event was a presentation from a chief administrative officer on communicating effectively with senior leaders. Directors learned practical strategies for framing ideas and highlighting their impact. "I left the EDDLA with actionable tips — like using data to craft compelling narratives, choosing action‑oriented language, and creating attention‑grabbing headlines," said Cherry. Kimberly Adams, MSN, RN, former ED service line director, Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center, has attended the academy since its inception and continues to find the content valuable. She noted that topics such as financial stewardship are especially essential for ED leaders. "The academy gave me a clearer understanding of how to meet financial parameters without compromising patient care," Adams said. "We explored the organization's financial landscape and learned how to make informed decisions that balance efficiency with high‑quality care." Sharing knowledge, building community Emphasizing the value of informal connection, Broce explained, "We set aside an hour for lunch so directors can relax and talk about things unrelated to work." Lunch included informal activities, such as one director leading a painting activity. "Each participant created a canvas to take home—it was a wonderful way to spark creativity and strengthen team bonds," Broce said. Leadership development Last year, the academy introduced survival stories, a session where directors shared strategies for maintaining balance in high‑pressure roles. As part of this session, Adams led "Surviving to Thriving," highlighting resilience, staff alignment, and trust — lessons shaped by her leadership during the COVID‑19 pandemic. She also recommended incorporating the Omotenashi principle, a Japanese cultural concept that emphasizes anticipating others' needs before they are expressed, into ED's processes. "The Omotenashi principle helps create a psychologically safe environment that promotes a sense of belonging and trust," Adams said. To better anticipate employees' needs, Adams suggested that EDs proactively develop FAQs or quick-reference guides ahead of major projects or initiatives. Providing these resources in advance can help reduce uncertainty and ease the transition for new staff. She also shared several practical resilience strategies, including taking occasional full days off to unplug, pausing to breathe before responding to stressful…

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a serious condition defined by excessive bleeding of the birthing patient after childbirth, resulting in blood loss of 1 liter or more. PPH is the second leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, according to the California Department of Public Health. “We knew we wanted to reduce the chance of hemorrhage with postpartum patients. It’s one thing to hear the numbers, and it is another thing to see the impact hemorrhages have on our patients,” said Hannah Fox, RN, perinatal quality nurse consultant, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco (KPSF). Seeing the impact of PPH cases at the KPSF Medical Center, the Perinatal Patient Safety Committee & Quality Department is focused on initiatives to reduce PPH rates, especially among patients who undergo cesarean deliveries. The team recently shared this evidence-based project at the Research and Innovation Academy conference to highlight how they are implementing new procedures and processes to reduce the hemorrhage rate and its effects. Focused efforts and teamwork “By fostering strong teamwork and promoting timely interventions, our team has significantly improved outcomes, reduced mortality and morbidity, and enhanced care quality for birthing people,” said Jessi Ford, MBA, BSN, RN, RNC-OB, maternal child health nursing director, KPSF. KPSF’s approach includes structured checklists, team huddles, staff education, and regular simulations to prepare for real-world scenarios. For example, to help reduce PPH rates, the committee included the use of a secondary intravenous (IV) line on the checklists. “The use of a second IV line helps patients who experience a hemorrhage and need additional fluids,” said Nancy Rivera, DNP, MSN, CNS, RN, perinatal clinical nurse specialist, KPSF. Routine audits of the checklists help track performance and identify opportunities for ongoing improvement. “It’s inspiring to know that our strategies and tools are making a real difference,” states Rivera. “They allow us to focus on sustainability and future success.” A key part of this success is prioritizing the voices of frontline nurses. Their insights help proactively find risks and implement preventive strategies before a hemorrhage occurs. Impact and outlook Within one year, KPSF’s PPH rate dropped by 2.3%. “To see the drive and change to reduce our hemorrhage rates is rewarding,” said Fox. “Every percentage point drop means we’ve successfully prevented a patient from experiencing a hemorrhage,” she concluded.