“Suki exhibits integrity by protecting patient rights, respecting cultural differences, and maintaining humility,” said Earl Laih, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, clinical nursing director, Kaiser Permanente Fresno Medical Center.
Sukhjeet “Suki” Sahota, RN, is the service lead for the Sports Medicine Department, the orthopedic co-service lead, and a 14-year Kaiser Permanente employee.
Inspiration for Nursing
“At the age of 7, I had surgery for a ruptured appendix. The nurses who wheeled me into the operating room made me feel comfortable, explaining each step in the process. It was then that I decided I wanted to become a surgical nurse to ease other people’s fears as they encountered the scary world of surgery,” Sahota recalls.
Leading with Purpose
“I lead with purpose by treating all my patients like family members going into surgery,” said Sahota. “Surgery can be stressful for patients and their families, so I ease their worries by keeping them informed.”
As a member of the Care Committee, Sukhjeet works with management and members from different PeriOperative departments to discuss ways to make each patient’s surgical experience a positive one.
As a result, Sahota developed “Change your Steps” initiatives, including how the operating room nurse finds the patient’s family and relays when the patient is out of surgery. These steps help ease the families’ stress and prepare them for recovery, the next phase of their surgical journey.
Delivering Care Excellence
“My purpose as a nurse is to be a calming presence, creating an environment that is organized and free of worry for all my patients entering the surgery suite. I ensure my patients feel as comfortable and confident as possible before and during surgery. I also provide reassurance, letting them know I will be with them every step of the way,” said Sahota.
“One day, a patient requested her “sword” be brought into her operating room. As a woman of Indian heritage, Suki informed us a sword, also known as a Kirpan, is an article of faith for a baptized Sikh. It symbolizes generosity, compassion, and service to humanity,” stated Laih, describing how she is sensitive to her patients’ needs, cultural beliefs, and wishes.