In celebration of Nurses Week, May 6 – 12, scroll down and meet 12 Kaiser Permanente Northern California nurses who are representative of the breadth and depth of nursing excellence within the organization.
> Tell us about the nurses in your life who inspire, innovate, and influence in their work.
National Extraordinary Nurse Awardee
Bea Anne Lynch, RN
Staff RN IV, San Jose Behavioral Health
As a pediatric psychiatry nurse, Bea Anne Lynch serves a population that is often overlooked and misunderstood: children with anxiety, depression, autism, and developmental disorders. Colleagues say she has a special ability to connect with these kids and make them feel safe. Bea Anne has been a nurse for more than 40 years, in a career that has included case manager, infection-control specialist, employee health coordinator, and advice nurse.
National Extraordinary Nurse Awardee
Catherine Parsons-Goudberg, RN
NICU Clinical Nurse Specialist, Roseville Medical Center
Catherine Parsons-Goudberg has cared for some of the tiniest patients during her 42 years as a neonatal intensive care nurse. No matter how small, every patient benefits from her vast nursing knowledge. She even stays in touch with families from the NICU, delighting when her patients thrive. Catherine is equally talented as an educator. She has said that one of her favorite roles is training and mentoring staff.
National Extraordinary Nurse Awardee
Linda Ackerman, RN
PCS Program Director, Regional Offices
As director of the Caring Science program for Kaiser Permanente in Northern California, Linda Ackerman encourages nurses to incorporate that philosophy in their practice by honoring the unique needs of each patient and supporting decisions that nurture their well-being. A nurse for 37 years, Linda works with nurses at 21 medical centers to help them incorporate the Caring Science philosophy into their practice by being authentic, kind, and present.
Edward Salarda, RN
Staff RN IV, Fresno Medical Center
The word “leader” is applied to Edward Salarda, RN, and when it comes to his patients, he is a strong advocate who ensures that anyone under his care understands their treatments and feels comfortable. Additionally, Edward has strong technical knowledge and is a mentor to his colleagues. Kind, hard-working, and helpful, he can work through any obstacle in a positive fashion. The hallmark of his work day is that he always puts the patient at the center.
Loretta Stroh, RN
Staff RN III, Sacramento Call Center
An experienced advice nurse, Loretta Stroh, RN, is passionate about teaching and sharing her best practices in ergonomics, as well as her clinical knowledge with her peers during team meetings and huddles. Loretta is a caring and compassionate nurse who is a role model in her professionalism, positive approach, adaptability, and work ethic. Additionally, Loretta shares her knowledge by writing articles for other clinicians at the call center, on topics ranging from telephone triage to advice tips to give patients on the topics of coughs and colds.
Robin Alfred, RN
Staff RN II, San Francisco Medical Center
Ranging from her “big smile” to her ability to provide care to our most critically ill patients, Robin Alfred inspires others by her integrity, calm, and focus. Robin has been described as providing the most sensitive and respectful nursing, for which she receives compliments from her patients. In addition, she is just as dedicated to her colleagues. She often stays to help out when other clinicians need her, where she is calm and focused during emergencies.
Roshni Gladson, RN
Staff RN II, San Leandro Medical Center
“Honest, respectful, and reliable” are words used to describe Roshni Gladson, who is consistently recognized by her peers, patients, and their family members for her caring bedside manner. Roshni has been acknowledged as a shift leader who can get others through difficult times and who utilizes her clinical skills to educate her peers. Roshni has been described as bringing positivity during stressful situations. A humble team player, she goes out of her way to help.
Tim Schlatter, RN
Home Health RN II, The Landing, Union City
Tim Schlatter, RN, regularly receives praise and thanks from his patients, particularly for his attention to infection control, his calming manner in explaining diseases or symptom management, and his ability to collaborate with other clinicians. Whether demonstrating best practices for IV and wound care, or coordinating care for a patient, those who work with Tim have described him as organized, dedicated, a patient teacher to other nurses, having a vast knowledge of diseases, and “a true patient advocate.”
Lilibeth Jimenez, RN
Staff RN IV, San Jose Medical Center
When asked to describe Lilibeth Jimenez, her long-time supervisor wrote, “A finer ICU nurse and role model you will not find!” Just one example: A fellow nurse suffered a cerebral hemorrhage. Lilibeth rushed to the hospital to help the nurse, who is a close friend. Her supervisor said, “I will never forget what courage and professionalism it took for Lilibeth to care for this special patient that evening; she did it with such love and expertise.”
Tina Vitale-McDowell, RN
Staff RN IV, Oakland Medical Center
Tina Vitale-McDowell, RN, has been described as a force of nature who is driven and focused on improving the care of pediatric patients, especially those in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. Tina has forged a strong relationship between the Emergency Department and the Pediatric ICU to improve care in the ED. She also attends Kaiser Permanente Oakland’s parent advisory meetings to better understand patient and parent needs. Tina represents the gold standard of nursing by inspiring others with her dedication and thoughtfulness.
Ruth Somera, RN
Staff RN III, Modesto Medical Center
Described as one of Manteca’s most ardent advocates for providing exceptional patient care, Ruth Somera also mentors student nurses and co-workers. Whether comforting and educating a newly diagnosed diabetes patient or studying for her Staff Nurse IV certification in clinical nursing, Ruth is making a difference in patients’ lives. After volunteering to provide health care in Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria, Ruth even met with Congress to discuss the devastation.
Imelda Valenzuela, RN
Staff RN III, San Leandro Medical Center
Families say they feel valued and safe under the care of Imelda Valenzuela, an experienced bilingual nurse. Imelda has also been described as embodying professionalism, representing a balance between clinical practice and leadership. She is a naturally gifted leader who takes opportunities to teach and propel the knowledge of her co-workers, patients, and their families. Imelda has been praised for getting to the root of each patient’s problems and involving a multidisciplinary team to intervene.
Who inspires you?
There are more than 23,000 nurses in Kaiser Permanente Northern California who provide skilled care to patients and members. Who among them is your own hero? Tell us how she or he inspires, innovates, or influences as a nurse.
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