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This Nurses Week, as we reflect on the theme This is the Power of Nursing Excellence, Kaiser Permanente Northern California honors 33 colleagues as 2026 Extraordinary Nurse Award recipients. Their work reflects the heart, skill, and humanity at the center of care. The 2026 Extraordinary Nurse Awards recognizes individuals from across the continuum of care — from bedside nursing and advanced practice to education, leadership, and collaboration with interprofessional colleagues. “We are proud to celebrate the 2026 Extraordinary Nurse Award honorees,” said Meghan Kielty‑Swinford, PhD, MSN, RN, CENP, interim Northern California chief nurse executive and vice president of clinical integration. “These individuals, alongside nearly 30,000 nurses across the region, demonstrate how skill, humanity, and compassion come together to show us, and our patients, the true power of nursing excellence.” Watch this video to hear from honorees about what extraordinary nursing means to them and how they demonstrate the power of nursing excellence. Congratulations to the 2026 Extraordinary Nurse Award recipients:

“Before the surgery, I carried more than a tumor on my spine,” shared a Kaiser Permanente Redwood City patient facing her first surgical experience. “I carried fear—shaped by a painful experience at another hospital. Fear of being dismissed, rushed, or unseen during the most vulnerable moment of my life.” She described walking into the hospital feeling like stepping into a storm. “I wasn’t sure I would survive.” Then she met Rochelle Keo, BSN, RN. “From the very first hour on her night shift, Rochelle’s presence changed everything for me” the patient recalled. Keo’s presence—calm, patient, and compassionate—is why she was recently honored with a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, an international recognition for nurses who provide patients and families with excellent clinical and compassionate care. Care That Changed Everything “She didn’t just complete tasks,” the patient explained. “She created safety.” Keo listened as the patient shared her anxieties and validated them. She calmly and clearly explained every medication, assessment, and next step. “Her explanations gave me back a sense of control that fear had taken away,” she said. When pain made even simple movement feel impossible, “Rochelle slowed her pace to match mine. She never made me feel rushed.” “Her gentleness made me brave,” the patient added. Keo also advocated for her patient without hesitation. “When I requested a full bath and wipe-down before surgery—a simple act that meant everything to me and my dignity—she made sure it happened.” “She helped me feel human during a vulnerable time.” Keo’s care extended to the patient’s family as well. “Rochelle took time to answer questions my family had so that they could understand, easing their anxiety while honoring my autonomy.” “She was the anchor all of us needed,” the patient wrote in her DAISY nomination. “Compassion without condescension. Patience without frustration. Clinical excellence without losing humanity.” Rooted in Purpose Keo joined Kaiser Permanente in December 2023 through the Nurse Residency Program.  Her decision to become a nurse was shaped by a deeply personal experience—her mother’s cancer diagnosis. “I was young, scared, and unfamiliar with her diagnosis,” Keo shared. “The compassion her care team showed left a lasting impact on me, and it’s something I try to give every patient and family.” To Keo, compassionate care means partnership. “It’s about giving patients a voice and taking the time to educate them,” she said. “That trust helps patients feel empowered during moments that can feel overwhelming.” Making Patients Feel Seen “I am incredibly honored to be recognized,” Keo said. “Showing up for my patients with compassion and respect is how I approach every shift.” For the patient who nominated her, Keo made all the difference when it came to their care experience at Kaiser Permanente. “She gave me comfort when I felt broken, confidence when I felt small, and peace when I felt afraid.” “I didn’t just have a nurse—I had an ally.”  

March 19 is Certified Nurses Day, a day to honor nurses who take on the challenge of earning national board certification.

“The kindness, love, and compassion they showed us will always be remembered,” said a grieving mother about the nurses who cared for her son during his more than five‑month hospitalization at the Oakland Medical Center. She shared each nurse consistently went above and beyond, offering not only exceptional care for her son but support for his family who were with him every day. When he went home to hospice care, nurses gave him cards with well wishes. She also said, “The nurses who cared for him became like family, guiding us through the most difficult time of our lives.” Her words reflect the heart of nursing practice at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, which was recently honored with the Lotus Award from the Watson Caring Science Institute. The Oakland nursing team is the latest in Kaiser Permanente Northern California to receive the Lotus Award, which celebrates organizations that bring Caring Science to life through meaningful, hands-on practices that support healing for both patients and caregivers. They join the San Rafael, Santa Clara and South Sacramento medical centers, the Sacramento Home Health team and Kaiser Permanente Caring Science Academy in receiving this honor. Caring Science is the practice of caring for people on a deeper emotional level, which helps nurses build stronger connections with patients, families, and their colleagues. “Caring Science has changed my life and how I show up for work,” said Tigist Ajibe, BSN, RN, a Caritas Coach and staff nurse IV on the 9th‑floor medical‑surgical unit in Oakland. “It’s a body and mind connection that gives me the strength to be there for my patients and coworkers.” A calming care environment In Oakland, one of the strongest examples of Caring Science in action is found on the hospital floors, where Gwendolyn Ekeh, RN, brings her wellness cart to staff during her “Caring Experience” rounding. As she moves from unit to unit, she provides 15‑minute wellness sessions that include breathing and stretching exercises, gentle massage, herbal teas, and calming mantras. “These short breaks help nurses feel less stressed and more focused during demanding shifts,” Ekeh said. Beyond rounding, she also teaches a wellness class open to all staff, demonstrating daily breathing routines, stretching techniques, lymphatic massage, and other practices to release stress and tension. Caritas Rooms also contribute to a healing environment. These quiet spaces allow nurses to take a restorative break whenever they need support during their shifts. The rooms include dim lighting, aromatherapy, water features, and comfortable seating to help staff relax and recharge. Ekeh is pictured above guiding Ajibe through a meditation and breathing exercise in the Caritas Room before she begins her shift. Integrating Caring Science in practice Caring Science is also woven into how Oakland recognizes its nurses. Since 2024, Caring Science principles have guided the selection of DAISY Award honorees. The DAISY committee uses each of the Caritas Processes to evaluate how effectively they are demonstrated in the nominations submitted. This ensures the hospital celebrates nurses who demonstrate deep compassion, presence, and connection, in addition to…

Fremont intensive care unit nurse manager Arveena Balu, MSN, RN, wanted to make patient safety inspiring. To rally the team around preventing hospital‑acquired conditions (HACs), she and the team coined the catchy phrase “HAC No.” The work went beyond slogans. Nurses led evidence‑based projects focused on preventing harm, and strengthened communication and teamwork through daily huddles, mid‑shift check‑ins, and speak‑up practices, allowing teams to address concerns in real time. “Through a strong speak‑up culture, nurses and interdisciplinary partners prioritized early and safe mobility, getting patients out of bed whenever clinically appropriate,” Balu said. The Fremont unit achieved zero hospital‑acquired pressure injuries in 2025, demonstrating the impact of nurse‑led improvement work. Celebrating Excellence in Critical Care As a result of these efforts, the Fremont unit was one of the latest to earn a Beacon Award, a national honor from the American Association of Critical‑Care Nurses. The Beacon Award recognizes units that deliver outstanding patient care while also building a healthy, supportive work environment for nurses and the entire care team. To achieve this, many served on staff‑led teams that met weekly for months to collect data, review outcomes, and write examples that showed how their daily work made a difference for patients. On Dec. 22, nurses across the region celebrated seven Kaiser Permanente Northern California units that earned a Beacon Award in 2025. In addition to Fremont, intensive care units in Sacramento, South Sacramento, Vallejo, and Vacaville, plus Sacramento’s fourth-floor telemetry unit and a cardiovascular intensive care unit in Santa Clara. Previously, the Roseville intensive care and Santa Clara cardiothoracic telemetry units earned Beacon recognition, bringing the total number of Beacon‑designated units in Northern California to nine. “Beacon-designated units are role models nationwide, and this recognition is a true testament to the dedication and expertise of Kaiser Permanente nurses and care teams,” said Toby Marsh, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, Northern California Chief Nurse Executive and Vice President of Clinical Integration. “Their commitment to quality care and patient safety makes a difference in the lives of our members and patients every day.” Building a Healthy Work Environment A key part of the Beacon journey focused on creating a place where nurses feel heard, supported, and valued. Units completed a Healthy Work Environment Assessment Tool which evaluated areas such as collaboration, staffing, leadership, and recognition on the unit. In response, many teams improved shared governance, giving nurses a stronger voice in decisions about care, equipment, and workflows. Some units introduced new tools, like safer patient‑handling beds and emergency response equipment to reduce staff injuries while improving patient care. Professional growth was also a priority. While pursuing Beacon, more nurses sought Critical Care Registered Nurse certification and enrolled in master and doctorate nursing programs. These advanced degrees strengthen bedside expertise. “Focusing on advanced education and specialty certifications shows our dedication to High Reliability principles,” said Balu. “By valuing expertise and resilience, we ensure patients receive care from highly skilled clinicians while supporting professional growth and retention.” Fremont’s chief nurse executive/chief operating officer Chris Neilson,…

Nominations for the 2026 Extraordinary Nurse Awards are now open! Each of our Kaiser Permanente nurses is extraordinary – tell us which nurse inspires you! Nominate a colleague for one of our 34 coveted annual awards by Jan. 23. This is a great chance to recognize our nurses who provide outstanding care to our members and the communities we serve. All Kaiser Permanente Northern California nurses* are eligible including RNs and LVNs who work for KFH/HP and TPMG. The 2026 Extraordinary Nurse honorees will be celebrated at an in-person reception on April 30, 2026.  Nominate a colleague here.  There is a 200-word minimum on all nominations. Once you have your nomination ready, the form only takes a few minutes to complete!  Need inspiration? Learn about our 2025 Extraordinary Nurse Award recipients here. 2026 Extraordinary Nurse Award categories: Nursing staff: Appointment and Advice Care Center Advanced Practice (including NPs and CNSs) Care Coordination (PCCCN) Continuum (Hospice, Home Health and Skilled Nursing) Emergency Department Clinical Adult Services Maternal Child Health Nursing Professional Development (NPDs and Nurse Educators) Perioperative Services Medical Offices or Outpatient Services Nurse Leader: KFH Nurse Leader of the Year (Assistant Nurse Manager, House Supervisor, Manager, Director, CNE, Quality Leader, etc.)  KFH Emerging Nurse Leader (KFH Nurse leaders in their role for less than 2 years including Assistant Nurse Managers, Managers, Directors, CNE, Quality Leader, etc.) TPMG Nurse Leader of the Year (TPMG Department Managers, Service Directors, DONCP) TPMG Emerging Nurse Leader (TPMG Nurse leaders in their role for less than 2 years including Department Managers, Service Directors, etc.) Continuum Nurse Leader of the Year (COCSD, Nurse Leaders in Home Health, Hospice, Skilled Nursing, Rehab)  Friend of Nursing: Direct Care Partner (PCT, UA, EVS, etc.) Inter-professional Colleague (MD, PT, PharmD, etc.) Thank you for taking the time to nominate a colleague!   *Nurses who have received an Extraordinary Nurse Award in the past three years are ineligible.

Congratulations to Kaiser Permanente's newest DAISY Award honorees! The DAISY Award is a way for patients and their families, along with co-workers and volunteers, to recognize the extraordinary effort and compassion that our nurses display every day. Kaiser Permanente is a national DAISY Award hospital partner, and regularly recognizes nurses, nurse leaders and teams who meet the award criteria. DAISY Nurse

Katie Rolan brings much-needed medical supplies and hospital scrubs, mostly donated by colleagues, to Kenya. The Santa Clara nurse also trains health care workers. Pictured, Rolan, who goes to Kenya twice a year to volunteer, holds up one of the donated items.