Her patient was in labor, fearful and overwhelmed. Amanda Sayaseng, BSN, RN, took a moment to remember her training.

“Instead of jumping into problem-solving mode, I drew upon my Caritas training to pause, ground myself, and meet her in her emotional experience,” said Sayaseng, who works in the Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center labor and delivery unit. “I offered my presence first, simply holding space, listening deeply, and affirming her strength.”

That moment of connection shifted the energy in the room, she said.

“It allowed us to work together with greater trust — a powerful reminder that presence itself can be healing — and caring moments matter.”

The Caritas training, which teaches clinicians how to care for patients with kindness, respect, and compassion, is among more than a dozen continuing education and leadership programs, and events offered by the Kaiser Permanente Nurse Scholars Academy.

The academy was launched in 2015 to support national and organizational efforts to transform health care by preparing nurses to lead improvements in quality, access, and patient experience. While the academy is administered by Northern California, the online programs are available to all Kaiser Permanente nurses. Over the past decade, the academy has expanded to include other programs and fields under the Kaiser Permanente Scholars Academy.

Giving Kaiser Permanente a competitive edge

“The Nurse Scholars Academy became our innovation engine for professional excellence and is a cornerstone of Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate care. It’s also a part of our 80-year nursing legacy,” said Jim D’Alfonso, DNP, RN, the academy’s executive director. “The academy is unique and unprecedented, helping nurses achieve their highest potential while advancing our mission well into the future.”  

More than 4,500 nurses have completed an academy program. Examples of programs offered include board certification exam prep, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree programs, professional development, and resiliency tools, such as HeartMath and Equine Leadership Training.

The academy’s ongoing investment in professional and human development is a factor in nursing retention. As of September 2025, the nursing turnover for Kaiser Permanente Northern California was 3.8%, far below the national average of 15.7%, according to an industry retention and staffing report.

Jeanette Ferrer-Valladares, BSN, RN, a labor and delivery nurse at the Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center for 25 years, has completed 6 academy programs.

“The high-quality classes offer so much valuable information, and you get education units for them,” Ferrer-Valladares said, adding that she has learned to incorporate research and different quality and performance improvement projects in her department. 

Now enrolled in a master’s degree program for nursing, Ferrer-Valladares said having generous support from Kaiser Permanente, including tuition reimbursement and paid time off for continuing education motivated her to pursue the advanced degree.

Looking ahead

Major growth is planned for the next 10 years, D’Alfonso said.

For instance, the academy is expanding in the areas of research, evidence-informed practice, and human-centered leadership that fosters a culture anchored in caring science, human kindness, healing, and scientific rigor. The academy is teaming up with schools and nursing groups nationwide to share its strategy and 10-year history of success.

“We are deepening our commitment to the professional and human-caring development of every nurse, ensuring they have the knowledge, confidence, and courage to disrupt and transform the future of health care,” said D’Alfonso. “The academy is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of nursing within Kaiser Permanente and beyond.”

Learn more at nursescholars.kp.org.