“Shavi shows great leadership as our nurse leader who is implementing our unique delirium program to prevent and treat delirium,” described a colleague about working with Shavinderpal Sanga, MSN, RN, CNS, ACCNS-AG, GERO-BC, who was named a 2024 Extraordinary Nurse, Advanced Practice.
Sanga, who has been with Kaiser Permanente since 2012, is a Geriatric Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at the South Sacramento Medical Center where she focuses on enhancing the quality of care for older adults by educating nurses on best practices and empowering them to become champions of evidenced-based care. Prior to her CNS role, she practiced nursing in critical care and the PACU in South Sacramento and in Fresno.
Inspiration for Nursing
Sanga shares that she was drawn to nursing through encounters in the healthcare field while her mom was receiving care.
“Among all the disciplines, the nurse at the bedside was always readily available, providing support during the most vulnerable times in person’s life,” Sanga shares. “As I progressed in my nursing career, I realized I had made the right choice.”
During nursing school, she learned about the role of the Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) as an advance practice nurse. “While shadowing in a cardiology clinic, I met a CNS who independently saw patients and collaborated with providers to enhance patient care and manage symptoms,” she shared. “She taught me so much in just half an hour, and I was fascinated by her unique role, which involved improving both system-level processes and patient outcomes.”
Sanga has notes she is inspired today by the colleague’s dedication to improve patient care, her mentors who have supported her career as a nurse, and by the resilience and courage of the patients we care for.
Leading with Purpose
“I lead with purpose by supporting staff and providing consults and care for patients, always prioritizing their needs and well-being,” shared Sanga. “It brings me immense joy to influence patient care directly, act as a change agent, and enhance clinical practice by supporting nursing staff.”
By staying informed about the latest research and best practices in nursing and healthcare, Sanga advocates for evidence-based practice and to implement effective interventions at the bedside.
“By fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, I aim to make a lasting positive impact on both patients and the healthcare team,” she added.
Delivering Care Excellence
“Shavi spends a great deal of time speaking with patients and their families, performing a physical assessment, and reviewing the patient’s history and medication list,” said a colleague who nominated Sanga for the Extraordinary Nurse award. “She is exceptionally knowledgeable in geriatrics and is frequently consulted by physicians and clinical nurses in the medical-surgical, telemetry, intensive care, and emergency departments.”
Added Shanga, “Witnessing their determination in the face of illness motivates me to strive for excellence in my role.”