“Rex is a dynamic individual who possesses highly admirable characteristics, exceptional intellectual ability and maturity that allows him to make day-to-day critical decisions in the pediatric nephrology service department,” said Ari Auron, MD, Roseville Pediatric Nephrology.
Rex Tapangan, BSN, RN, CNN, Case Manager, Pediatric Specialties, Roseville Medical Center, was awarded the 2024 Extraordinary Nurse Award – Medical Offices or Outpatient Services. His nursing career began nearly 30 years ago, and he has worked for Kaiser Permanente since 2007 in inpatient and outpatient adult services and the PACU before settling into his role in pediatric specialties.
Inspiration for Nursing
Born in the Philippines, Tapangan saw the United States as a beacon of hope and opportunity for his family. “You can be whatever you want,” he shared.
“Nursing is a rewarding and noble profession. You’re helping to make a difference in people’s health and their lives,” said Tapangan. “I fell in love with nursing and the feeling when you make someone’s life less painful.”
“My family, colleagues, and patients inspire me every day. It gives me the satisfaction when I do something that makes my patients much happier than when they came in,” he shared.
Leading with Purpose
“It all comes down to the patient’s well-being to me, to help them reach their optimal health — and that’s my purpose,” said Tapangan. “I always show up and give all I can to help my patients — kids and the parents.”
“Rex consistently displays the core Kaiser Permanente institutional values of humanitarianism, professionalism, compassion, teamwork, excellence, integrity, and patient-and family-centric care,” added Auron.
Delivering Care Excellence
Collaboration and coordination with colleagues are key to delivering excellent care to his patients. “I advocate for my patients’ outcomes by partnering with colleagues, ensuring the patient’s needs are secure and cared for,” said Tapangan.
“For example, I coordinate specialty medication orders with pharmacy, connect with social workers for financial and other assistance, and support them in getting other specialty appointments or ancillary services,” he said.
Rex’s work has significantly impacted patient care, consistently demonstrating the highest regard for patient care, satisfaction, and safety within the clinic setting.
“With kindness, compassion, and care, he will consistently work in communicating with our pediatric nephrology patient community. Since he joined the Pediatric Nephrology Service Department, we have seen the highest patient satisfaction scores,” said Auron.