“The kindness, love, and compassion they showed us will always be remembered,” said a grieving mother about the nurses who cared for her son during his more than five‑month hospitalization at the Oakland Medical Center.
She shared each nurse consistently went above and beyond, offering not only exceptional care for her son but support for his family who were with him every day. When he went home to hospice care, nurses gave him cards with well wishes. She also said, “The nurses who cared for him became like family, guiding us through the most difficult time of our lives.”
Her words reflect the heart of nursing practice at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, which was recently honored with the Lotus Award from the Watson Caring Science Institute.
The Oakland nursing team is the latest in Kaiser Permanente Northern California to receive the Lotus Award, which celebrates organizations that bring Caring Science to life through meaningful, hands-on practices that support healing for both patients and caregivers. They join the San Rafael, Santa Clara and South Sacramento medical centers, the Sacramento Home Health team and Kaiser Permanente Caring Science Academy in receiving this honor.
Caring Science is the practice of caring for people on a deeper emotional level, which helps nurses build stronger connections with patients, families, and their colleagues.
“Caring Science has changed my life and how I show up for work,” said Tigist Ajibe, BSN, RN, a Caritas Coach and staff nurse IV on the 9th‑floor medical‑surgical unit in Oakland. “It’s a body and mind connection that gives me the strength to be there for my patients and coworkers.”
A calming care environment
In Oakland, one of the strongest examples of Caring Science in action is found on the hospital floors, where Gwendolyn Ekeh, RN, brings her wellness cart to staff during her “Caring Experience” rounding. As she moves from unit to unit, she provides 15‑minute wellness sessions that include breathing and stretching exercises, gentle massage, herbal teas, and calming mantras.
“These short breaks help nurses feel less stressed and more focused during demanding shifts,” Ekeh said. Beyond rounding, she also teaches a wellness class open to all staff, demonstrating daily breathing routines, stretching techniques, lymphatic massage, and other practices to release stress and tension.
Caritas Rooms also contribute to a healing environment. These quiet spaces allow nurses to take a restorative break whenever they need support during their shifts. The rooms include dim lighting, aromatherapy, water features, and comfortable seating to help staff relax and recharge. Ekeh is pictured above guiding Ajibe through a meditation and breathing exercise in the Caritas Room before she begins her shift.
Integrating Caring Science in practice
Caring Science is also woven into how Oakland recognizes its nurses. Since 2024, Caring Science principles have guided the selection of DAISY Award honorees. The DAISY committee uses each of the Caritas Processes to evaluate how effectively they are demonstrated in the nominations submitted. This ensures the hospital celebrates nurses who demonstrate deep compassion, presence, and connection, in addition to strong clinical skills.
Leaders continue to invest in training to give staff the framework to integrate Caring Science principles into practice. At the Oakland Medical Center, Ajibe and Ekeh are among four trained Caritas Coaches, completing the program through the Kaiser Permanente Caring Science Academy. More than 50 nurses have also participated in Caring Science workshops.
“It is the everyday moments of compassion — the kindness at the bedside, the calming touch during a stressful day, the deep presence with a grieving family — that defines the nursing culture in Oakland,” said Chief Nurse Executive Pavna Sloan, DNP, RN, NEA‑BC. “The Lotus Award simply shines a light on what patients and families have felt all along and honors their unwavering commitment to leading with compassion and heart.”