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When you work with Gabrielle Fandelle, there's an undeniable sense of relief. Known for her expertise, compassion, and teamwork, Fandelle has become a vital part of the Sacramento Appointment and Advice Care Center (AACC) at Kaiser Permanente. Her colleagues describe her as someone who brings knowledge and strength to the workplace — qualities that earned her the 2024 Extraordinary Nurse honor. Gabrielle Fandelle, MSN, CNS, RN, AMB-BC, is an Advice Nurse, Charge Nurse III at Kaiser Permanente Sacramento's AACC, and a 10-year employee of Kaiser Permanente. Inspiration for Nursing Having been a nurse for 16 years, Fandelle embodies the essence of nursing. For her, the profession is deeply personal. "Caring for the body, mind, and soul is one of the most fundamental needs we have as humans," she says. Her journey into nursing began with a desire to provide comfort and healing during life's most vulnerable moments. Over the years, she has found inspiration in the patients she serves and her resilience and dedication to her fellow nurses. Over her tenure at Kaiser Permanente, Fandelle has become known for her ability to connect deeply with patients and colleagues alike. As an Advice Nurse, she brings warmth and compassion to every interaction, ensuring members and their families feel heard and cared for. From the first phone call to the final recommendation, Fandelle provides a comprehensive assessment that integrates the patient's health history, symptoms, and personal concerns. Her clear, concise communication with physicians and specialists and understanding of complex resources ensure the safest outcomes for every patient. Leading with Purpose As a leader, Fandelle believes in empowering others. She fosters an environment where her team feels supported and heard, knowing collaboration is key to delivering exceptional care. Her role often involves mentoring new nurses and offering guidance as they transition into their roles at the advice center. Weekly group meetings with new hires provide a space for open conversations about challenges, mental well-being, and finding balance. For Fandelle, these interactions are more than routine—they're an opportunity to mentor and nurture the next generation of nursing professionals. Delivering Care Excellence Fandelle takes great pride in her role within the AACC, recognizing its importance in Kaiser Permanente's larger vision of health and wellness. "Every interaction we have, whether with patients or each other, contributes to meaningful change and an opportunity for a positive outcome. One interaction at a time," she says. Her passion for nursing is matched only by her commitment to her team and patients. Whether supporting new nurses, guiding a patient through a complex care plan, or collaborating with a high-level team to ensure patient safety, Fandelle continues to set the bar for excellence.  

"In the last few years, Ayra elevated our department's culture of safety and expeditious care to a much higher echelon — beyond the standard," said Leo Ruel Eusebio, MSN, MHA, RN, CEN, CPEN, Emergency Department service director, Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center. Ayra Dee, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, is a staff nurse IV in the Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center Emergency Department and a 23-year employee. Inspiration for Nursing   "I was fascinated with medical science and its impact on caring for others. I can make a meaningful difference by helping others and understanding how their bodies function," said Dee. "My nursing colleagues are also a constant source of inspiration. They show immense dedication, compassion, and resilience. I admire how they manage the demands of patient care while remaining empathetic. From their communication with patients to their collaboration in solving problems, I learn something new from them every day," added Dee. Leading with Purpose  "I lead with purpose by prioritizing the well-being of my patients in everything I do. Whether I am working directly with patients or collaborating with colleagues, my focus is on achieving positive outcomes and ensuring that every decision aligns with the best interests of my patients," explained Dee. "The quality initiatives that Ayra has proposed, along with her enthusiasm for creating a safer environment for both patients and staff, have a significant impact," said Eusebio. In 2023, Ayra served on the pediatric committee, where she played a key role in the Pediatric Medication Safety initiative and the successful implementation of our Pediatric Asthma Protocol. "I provided training to the staff on how to assess asthma severity using the Pediatric Asthma score and on the proper application of the protocol," said Dee. "This led to accurate assessments for our patients." Delivering Care Excellence   "I take some time to think about why I became a nurse and how my work aligns with what truly matters to me. When I connect with my 'why,' I show up with passion, energy, and commitment, which makes a real difference in the care I give my patients," shared Dee. "I'll never forget the day Ayra cared for two critically ill patients while our emergency department  was bustling with activity. The place was packed, with patients filling every corner and inpatients waiting for longer-term placements," said Eusebio. "That day, we hit our highest score on the National Emergency Department Overcrowding Scale (NEDOCS)," Eusebio recalled. "Despite all the chaos, Ayra didn't let the challenges stop her. She stayed calm, focused, and dedicated, providing exceptional care while guiding the department through a challenging situation." "Ayra is an extraordinary nurse and an everyday hero. What matters most to her is ensuring she does not harm and, ultimately, saving and making a positive difference in her patients' lives," emphasized Eusebio.

Two recent reunions reconnected staff with families grateful for the care of their children during a vulnerable time.

“Salvacion is a shining example of an outstanding nurse,” says a colleague at the Santa Clara Medical Center who nominated her for the award. “Her unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of our patients and their families serves as an inspiration to her colleagues.” Salvacion Romero, BSN, RN, a staff nurse IV in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at the Santa Clara Medical Center, was named a 2024 Extraordinary Nurse for Maternal Child Health. Romero has worked at the medical center for 22 years and is recognized for leading the Santa Clara NICU team participation in the Babies with Books international read-a-thon last year, surpassing 192 NICUs worldwide to secure first place in the annual event. Inspiration for Nursing From a young age, Romero dreamed of becoming a nurse, with her mother helping fuel her desire to care for others. “She always told me all about nursing and said I had the characteristics of a nurse,” shared Romero. As an older sister, and now a mom of three kids, she loves caring for babies. “There’s nothing like being a NICU nurse,” she said. Leading with Purpose “It’s all about being a team player,” said Romero. “Everybody in the NICU is extraordinary, always going the extra mile every single time to care for the babies and their parents.” Delivering Care Excellence Romero provides the best care possible by ensuring the vital signs are stable, keeping babies in her care safe, and helping them meet their growth, developmental, and nutritional needs. Under Romero’s guidance, the Santa Clara NICU recorded an impressive 1,151 reading sessions over seven days, significantly contributing to the well-being of the premature babies in their care. Colleagues share that this initiative not only highlights Romero’s dedication to excellence but also underscores her understanding of the critical role that compassion, teamwork, and patient-centered care play in healthcare. The reading program extends beyond the annual competition and is a standard practice in the Santa Clara NICU. “I enjoy talking and reading to the babies,” shared Romero.

When a patient suffered a catastrophic stroke and could not go home, an Oakland nurse jumped into action to save and then adopt a dog left behind. Pictured, Rebecca Murphy, RN, and Zeus on the day she adopted him from a Northern California animal shelter.

“Veronica is a dynamic, high-energy leader. She always places the utmost priority on her patients and their families, embodying compassion, teamwork, excellence, integrity, and patient- and family-centric care in every facet of her leadership,” said Nicole Gilmore, RN, former Assistant Nurse Manager at the Walnut Creek Medical Center. Veronica Hernandez Carvajal, MBA, BSN, RN, was named a 2024 Extraordinary Nurse, Emerging Nurse Leader and serves as the Assistant Nurse Manager in the Intensive Care Unit at the Walnut Creek Medical Center, where she has worked since 2021. Inspiration for Nursing Shortly after her family moved to the United States, Carvajal's mother experienced a severe asthma attack. During that time, she was touched by a nurses’ care. “A critical care nurse went above and beyond to explain her condition and reassure me that my mom would be okay,” Carvajal said. “That moment gave me hope and comfort when I needed it most, and I promised myself I would pay it forward by becoming a nurse and offering that same compassion to others.” Leading with Purpose Carvajal leads with purpose by being an active and present member of the nursing team each day. “I start by clearly communicating our daily goals, setting expectations for compassionate care, and making myself readily available to support my team’s needs,” she said. Delivering Care Excellence “Compassion is the heartbeat of Veronica's leadership style,” said Gilmore, who nominated Carvajal for the award. “While she maintains an energetic persona, she never loses sight of the human aspect of health care.” Carvajal encourages her team to embrace kindness and create meaningful, caring moments with each patient. “I understand firsthand the impact of these moments, as I was once a scared daughter, wishing for more time with my mother. Those small acts of kindness can leave lasting impressions, and I strive to make sure our patients experience that same comfort and empathy,” she said.

Two Kaiser Permanente Northern California nurse leaders were inducted in the 2024 Class of Fellows of The American Academy of Nursing at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference held recently in Washington, DC. Among the group of a distinguished nurse leaders being inducted for their substantial and sustained impact on health and health care were Sharon Hampton, PhD, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, WCSI Caritas Coach®, Chief Nurse Executive at the San Leandro Medical Center (pictured left above); and Elizabeth Scruth, PhD, MPH, RN, CNS, CCRN, CCNS, FCCM, FCNS CPHQ, Northern California Executive Director of Clinical Quality Programs, Data Analytics and Tele-Critical Care (pictured right above). Fellows of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) represent nursing’s most accomplished leaders in policy, research, administration, practice, and academia. Hampton is recognized for her lifelong dedication to advancing equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging (EIDB) principles in health care, and her unwavering commitment to being a voice and advocate for historically excluded populations. Her research exploring how nurses contribute to inequities has garnered national and internal recognition. As a nurse leader, Hampton is committed to transformational and inclusive leadership. Her work embedding EIDB principles and the Watson Caring Science Theory into nursing education/practice, provide nurses the common language to achieve their higher purpose and transform their practice from knowing and doing to providing the caring-healing environment. “My life’s work, rooted in my PhD research, is centered on ameliorating health inequities,” said Hampton. “The FAAN nomination and induction represents the culmination of my efforts to address the complex challenges within our health systems and to co-create a more equitable and caring future in health care.” Scruth, who has been with Kaiser Permanente for over 30 years, said the designation as a FAAN is humbling. “I am very honored to have been recognized and acknowledged for my contributions to nursing and the scientific community,” she said. “The accomplishments, outcomes and level of impact required to have demonstrated to be inducted is significant and takes many years to achieve.” Scruth’s career as a nurse began at the bedside in the ICU. She became a Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist and served in various leadership roles within the organization before joining the Northern California Quality team. She has also served on the Certification Board of the American Association of Critical Care Nurses for 8 years. Throughout her nursing career spanning 2 continents, Scruth has continued to focus on research, including co-authoring published international guidelines for family-centered care in the neonatal, pediatric, and adult ICU, and best practices in tele-critical care. Congratulations Drs. Hampton and Scruth!

When nurses at the Sacramento Medical Center restructured their professional governance council late last year, the projects they took on quickly made an impact on the organization. Over 70 nurses from units throughout the medical center participate in councils focused on quality, safety, care experience, professional development, evidence-based practice and wellness. “This diverse group of staff nurses are the decision-making body over nursing practice at our medical center,” said Joel Mallari, DNP, RN, ACNS-BC, NPD-BC, NEA-BC, Magnet Program Director at the Sacramento Medical Center. Among some of the projects they have implemented through the councils were a new inpatient fall precaution bundle. After discovering the socks worn by patients at-risk for falls were a different color in the emergency department and inpatient units, the Quality Council decided to standardize the fall bundle which resulted in more streamlined and consistent practice across the facility. Using data and evidence showing that 98% of patients cared for in Sacramento were adults, the Quality Council researched, and in partnership with Supply Chain, recommended a new pulse oximeter to be rolled out for use across the medical center to improve their practice. “The transition was seamless because nurses were involved in the process,” said Mike Eizikowitz, Sr. Manager, Supply Chain. “It was the right thing to do to provide the best care for our patients, and also provided substantial cost-savings for the organization.” Nurse engagement soars Quality Council Chair Alana Martin, MSN, RN, an ICU staff nurse II, says nurses are more engaged in learning about council projects, and collaborating with nurses from other units. “Gathering monthly for our council meetings helps foster relationships with nurses we might not otherwise cross paths with during our daily work or have the opportunity to learn from.” “There is a heightened appreciation of what the governance council does to support nurses and patients,” added Mallari.  He’s also finding nurses are now more interested in participating in committee work and advancing up the clinical ladder. Results of the recent RN Excellence Survey demonstrate nurse engagement and satisfaction in Sacramento outperformed national benchmarks, a significant step as they work towards Magnet designation. “It’s exciting to see nurse engagement soar at the Sacramento Medical Center,” said Esperanza Chavez, MSA, BSN, RN, Chief Nurse Executive. “It’s about nurses owning their practice and making decisions on the practice of nursing – and providing the best care to our members and communities across Sacramento.”

“Dorothy Laine exemplifies what a caring, equitable, extraordinary nurse should be,” said a colleague who nominated her for the award.  Dorothy Laine, RN, is a staff nurse II in the Center for Laser Surgery Department at the Union City Medical Offices and a 40-year Kaiser Permanente employee. Inspiration for Nursing Since she was a child, Laine wanted to become a nurse. "My parents supported and fostered my interests by exposing me to hospitals, paramedics, and more. I also was born and raised as a Kaiser Permanente member," said Laine. Leading with Purpose “I lead with purpose by treating my patients as if they were family,” said Laine. Laine has worked with the LGBTQIA+ community for the past eight years, “providing gender-affirming services and pre-operative laser treatments to help patients become a step closer to their true selves," said her nominator. "Our services are very intimate, vulnerable, and intimidating for patients, but Dorothy always knows how to make each patient feel safe by explaining their care plan, assisting them in contacting the right departments, doctors, and advocating for additional care services," said Laine's colleague. Delivering Care Excellence "I love my patients. I'm dedicated to teaching, advocating, and learning from them," said Laine. Her colleague further shares, "Our patient demographic faces numerous stressors impacting their mental health.  Dorothy has been instrumental in helping many patients connect to vital mental health services." "She proactively bridges care with psychologists and social workers on behalf of her patients. I’ve also seen her go into our mental health psychology department and obtain the number to the on-call psychology doctor, ensuring her patients receive the care and support they need. Despite her busy schedule, she always prioritizes her patients' and ensures they are well cared for." During her tenure at Kaiser Permanente, Laine has worked in the neurological intensive care unit, emergency services, urgent care, dermatology, and now laser dermatology. “She is a committed lifelong learner, emphasizing that she gains insights from her patients every day. Dorothy's top priority is to ensure that everyone feels secure and well-cared for under her watch,” emphasized her nominator.

"Pamela embodies what it means to be an extraordinary nurse leader. She lives the Kaiser Permanente mission and values and cultivates the same in her leadership teams and staff," said Christina Prajna James, RN, quality director, Home Health and Hospice, Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center. Pamela Son, MSN-BSN, PHN, is the interim service director for the Home Health and Hospice (HHH) department at the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center and is an 8-year Kaiser Permanente employee. Inspiration for Nursing For Son, nursing is not just a profession but a personal calling deeply rooted in her upbringing. "I grew up in an extended family, where I saw many people caring for sick loved ones, friends, and spouses. It became an integral part of me to be sincere and care for those who need help. These life experiences inspired me to become a nurse," said Son. "I'm also inspired when I see nurses work together selflessly, empower each other, positively impact patients and their families, and share the same passion for continuous process improvement," she added. Leading with Purpose Purpose and reflection define Son's leadership style. "I lead with purpose by reflecting on what I have done right for patients, members, their families, and coworkers, and then use my knowledge to help develop others in their roles," she said. As the Northern California Home Health and Hospice representative with Cardinal Health at Home (CHAH) medical supplier, Son's leadership skills have driven significant changes. "Her efforts in reorganizing, tracking, and managing medication orders have led to substantial financial savings and brought about greater efficiencies for our staff," said Prajna. "She maintains a strong partnership with CHAH, providing regional and local training for all HHH staff. Her regular meeting with CHAH ensures she is always up to date with supply/back orders and delivery updates." Prajna adds. Delivering Care Excellence As Interim Home Health and Hospice Service Director, Son evaluates and updates processes to benefit patients and staff. For example, she ensures the initial referrals to HHH are provided promptly. Prompt referrals lead to timely care, preventing patients from returning to the emergency room and thus reducing readmissions. She orients new clinical supervisors and strives for more home tracer visits, which evaluate patients' quality of care. "By doing more home tracer visits, staff are provided more support and guidance, and they can complete tasks more efficiently and to a higher standard," said Son. Son actively promotes open communication and staff empowerment through a speak-up culture. She ensures that rounding happens for all staff and immediately takes action to address and improve systems. "Pam also ensures that kudos celebrating staff accomplishments are hard-wired into our staff huddles/meetings, fostering a culture of recognition and empowerment," stated Prajna. "We are all very fortunate to have Pam Son in a Continuum leadership role," said Prajna.