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Geriatric patients being cared for at the Roseville Medical Center are in trusted hands according to Narlyn Llamas MBA, MSN, RN, GERO-BC, Nursing Professional Development Specialist and NICHE Coordinator. “We made a concerted effort to launch and support NICHE, or Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystems Elders in 2020,” said Llamas. “We encouraged staff to become Geriatric Resource Nurses (GRNs), resulting in 120 nurses graduating from the program in just a few years.” "They are now champions on all our units,” explained Llamas. “Our GRNs take a leadership role to educate co-workers about the unique challenges and risks this patient population faces, identify gaps in units, and promote change in practice to improve patient care and safety.” Through their specialty training, GRNs provide more care to the over 65-year-old inpatient population and are fully knowledgeable about a wide range of geriatric syndromes such as depression, delirium, malnutrition, frailty, falls, and pressure ulcers. Becoming a GRN is also a steppingstone toward obtaining Gerontological Nursing Certification (GERO-BC). With the support of the Regional Patient Care Services and Nurse Scholars Academy, the Professional Development Council of Roseville’s Voice of Nursing led by Summer Malepeai, RN, GRN and Llamas, a GERO-BC review course for nurses was organized to help prep for the exam. Fifteen NCAL hospitals participated with a total of 171 nurses attending the course, of which 45 were from Roseville. Since the start of NICHE, there are now eight GERO-BCs in Roseville, and more are becoming certified. “Nurse engagement on this journey has been incredible — and is propelling us to new heights,” said Gertrude M. Tiangco-Alba, MSA, RN, Roseville’s Associate Chief Nurse Executive. At the end of 2023, the Roseville hospital was recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System Participant by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). The GRNs were inspired to pursue this recognition for Roseville after attending the NICHE conference in April 2023. The recognition validated the 4Ms framework that is integrated in the care of the older adults. In 2024, the team of GRNs is working towards the second and highest level of the Age-Friendly Health System recognition which is called Committed to Care Excellence.

“There is always a chance we could have an emergency situation where a baby is unexpectedly born at our facility, so we need to be prepared,” explained Barbara Lee Urnes, BSN, RN, Emergency Department Staff Nurse IV at the Fremont Medical Center, where services for labor and delivery, neonatal care, and pediatrics are handled at their sister-facility in San Leandro. “I knew the perfect person to help me prepare for such an emergency,” added Urnes. “I was able to turn to San Leandro NICU nurse Heather Wynne, BSN, RN, who also happens to be my daughter, to assist me in identifying the most up-to-date equipment and supplies needed to revamp the Fremont Emergency Department Neonatal Resuscitation Bag, and the associated protocols to support our Emergency Department in using the new equipment.” Incorporating insights into current practices and newer supplies, together the mother-daughter team created an updated list of equipment and streamlined documentation to ensure the resuscitation bag is checked regularly and restocked as items expire.  “We talk work stuff all the time, but it was nice to share knowledge from the NICU, and support the Fremont ED team,” said Wynne. “This partnership between Barbara and Heather demonstrates qualities of a highly reliable organization — especially between sister facilities who provide seamless care to our members in the GSAA,” said Christopher Neilson, MHA, BSN, RN, NE-BC, Fremont’s Chief Nurse Executive/Chief Operating Officer. “Their efforts ensure that we are prepared in the event of a neonatal emergency.”

Mary Briones-Gomez, MSN, RN, CHPN, was awarded the 2024 Extraordinary Nurse Award – Continuum Leader of the Year. She is the Supportive Care Services Department Manager in the Greater Southern Alameda Area and has worked for Kaiser Permanente since 1998. In her role, she manages the palliative care team of nurse practitioners, registered nurses, medical social workers, and an administrative staff member.  Prior to her leadership role, Mary was an advice nurse for continuing care, a case manager, and clinical practice consultant in palliative care. “Mary is the ideal manager," her team said in the Extraordinary Nurse Award nomination for Briones-Gomez. "She leads by example with kindness, understanding, flexibility, humor, and transparency.” Inspiration for Nursing “I come from a family of nurses, and they inspired me growing up – seeing these strong, intelligent women who loved making a difference in patients' lives while also taking care of their families,” said Briones-Gomez. “I was always drawn to an occupation where I could help and serve the public.” Leading with Purpose “I lead with purpose by being accountable, advocating for my patients and team, providing access to care for seriously ill patients – many at the end of their lives – and providing knowledge to help nurture others,” said Briones-Gomez. “My purpose is to care for and support my family, patients, and my team the best I can. It brings me joy at home and at work,” added Briones-Gomez. Briones-Gomez team credits her leadership for improving employee satisfaction, as demonstrated in People Pulse scores between 2022 and 2023. “She creates a culture of celebration in the department and knows everyone's birthday, work anniversary, and acknowledges all major life milestones,” they said. Delivering Care Excellence “Extraordinary nursing to me is the dedication to providing compassionate care to support patients, families, and colleagues to make a difference every day,” said Briones-Gomez. “Additionally, my nurse colleagues are compassionate, exceptional nurses who go the extra mile to help others in their personal and professional lives,” Briones-Gomez said. “They inspire me to learn and strive to do the best job I can do every day.”

“NO Foley… No CAUTI,” was a concerted effort to eliminate Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs) through an evidence-based Foley Catheter Removal Protocol at the Antioch Medical Center. The initiative propelled Antioch Medical Center into the Top 5 for the lowest CAUTI rates within the Northern California region, from October 2022 to August 2023. “As nurses, we take care of patients 24/7, and this protocol was revised multiple times with constant input from our Urology Department,” said co-lead and CAUTI Champion Mhagsy Celestino, RN. “The team attributes our success to remarkable interprofessional collaboration, uniting nurses, physicians, infection preventionists, and quality experts.” Originating from an intensive quality improvement endeavor, this protocol marks a significant cultural shift towards a motivated and accountable care environment. “We even had a comprehensive protocol for monitoring, wherein once the nurses document the Foley catheter, we instantly have the computerized data and our ANMs also diligently help us monitor for success,” added Celestino. “This achievement underscores the profound impact of compassion, teamwork, and evidence-based practice on patient care.” The protocol’s success is sustained by ongoing education, creative outreach, and enduring change. “An educational ‘roadshow’ and innovative strategies, including a music video, to engage and educate nurses, resulted in significant participation and feedback. We were able to reach a lot of nurses through education and we got an 85% return rate from other services including flyers and a huddle guide we created,” said Celestino. “Antioch Medical Center’s battle against CAUTIs exemplifies the power of professional governance and collaborative initiatives in driving significant patient care improvements,” added Celestino. “This protocol grants nurses the autonomy and independence to do what’s best for our patients.”

"Earning my certification is a source of immense pride, symbolizing my unwavering dedication to constantly improving and providing the best care for our patients and community," said Rayne Soriano, Ph.D., RN, NE-BC,  Regional Director, Professional Excellence & The Kaiser Permanente Scholars Academy. Every March Certified Nurses Day recognizes nurses who achieve a national board certification, celebrating nurses who demonstrate a deep commitment to professionalism, excellence, safety, and service through achievement of nursing credentialing in their given specialty. “Certified nurses report a higher level of job satisfaction, and their patients experience improved safety and better clinical outcomes,” said Soriano. “Certification is also an important part of our shared journey to Magnet designation, and reflects our collective commitment to nursing excellence and lifelong learning.” In Northern California, 15 percent of our nurses are board certified in their chosen specialty. To celebrate the annual recognition day, a few of our nurses share what inspired them to pursue board certification:     Leslie Anderson, MSN, RN, CCRN, CEN, TCRN Staff Nurse IV, Intensive Care Unit Vacaville Medical Center I was inspired seeing the impact that board certified nurses have on the outcomes of their patients. I feel that staying current with the latest advancements in medicine and putting evidence-based practice into action leads to the highest quality of care for our patients. To me, becoming certified shows my commitment to excellence and competence which enhances credibility, confidence and trust with my patients and their families. With advanced knowledge, I'm better equipped to treat and manage my patients which leads to improved patient satisfaction. Certification offers an opportunity for personal and professional growth, and opens the doors to new opportunities. Kaiser Permanente provides financial assistance through vouchers and tuition reimbursement so why not take advantages of the opportunity!   Joy Ann Davila, BSN, RN, PCCN Assistant Nurse Manager, Cardiothoracic Telemetry and Medical Telemetry Santa Clara Medical Center I have been a critical care nurse for many years working with a diverse group of patients. These experiences gave me the confidence to pursue certification. I want to be proud of myself and tell everyone that I have that specialized body of knowledge and practice in critical care. Obtaining certification has demonstrated my commitment to professional development and dedication to staying current with latest clinical standards, especially in my role in leadership – I want to lead by example.  Kaiser Permanente patients and members feel safe and secure knowing they have nurses that provide the highest level of care. It aligns with our mission and vision to be the world leader in improving health. Go for it! There are so many benefits and thoughtful recognitions that come with getting certified. You will become more marketable in your field, you can help your patients more effectively,  and you will enhance your knowledge and expertise and demonstrate competency and professionalism to others. Don’t give it a doubt. Ashley Evje, BSN, RN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, CCRN Assistant Nurse Manager, Emergency department Santa Rosa I want to be the best nurse I…