For Ilse Giron, RN, that commitment is deeply personal.

“When you’re here, you really get to know someone and you get to know their story,” Giron said. “You get to help them—not just clinically, but emotionally—and be there for them.”

Today, as healthcare professionals mark National Nurses Week, Giron is a bedside nurse caring for patients on a medical-surgical unit. But her journey into nursing began years earlier, when she was a teenager growing up in East Hollywood, unsure of what opportunities might be within her reach.

“My parents were first-generation [immigrants],” Giron said. “I just never thought I would have this opportunity. There are so many fields you can go into.”

A First Step That Changed Her Life

Giron was just 16 when she joined Cedars-Sinai’s Youth Employment and Development (YED) program. The two-year program partners with Fairfax High School to give juniors and seniors hands-on exposure to healthcare careers through mentorship, job shadowing and real-world work experience.

“YED is an amazing program to just get a good feel of what the professional work life is,” Giron said. “You’re so young, and you’re able to work with multiple professionals, see what they do, ask questions—and even shadow them to figure out if that’s something you want to pursue.”

That early exposure proved transformative.

“YED changed the course of my life,” Giron said. “I’m not sure I would have found the passion I have for nursing without it.”

Daniela Villegas knows that impact firsthand.

Villegas also joined the YED program at 16 and, more than two decades later, is still at Cedars-Sinai. Only now, she is leading the very program that gave her a start.

As program manager for NextGen Pathways, which includes YED and several other programs, Villegas works closely with students as they explore healthcare careers,  connect with mentors and begin building their own professional networks.

“The goal of the YED program is to ensure that we are connecting with students, exposing them to health careers, and allowing them to network and have mentors in their lives,” Villegas said.

Since the program launched in 1993, more than 1,000 students have participated. Today, more than 400 YED alumni are employed across Cedars-Sinai Health System in roles ranging from nursing and research to administration.

Villegas said Giron’s journey is exactly why Cedars-Sinai established the program.

“She is one of the perfect examples of what we want to see with the YED program,” Villegas said. “She started as a student with dreams, and now she’s back at the medical center where it all began—as a registered nurse.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Today, a new generation of students is getting that same opportunity to plan for their future careers.

Miguel Santos, a Fairfax High senior, moved to the United States from El Salvador when he was 9 years old. He joined the YED program two years ago, working at Cedars-Sinai Spine.

“I got the chance to shadow nurses here in the Spine department,” Santos said. “I went into the rooms with them, met patients and saw the work they were doing—and I thought, ‘Wow, this is amazing. I could do this one day.’”

That moment helped Santos envision his future.

“After high school, I plan to become a registered nurse,” Santos said. “I really want to pursue pediatrics.”

Santos hopes that one day, his journey will come full circle—just like Giron’s.

“Hopefully, once I finish college, I can come back to Cedars-Sinai and work here,” Santos said. “That would be my dream.”

A Pipeline With Purpose

For Cedars-Sinai, programs like YED are about more than career exposure—they are about building a workforce that reflects the Los Angeles community while creating opportunities for success.

“Programs like YED are essential to the future of nursing,” said David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Cedars-Sinai. “They give students early exposure to the profession, build confidence and create pathways into meaningful careers.”

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Stories and Insights: What Nurses See—Hidden Home Hazards for Older Adults

Continuing a beloved Cedars-Sinai tradition, Santa—a close friend of David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, Cedars-Sinai’s senior vice president and chief nursing executive—made bedside visits, accompanied by nurses and other health professionals. With Santa dressed in his signature red velvet suit, complete with a snowy beard and a pair of shiny new black boots adorned with jingling bells, his arrival was heralded before he even entered the room, drawing smiles from patients, families and staff alike.

“This visit is something I look forward to every year,” Marshall said. “I even found Santa a new pair of boots for the occasion, because the smallest details can spark the biggest smiles. It’s a reminder that compassion and connection are just as important as the care we provide—especially during the holidays—and it’s worth every jingle.”

In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s, parents received keepsake ornaments imprinted with their baby’s footprints, a meaningful memento of their child’s first holiday season. Families in Guerin Children’s and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit were treated to gingerbread house-making kits, diaper-changing mats and cuddly stuffed animals donated by the Owie BowWowie and Friends Foundation, bringing a sense of holiday magic to the day.

For many families, the visit offered reassurance and joy—small but powerful reminders that they are supported not only medically, but emotionally, throughout their hospital journey.

“Our family hasn’t been able to join us yet, since they are traveling from China, so this visit meant a lot to us,” said Yan Wang, father of Wayne Wang, born four days ago. “Being able to take Wayne’s first photo with Santa and celebrate together as a new family made this moment feel even more special.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Caring for Newborns—Tips for Parents

In January 2020, before COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic, Cedars-Sinai treated one of the first COVID-19 patients in the U.S. Although it was a fearful time full of unknowns, physicians and investigators also knew it was an extraordinary moment in history.

“Working with that first patient on an unknown virus was tremendous,” said Jonathan Grein, MD, director of Hospital Epidemiology. “There was so much to learn. I remember wondering when I might develop symptoms and sleeping in the garage to avoid exposing others. When the first COVID-19 vaccine arrived later that year, we all paused to reflect on the effort and science that went into developing it. It was a remarkable time.”

But getting there was months in the making. Early on, a special Cedars-Sinai task force was meeting multiple times every day, strategizing about how to increase the hospital’s critical care capacity.

Michael Nurok, MB, ChB, PhD, now co-chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, was on the task force as director of the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit.

“We were seeing the news out of Italy about the surge in patients with COVID-19, and we were asked to prepare for 1,000 critically ill patients on ventilators,” Nurok said. “We had to think about how we might use ventilators for multiple patients. Luckily, we never had to do that, but we had to prepare for the worst.”

Standout Memories

There was fear among patients, loved ones and providers alike, physicians said.

“Fear about not being able to manage all our patients, fear of running out of supplies, fear of colleagues getting sick, fear of my family or me getting sick,” said pulmonologist Isabel Pedraza, MD, director of the Medical Intensive Care Unit and a member of the hospital’s Special Pathogens Response Team.

In addition, hospitalized patients were isolated. Rabbi Jason Weiner, PhD, BCC senior rabbi and director of the Spiritual Care Department, said the situation reminded him of the importance of human connection.

“The lockdown happened around Easter and Passover,” Weiner said. “We made signs for the glass doors of the Intensive Care Unit, wishing patients happy holidays. Later they told us it was grounding to know what was happening in the outside world.”

In the beginning, the number of infected patients was overwhelming, said Peachy Hain, MSN, RN, executive director of Nursing, Surgical Services and Clinical Support Programs.

“We were running out of beds and low on supplies,” she said. “But nurses are resilient, adaptable and supportive. We acted quickly to convert recovery rooms into shared spaces. We made sure every mask, gown and piece of equipment lasted. It reinforced how creative and innovative we are, and, in the end, it made nurses closer. We are one team, one family.”

For Sam Torbati, MD, medical director of the Ruth and Harry Roman Emergency Department, the early days were marked by a constant reminder there was no script for how to handle a pandemic.

“We’re prepared for any situation, but COVID-19 didn’t come with a playbook,” Torbati said. “So, every day we were in battle mode and every day, at every level, we came with a strategy, a plan, and strong communication and team support.”

Lessons Learned

Rita Shane, PharmD, vice president and chief pharmacy officer, recalled various lessons learned in the wake of the pandemic; among them, using protocols developed during COVID-19 for other emergency situations. For example, last September, after Hurricane Helene damaged a manufacturing facility and severely limited the national supply of IV bags and fluids, Shane’s team used pandemic learnings to help manage the shortage.

“COVID-19 taught us we can more efficiently respond to any emergency going forward,” Shane said. “Our real-time response time is more accelerated, and our experts can navigate any situation.”

Shane also recalled that Cedars-Sinai was one of the first hospitals to get the COVID-19 vaccine in December 2020—another opportunity to navigate a new situation.

“We needed a specific storage plan, and we needed a rollout plan since we were one of the local sites coordinating public vaccination,” she said.

Pedraza called the rapid development of the vaccine “an incredible breakthrough that likely will be one of the top achievements of our time. Prior to this, it could take as long as a decade for a new vaccine. The COVID vaccine gave us hope that there was an end to the pandemic. I hope we don’t forget the power of vaccines to stop human suffering.”

Equally rapid and transformative was COVID-19 research, said Susan Cheng, MD, MMSc, MPH, the Erika J. Glazer Chair in Women’s Cardiovascular Health and Population Science in the Department of Cardiology in the Smidt Heart Institute.

“We pivoted to focus on understanding how the virus affected people differently, as well as mitigation and prevention, and later, vaccine response,” said Cheng, a professor of Cardiology. “People in every corner of Cedars-Sinai helped us in what was the most fast-paced clinical research study I’ve ever been a part of. We learned how quickly research can answer impactful questions, and I hope our findings inform future policy and clinical practice. It was a testament to how people can stretch above and beyond to improve and protect the health of humanity.”

A Medical Landscape Altered

Grein, director of Hospital Epidemiology and head of the medical center’s Special Pathogens Response Team, said the pandemic gave him a glimpse into the future of healthcare.

“Medicine can be very conservative, and it often takes years for new guidelines to come out and change clinical practice,” he said. “COVID taught us how to more quickly respond to emerging science and adapt protocols to benefit patients and staff.”

Torbati, associate professor and co-chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine, agreed.

“We rapidly readjusted safety protocols during the pandemic, determined how to isolate patients, built treatment tents and created safe environments with adequate ventilation,” Torbati said. “We had to figure out how to do things differently while also responding to heart attacks, strokes, car accidents and other common Emergency Department situations. If a similar situation happens again, we’re very prepared.”

COVID-19 changed healthcare in many ways, Hain said, such as an increasing use of telehealth visits.

“We also use home health more effectively now, which frees up beds in the hospital for patients with more immediate needs,” she said. “We also expanded our mental health programs for staff. And we expanded community resources and outreach to improve care among Black, Hispanic and Asian patients, who faced the highest COVID death rates.”

Lasting Takeaways

David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president, chief nursing executive and chair of the Department of Nursing, offered three pandemic takeaways that he still relies upon daily.

“It’s critical to protect health providers so they can take care of the community, and as providers, we must pace ourselves and protect ourselves,” he said.

But heavy emotions still surface when he remembers the distress of COVID-19.

“A patient’s family shared with me that they watched on their iPhone during the lockdown and isolation as their loved one passed away while a nurse held their hand and stroked their brow,” he said. “There were moments of tragedy. There were moments of fear. There were moments of joy. COVID-19 was a moment when our institution shined while we took care of our community … and while we took care of each other.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: New COVID-19 Vaccines Hit the Market  

The app allows nurses to use a mobile phone to document patient information in real time through voice dictation. It transcribes the data and then—once validated by a clinician—the app files that information directly into the patient’s electronic medical record.

“This AI-driven technology furthers our commitment to our incredible and dedicated nursing staff by reducing administrative burdens, allowing for increased efficiencies and innovation,” said Craig Kwiatkowski, PharmD, senior vice president and chief information officer at Cedars-Sinai. “As we consider advancing this pilot program, we hope to make the day-to-day role of our nurses easier and more efficient, building on the progress we have made with our physicians.”

Currently being tested by nurses and clinical partners on a 48-bed surgical unit, the pilot expands upon similar technologies already in use by Cedars-Sinai physicians.

“Cedars-Sinai was the first health system to launch Aiva Nurse Assistant,” said Sumeet Bhatia, Aiva founder and CEO. “We’re fortunate to work with an organization so relentlessly focused on the wellbeing of their front line care team.”

Rachel Coren, MPH, MS, vice president and associate chief information officer at Cedars-Sinai, worked alongside Peachy Hain, MSN, RN, Cedars-Sinai's executive director of Nursing, Surgical Services and Clinical Support Programs, and their teams to roll out the Aiva pilot program. They sat down with the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom to share more about the potential of this AI advance.  

How does Aiva Assistant help nurses in their daily workflow?

Hain: Nurses juggle multiple responsibilities, from patient care to complex documentation and care coordination. Studies show they spend up to 40% of their shift on documentation alone, contributing to burnout and staffing challenges.

We asked ourselves: What if AI could support nurses just as it has supported physicians? With that vision in mind, we partnered with our Enterprise Information Services team and Aiva Health—part of the Cedars-Sinai Accelerator Program since 2017—to bring this idea to life. The result was the Aiva Nurse Assistant, a tool designed by nurses, for nurses, to ease documentation and give them more time for patient care.

The goal with Aiva Nurse Assistant is simple—reduce administrative tasks so nurses can focus on patient care. By streamlining documentation, we’re giving nurses back valuable time, improving efficiency and ultimately enhancing the patient experience.

How does the Aiva Nurse Assistant app work?

Coren: Nurses use hospital-issued iPhones with the HIPAA-compliant mobile app powered by conversational AI, allowing them to enter data real-time into 50 of the most commonly used fields in Epic—a widely used electronic health record (EHR) system—using voice or text.

The first step is to press and hold the talk button at the bottom of the app and dictate their observation. For example, “The patient in Room 8915 has a pain level of 3 in her back and also finished eating 50% of her lunch.”

The app then transcribes the input and maps the data to the appropriate rows in the EHR. Before submission, clinicians confirm the patient information and nurse observations presented are accurate. If accurate, they then click 'accept’ and all data is directly input into the EHR.

A single command can document across fields and flow sheets from anywhere in the hospital, streamlining the process further and saving valuable time.

How is the app different from other AI tools Cedars-Sinai has implemented?

Coren: What’s novel is that we are using AI in nursing documentation workflows and we are one of the first hospitals to move this into a real-world setting.

Nursing is an ever-evolving profession with increasing documentation requirements, and this platform is built to grow alongside it. Many AI and voice-enabled technologies in healthcare have focused on reducing physician burnout and streamlining their workflows. With the Aiva Nurse Assistant pilot, we wanted to bring that same level of support to nurses and care teams—giving them a tool designed specifically for their unique needs.

Can you share any early feedback from nurses about their experience using Aiva Nurse Assistant?

Hain: The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive—it's not just helpful, it’s impactful. Even our most experienced nurses, some with over 40 years at Cedars-Sinai, have embraced this technology. Many who were initially hesitant about AI now say it has significantly reduced their documentation time, and the instant output has lifted a major burden.

As the pilot unit integrates Aiva into daily workflows, we’re not just analyzing the numbers—we’re listening to our nurses and clinical partners.

Cedars-Sinai nurses have always been at the forefront of innovation, continuously adapting to new tools that enhance their workflows—nurses like Ryan Trias, MSN, RN, who played a key role in integrating Aiva into daily practice, helping to refine its functionality to meet real-world nursing needs. His collaboration with the team ensured that the technology aligns with how nurses work, making adoption smoother.

One nurse laughed about how his teammates kept asking how he was finishing his documentation so quickly—they were amazed at how efficient he had become. Another nurse called Aiva Assistant "a lifesaver," which perfectly sums up its impact on their workflow. 

Their insights and experiences are at the core of our evaluation because they’re the ones delivering care on the front lines. Their feedback determines whether this technology is truly making a difference.

What are the next steps for the Aiva Assistant pilot?

Coren: At Cedars-Sinai we have a long history of introducing new technologies in close partnership with our clinical users. Our goal is to gather feedback around usability and adoption and to continue to measure the impact it has on reducing the administrative burden on our clinical staff.

We're then going to be working very hard to rapidly expand its utilization to as many inpatient units as possible here at Cedars-Sinai and at our affiliate hospitals. We're also beginning to work closely with other disciplines, like pharmacy, to define use cases for their teams and begin to develop implementation plans around those.

How do you see AI evolving in nursing care, and what role will Cedars-Sinai play in shaping that future?

Hain: We’re exploring how Aiva Assistant may help streamline other nursing tasks to enhance patient care through voice-activated task reminders, lab results retrieval, remote control of in-room devices like TVs, and breaking down language barriers.

The current pilot has revealed the exciting potential of how technology can redefine the way care is delivered. Throughout this trial, the emphasis is on fostering more meaningful patient interactions, enhancing charting efficiency and—most importantly—creating a more fulfilling experience for both staff and patients.

Coren: Nurses at Cedars-Sinai are innovative and tend to be early adopters. We are currently working on designing our hospital room of the future, which we know will include lots of new technologies, some of which will be voice enabled, allowing our patients to fully immerse in their experience and have more control over both their room-request health education and entertainment on demand, while they continue to heal with us.

Read more from Discoveries Magazine: Cedars-Sinai Pioneers a New Era for AI Education

And as people in Los Angeles County spend more time indoors in the aftermath of widespread wildfires—avoiding smoke-filled air, keeping out of the way of emergency responders and sheltering in place—they should be prepared to treat some of those injuries on their own, when possible, said Gregory Jones, RN, injury prevention and outreach coordinator for the Cedars-Sinai Trauma Program.

“It’s good to have basic knowledge—and a first-aid kit—ahead of time,” Jones said. “Unfortunately, many people don’t think about it until it’s too late. You want to prevent being in a situation in which you are completely unprepared.”

When Jones—whose job is to be prepared for emergencies and trauma—was recently faced with looming evacuation orders during an approaching wildfire, he was reminded first-hand that proper planning and preparation take time, focus and even practice.

“I talk every day about the importance of being prepared, and yet, as we packed to evacuate, I still needed to pause and recenter myself,” he said. “Be as ready as you can for an emergency, and that includes at-home first-aid planning. Know what to do to help yourself or someone else.”

The Cedars-Sinai Newsroom spoke with Jones about ways to prepare for and treat injuries at home, especially when it may be difficult to leave the house for immediate care.

What is the first thing a person should do if they’ve been injured at home or are looking to help someone who has?

Assess the situation and take a deep breath. Basic knowledge of first-aid practices will help. For example, for a bad cut, you should apply pressure to stop bleeding. If someone else is injured, consider whether it’s safe for you to help, or whether there is a chance you also could get injured. Also think, “Is this bigger than what I can do at home?” If that’s the case, make every effort to seek medical help. If there’s a life-threatening emergency, call 911. But when it comes to immediate care for cuts, burns, sprains and fractures, even a little knowledge goes a long way. So does a first-aid kit.

What should be in a first-aid kit?

A basic first-aid kit should have bandages, gauze, medical tape and an antibiotic cream. To supplement that, you could include varying sizes of bandages, extra gauze and a small pair of scissors. If you have young children, add fun adhesive bandages or stickers. SpongeBob SquarePants is a very good distraction from an injury.

What is the best way to treat a bad cut?

First, if there’s glass on the floor and you’re barefoot, grab slippers. Wash the cut with soap and water and apply direct pressure to stop bleeding. Dress the wound with antibiotic cream and cover it with a sterile bandage or gauze. Cleaning and covering the wound are critical to prevent infection. If you don’t have a bandage, use a clean kitchen towel or a T-shirt. Even a sock would work; in an emergency, you may need to improvise and use whatever is handy.

In the case of an amputation—you’ve lopped off the end of a finger chopping vegetables—try not to panic. Put the amputated part in a plastic bag filled with water and ice. This ice bath may allow it to be reattached when you are able to access medical care.

A word about pets: If your pet gets a cut, clean the wound with soap and water, use antibiotic cream and try to bandage the area until you can get them to a vet.

What is the best way to care for a burn?

For a mild burn—you touched a hot pan, for example—the first thing to do is cool down the burned area. Run cool water over it, and maybe apply ice, but never put ice directly on the skin. If you do use ice, put it in a plastic bag, wrap a towel around the bag, and only use it for a minute or two at a time. You want to cool the skin, not freeze it. Cover the burn with gauze or a sterile bandage.

If the burn is more severe—there’s a blister or broken skin—clean the area with soap and water, and then apply antibiotic cream and dress it with a sterile bandage. Don’t break the blister; it provides a protective barrier and helps prevent infection.

What should a person do if there’s a sprain or fracture?

For sprains, apply ice to help reduce swelling. You may want to alternate between ice and heat. If you think you have a broken bone and you cannot get medical help right away, splint the limb to immobilize it. You can splint a leg with household items such as a broom and mop. Place one on either side of the leg to help immobilize it and use medical tape to secure the splints. To splint an arm or wrist, consider using a book on either side of the arm, and use a kitchen towel or even a sock to hold the limb in place. Remember, improvisation is key.

Is there anything else to remember when it comes to emergency planning or at-home care for injuries?

Two things: Take a basic first-aid or a Stop the Bleed class. Most communities offer them. Also, remember to give yourself grace. My career is in trauma and emergency medicine, and even still, as my family prepared to evacuate last week, it was a tense time and a little chaotic. I had to remind myself of the importance of grace.

For the Cedars-Sinai Newsroom team's complete coverage of the Los Angeles County wildfires, please click here. 

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog:  Mental Emergency Toolkit | Strategies to Try When Panic Takes Hold

The distinguished nursing leader, who guided Cedars-Sinai’s Department of Nursing to national distinction, died at her home in Los Angeles on Jan. 11. She was 76.

“Linda Burnes Bolton’s extraordinary leadership and vision made significant contributions to advancing healthcare and the nursing profession, not only at Cedars-Sinai, but across the nation,” said Thomas M. Priselac, president and CEO emeritus, whose career as president and CEO before retiring last year spanned much of Burnes Bolton’s career. “She brought revolutionary approaches to patient-centered care, nursing education, community health education and healthcare policy that affected thousands of nursing professionals and millions of patients.

“She was also a true friend,” Priselac added. “I am personally grateful to have worked alongside her and to have witnessed her many contributions, her strong leadership and her voice in advocating for health equity.”

Burnes Bolton—affectionately known as LBB by her colleagues—started her Cedars-Sinai career as a staff nurse in Labor and Delivery in 1971. She became the first advanced practice nurse at Cedars-Sinai, one of her first big steps toward dramatically shifting the nursing culture at the hospital and beyond.

“I never had the privilege of meeting Dr. Burnes Bolton, but I know her extraordinary legacy is woven into the very fabric of Cedars-Sinai and will continue to shape its history for generations to come,” said Peter L. Slavin, MD, current president and CEO of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Health System.

Burnes Bolton held numerous leadership positions during her long and distinguished career at Cedars-Sinai, including chief nursing officer, senior vice president and chief health equity officer, and held the inaugural James R. Klinenberg, MD, and Lynn Klinenberg-Linkin Chair in Nursing. She led Cedars-Sinai through its first five Magnet designations, a distinction granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center to recognize nursing excellence. Under her leadership, nursing research and education became cornerstones of Cedars-Sinai nursing alongside a commitment to exceptional, professional patient care.

“Linda Burnes Bolton established an enduring legacy at Cedars-Sinai,” said David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, who succeeded Burnes Bolton in 2019 and is senior vice president, chief nursing executive and chair of the Department of Nursing. “That legacy—which we look to carry on every day—is the reason we have an unprecedented number of nurses with advanced degrees and specialty certifications. It’s why we have a deep commitment to mentorship and developing nurses into leaders, and it’s reflected in the caliber of care provided here.”

Burnes Bolton grew up in Tucson, Arizona, the oldest of 12 children. She cited her mother as the guiding influence in her life—starting in childhood, she learned crucial lessons about the values of generosity and advocacy.

“I have always given to others. That's who I am,” she said in a 2015 interview with American Nurses Foundation. “The amount is not what's important. It's the gift, the expression of love and caring: What drives me is the need to feel that people know they are loved and cared about.”

Burnes Bolton decided she wanted to be a nurse when she was six, inspired by those who cared for her when she was frequently hospitalized for severe asthma. She earned an undergraduate degree in nursing from Arizona State University and three graduate degrees from UCLA: master’s degrees in nursing and public health and a doctorate in public health.

In her first six months of nursing school at UCLA, she discovered a passion for community health, and it remained at the core of her career. While working with the Black Nurses Association, she helped to develop a community collaboration model that linked physicians and nurses in professional societies with neighborhood businesses and organizations. The model was adopted by more than 100 communities nationwide.

Burnes Bolton, who had a commanding presence but also a sensitive nature, continued to spend at least two hours of her workday making rounds even when she held Cedars-Sinai’s top nursing job. She settled into her office by 5:30 a.m. most mornings, hosted weekly Monday meetings at 7 a.m. and was often on the job until well after dark. When traveling for speaking and conference engagements, she always made sure to know the medical center’s precise patient census.

“The essence of nursing is human caring, and that essence drives me every day,” she said in a 2014 American Organization for Nursing Leadership address. “I see it as a gift to the world that nurses give and why we continue to be the most trusted profession in the United States.”

Burnes Bolton advocated for policy changes that would allow nurses to practice at the top of their license—meaning they should be empowered to provide care to the full extent of their education, training, and abilities. She advocated for laws and regulations that would allow nurses more autonomy to care for patients and for nurses to be seen as important partners in care. At the same time, she pushed for nurses to pursue higher levels of education and more specialized training. She felt passionately that these efforts were essential to providing excellent care. Burnes Bolton devoted herself generously to mentoring, nurturing and promoting nurses to positions of influence. She was especially committed to increasing diversity in the healthcare workforce.

During her tenure, Burnes Bolton oversaw creation of the Geri and Richard Brawerman Nursing Institute, which provides opportunities for nursing education, professional development and research. Cedars-Sinai hosted its first nursing research conference in 1994 with just five abstracts. The research enterprise has grown exponentially. In 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference continued at the urging of nurses. They had 81 abstracts to share.

“We were a nursing research department, but we were a purveyor of quality projects, and our goal was always to improve patient care,” said Berni Coleman, PhD, ACNP-BC, FAHA, FAAN, director of Nursing Research, who helped found Cedars-Sinai’s nursing research enterprise. “It was exciting to just listen to nurses, meet them at the end of their shifts, listen to their curious questions and help them develop those into research projects.”

Burnes Bolton was an advocate for health equity and human caring as a foundation of nursing, building on these pillars throughout her expansive career.

“She was a great visionary with an answer for every challenge,” Coleman said. “She was about equity, access, prevention, bringing the highest level of healthcare to everybody because it is a human right. She carried the world on her shoulders. When she spoke, you could rest assured that’s what she meant and that’s what she followed through on.”

An influential academic leader, Burnes Bolton lectured at universities across the country and the world, including South Africa, Croatia and Japan. She served on the national advisory councils for Duke University School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University School of Nursing, Yale School of Nursing and UCLA School of Nursing, and held faculty positions at UCLA and UC San Francisco.

Burnes Bolton served in many national leadership positions, including as president of the American Academy of Nursing, the American Organization of Nurse Executives (now known as the American Organization for Nursing Leadership) and the National Black Nurses Association.

She served on the Board of Trustees for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She served as vice-chair of the Institute of Medicine Committee on the Foundation’s Initiative on the Future of Nursing, which created a crucial blueprint for transforming nursing care to meet the increasingly complex demands on the healthcare system.

Burnes Bolton was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2015. She also served on the editorial board of the American Journal of Nursing.

Burnes Bolton earned numerous awards and recognitions. Among her many accolades, she received the American Academy of Nursing 2022 Lifetime Legacy Award and the American Organization for Nursing Leadership Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 and was included in Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Women in Healthcare in 2011. In 2016, she was named a Living Legend by the American Academy of Nursing.

State and national government agencies and private organizations looked to Burnes Bolton for guidance on increasing diversity in the healthcare workforce.  She viewed nurses as essential in ongoing efforts to address social determinants of health and healthcare reform.

“It is my hope that everyone sees nursing as the profession that is committed to equity in human caring,” she said during a 2021 Future of Nursing Initiative “fireside chat” video interview. “We must have excellence in human caring and have all professions strive for equity. That would be a mechanism for us to truly get to a healthier world where all human beings have the equal right to get healthy and stay healthy.”

Santa wheeled a wagon through the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center campus as he brought toys to young patients and their siblings. Santa also sang holiday songs while cuddling the tiny babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). And he gifted parents with keepsake ornaments decorated with their baby’s name and footprints.  

“It feels fantastic,” said Christine Silverman, whose one-week-old son, Murray, was in the NICU after being born prematurely.

NICU social worker Alva Gregorio, MSW, said parents were grateful for the opportunity to take a photo of their babies with Santa during their first Christmas, something many were afraid they would miss while being in the hospital.

“It brings a sense of normalcy to the families who have to be in the hospital during the holidays,” said one of the NICU social workers, who dressed as an elf and helped Santa deliver toys as part of the annual holiday tradition. “Some children worry Santa won’t find them because they are in the hospital, so seeing him here handing out gifts brings them great joy.”

David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, Cedars-Sinai Health System’s chief nursing executive, originated the medical center’s tradition of hosting Santa for an annual visit.

This year, Santa bore a very strong resemblance to Cedars-Sinai’s Gregory Eichelzer, DNP, RN, nursing innovation administrator, and sounded like him too, as he sang holiday standards such as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The First Noel.”  

Before he became a nurse, Eichelzer was a professional singer who performed on Broadway and toured the U.S. with productions of “Annie” and “Grease.” While his performances earned high marks from parents, Eichelzer’s baritone had a decidedly different effect on much of his audience as he lulled babies to sleep.

Santa ended his visit to Guerin Children’s with season’s greetings to patients, families and staff. “Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year to all.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Timely Pediatric Asthma Treatment 

DISCOVER (Dynamic Internship for Students Cultivating Opportunities and Vision in Healthcare Education and Research) is a 10-week, paid summer program designed to give college students a closer look at the many facets of the healthcare industry, from patient care and supply chain to hospital administration. Launched in partnership with the Los Angeles mayor’s office and Unite L.A., DISCOVER allows students to job shadow, network, and gain practical insights into their areas of interest.

“Healthcare is a team sport,” said Daniela Villegas, NextGen Pathways program manager, “and there are so many different roles and careers to choose from. There is something for everyone.”

Students who complete DISCOVER can apply for ELEVATE (Empowering Learning and Vocational Advancement Through Excellence), a yearlong employment program that continues their journey in healthcare. While DISCOVER is focused on exploration, ELEVATE takes a more targeted approach, helping students secure full-time employment while supporting them in completing their college education.

“Both programs offer students—particularly those from community colleges and four-year universities—an entry point into the healthcare field,” Villegas said. “The goal is to provide students with real-world experience and connections that help them make informed decisions about their future careers.”

Cedars-Sinai leaders hope to attract students from Los Angeles’ array of diverse communities into both programs.

“We want our future workforce to be a true reflection of Los Angeles’ incredible diversity,” said Nicole Mitchell, chief diversity and inclusion officer at Cedars-Sinai.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, as of 2022, only 5.7% of active physicians in the U.S. are Black, and 6.9% are Hispanic, despite these groups representing a much larger portion of the U.S. population.

"These disparities in representation show how much work still needs to be done to increase diverse representation in healthcare.  DISCOVER and ELEVATE are great examples of what's possible when we work together to open doors and create real opportunities for the next generation of healthcare heroes."

For NextGen Pathway students like Ashley Contreras and Alejandro Sanchez, the opportunity to work at Cedars-Sinai has been eye opening. Both are first-generation college students with goals for future careers in healthcare.

Contreras, a third-year student at UCLA, is currently working in the Geri and Richard Brawerman Nursing Institute at Cedars-Sinai.

“Something that surprised me within the program was seeing the different careers there were for nurses,” Contreras said. “I thought nurses were just on the floor helping patients, but I am learning all the behind-the-scenes work that happens.”

Sanchez, who recently earned his master’s degree in biomedical sciences from California Baptist University, is an aspiring physician assistant. He says the program has given him a unique opportunity to understand the healthcare industry.

“This is my first healthcare experience, and having this under my belt, seeing how a hospital like Cedars-Sinai operates, has been invaluable,” Sanchez said. “It’s helping me build connections and see how the healthcare field works.”

Anupa Roshan, RN, a nurse educator at Cedars-Sinai and Contreras’ department supervisor, emphasizes the importance of mentorship. “I want to support students like Ashley by fostering their curiosity in healthcare and providing opportunities for them to practice safe patient care in real settings.”

Students interested in applying can fill out this form or email nextgenprograms@cshs.org for more information.

“We want to see the full circle,” Villegas said. “We want to see students starting with us not knowing what they want to do, then going on to finish school, get the licenses they need, and eventually return to Cedars-Sinai for full-time employment.”

Read more in Discoveries Magazine: Residency Programs Move Toward Greater Diversity

Almeida joined Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital in 2023 as associate director of Nursing Operations and has served as the hospital’s interim chief nursing officer since May 2024. She honed her nursing expertise over more than two decades and has extensive clinical experience working with patients in neonatal intensive care units, emergency departments and medical-surgical divisions.

Almeida’s background in nursing leadership also spans a variety of patient care and nonclinical areas. She has led hospital-wide initiatives focused on improving communication, interdisciplinary care and operational efficiency.

"Jess’s comprehensive experience in nursing and hospital leadership, coupled with her professional and educational accomplishments, makes her an outstanding nursing executive and an exceptional fit for this critical role,” said Joanne Laguna-Kennedy, MSN, RN, vice president of Hospital Operations and chief operating officer of Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital. “As interim chief nursing officer, she led our nursing team with dedication, expertise and compassion. We congratulate her on this well-deserved promotion.”

Prior to joining Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital, Almeida served as the executive director of operations at Cedars-Sinai Providence Tarzana Medical Center, where she focused on quality improvement projects related to patient flow, work processes, clinical informatics and construction of the hospital’s new patient tower.

That experience will be critical as Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital prepares to move into a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in late 2026.

“I’m excited for this new opportunity and eager to continue helping our nursing team realize our vision of meeting the highest standards of excellence in nursing care,” Almeida said.

Laguna-Kennedy added that she is confident Almeida will help make the transition to the new hospital smooth and successful for the nursing staff.

“Jess’s leadership during her time with our organization has elevated the standard of care we provide,” Laguna-Kennedy said. “I am confident that with her guidance, our nursing team will continue to thrive and provide the highest-quality care for our patients.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Groundbreaking Women in Medicine at Cedars-Sinai

The campaign recognized 40 nurses from four Los Angeles-area health systems—Cedars-Sinai, City of Hope, UCLA Health and Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California—in an effort to elevate, enliven, and enrich the public’s understanding of nurses as clinical specialists and subject matter experts who deliver essential services and strengthen the local economy.

“Cedars-Sinai is honored to be participating in the Off the Chart campaign,” said David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Cedars-Sinai. “Our nurses play an indispensable role as members of our health care team. We take great pride in their evidence-based practice, dedication to furthering nursing science and practice, and innovative, forward-thinking approach to care delivery and health equity.”

Each Cedars-Sinai recipient was recognized for leadership, ingenuity, and expertise, and each received an unrestricted gift of $10,000.

Cedars-Sinai honorees include:

• Lloyd Dimayuga, BSN, RN, CVRN
• Christine Hardy, MSN, RN, CCRN, CNL
• Abigail Leaders, MSN, RN, CCRN
• Manny Monroy, RN, BSN, CEN, MICN
• JoMarie Monzon, MSN, FNP-BC
• Mary Nhieu, BSN, RN-BC
• Nico Olalia, MSN, GERO-BC, CMSRN
• Anna Puhky, BSN, RN, CCTC
• Jocelyn Uy, MSN, RN-BC
• Brandon Weibrecht, BSN, RN, SCRN

The honorees are nurses from diverse backgrounds who work across disciplines in both inpatient and outpatient environments and are at various points in their careers. Selection criteria focused on nurses who demonstrate proactive initiative, self-motivation, creativity, innovation and the potential for further accomplishments.

The Simms/Mann Family Foundation will celebrate the 2024 recipients at a May 28 event featuring remarks from Israeli nurse Etti Rosenberg, who utilized the power of social media to connect nurses and amplify their concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Transition Program Gives Promising Nurses Extra Support

And when that emergency arises, anyone can be ready to save a life, said Gregory Jones, RN, injury prevention and outreach coordinator for the Cedars-Sinai Trauma Program.

“There are certain lifesaving steps everyone can take before help arrives,” Jones said, adding that it’s his mission to share those steps far and wide so people at the scene know what to do until health professionals can take over.

“A person can bleed to death in three to five minutes,” Jones said, “but it can take upwards of eight minutes for emergency help to arrive.”

Uncontrolled bleeding is the No. 1 cause of death after a mass shooting, stabbing, and other mass casualties. 

The techniques Jones teaches are part of Stop the Bleed, a program developed by the American College of Surgeons following the 2012 school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in which 26 people, most of them children, died.

Stop the Bleed methods are effective in all traumas that involve bleeding, whether it’s from natural disasters or car accidents, said Jones, who has taught Stop the Bleed to groups throughout Greater Los Angeles for the past seven years.   

If an emergency arises, the first step is to call 911, Jones said. After that, there are three basic techniques to stop bleeding until help arrives.

Technique No. 1

Find the wound that’s bleeding and cover it with gauze, or even a shirt or towel, if that’s all that’s handy. Then put one hand on top of the other and press on the wound and hold it there until help arrives.

Technique No. 2 

If blood is pouring out of the wound, you have to pack the wound. If you have gloves, put them on, then use gauze, a towel or a T-shirt to pack the wound. Stuff the material into the wound as far as it can go. After you’ve packed the wound as much as possible, press on it with a covering and both of your palms until help arrives.

Technique No. 3

If you have a tourniquet, place it about three inches above the wound. Tighten the tourniquet by turning the crank in either direction until the bleeding stops. This will be painful but it’s important to keep turning until the bleeding stops. When you’re done, make note of the time when you placed the tourniquet.

Those interested in learning more can find a class led by Cedars-Sinai trauma educators or take an interactive online course through Stop the Bleed.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Donating Blood During a Disaster--How It Helps

, director of Nursing Research and Quality Improvement and assistant professor of Biomedical Sciences at Cedars-Sinai, joined the International Transplant Nurses Society (ITNS) as a speaker at the group’s inaugural presentation for the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations.

“It’s a high honor to participate at the level of the U.N.,” Coleman said. “But specifically, to highlight the work that is being done to bring awareness to the disparities that exist between men and women in the transplant space.”

The commission’s theme this year was “Accelerating Efforts Toward Gender Equality to Achieve Universal Health Coverage.” Coleman and her fellow ITNS speakers discussed the key challenges faced by women in transplantation as they work to create a global transplant community focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.

There are a number of barriers to women receiving equitable care, according to Coleman.

“So often, women are busy and put their partners or their families before their own health, creating an initial delay in treatment,” Coleman said. “In the event that they do get to their provider, the challenge becomes the provider hearing and believing their symptoms in order to treat them with the appropriate level of care.”

Additionally, Coleman says that women, and particularly women of color, are generally underrepresented in clinical research studies.

“We are immensely proud to have Dr. Coleman represent Cedars-Sinai in front of the U.N.,” said David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Cedars-Sinai. “Her commitment to diversity, equity and inclusivity in all patient care makes her an outstanding choice to bring this topic to an international stage.”

Coleman joined Cedars-Sinai in 1987 as a clinical nurse specialist in Cardiac Surgery. Her research spans bench to bedside to community—with work on genomic transplant disparities, family caregivers, and church-based preventive blood pressure education. She earned a master’s degree from the Yale University School of Nursing and a doctorate from the UCLA School of Nursing.

Read more from Cedars-Sinai Catalyst: Bolstering Excellence in Nursing

Continuing a heartwarming tradition, Santa—who bears a striking resemblance to David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president and chief nursing executive at Cedars-Sinai—made a spirited visit to pediatric patients in Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s.

Santa sported a snowy beard and was adorned in his signature red suit, glossy black boots and hat topped with a festive pom-pom. Accompanied by nurses and healthcare professionals, he spread holiday cheer by gifting young patients a cuddly stuffed animal from the Owie BowWowie Foundation. Parents of newborns received keepsake ornaments imprinted with their baby’s footprints.

First-time mother Ashley Kaslove told Santa about her newborn daughter, Harley, currently a patient in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “Even though she's not at home, thank you for finding my daughter, your presence means the world to us,” Kaslove said.

Santa’s eyes misted up when he told Kaslove that visiting the medical center was one of the highlights of his year. “To be able to provide that feeling to a family is something special,” he said.

Receiving a visit during a baby's first Christmas in the hospital added a special touch for many families—and made Santa’s day.

“It brings a piece of familiar tradition into what can be a challenging time for families with a loved one in the hospital,” Santa said. “The moment I witness the joy and smiles on their faces is priceless and brings me instant joy.”

Read more in Discoveries: Six Questions With Ophir Klein, MD, PhD

“This significant appointment underscores Dr. Coleman’s unwavering commitment and dedication to the nursing profession,” said David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president, chief nursing executive and James R. Klinenberg, MD, and Lynn Klinenberg Chair in Nursing in honor of Linda Burnes Bolton at Cedars-Sinai.

The American Academy of Nursing, an influential organization that shapes nursing policy at a national level, has more than 3,000 members who are nurse leaders in education, management, practice, policy and research. Coleman's extensive experience and dedication are highly respected among academy members as well as the broader nursing community.

"Serving as treasurer of the academy is an incredible responsibility and privilege,” Coleman said. “I intend to continue the academy’s strong fiscal management while furthering our policy to promote health and wellness within the communities we live in and serve.”

Since her induction into the organization in 2012, Coleman has engaged in volunteer leadership positions, most recently serving on the finance committee. She has also assumed the role of chair of the finance committee. In this role, she played a key part in vetting the academy’s investment decisions and providing fiscal oversight during the implementation of the organization's strategic plan.

"Dr. Coleman's leadership and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusivity and inquiry are invaluable to the academy's mission and to Cedars-Sinai," said longtime colleague Jon Kobashigawa, MD, director of Advanced Heart Disease and the Heart Transplant Program in the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai.

Coleman joined Cedars-Sinai in 1987 as a clinical nurse specialist in cardiac surgery. Her research spans bench to bedside to community–with work on genomic transplant disparities, family caregivers, and church-based preventive blood pressure education. She earned a master’s degree from the Yale University School of Nursing and a doctorate from the UCLA School of Nursing.

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Meeting Older Adults Where They Are

The Newsroom caught up with a few of them to find out how they’re doing now that the pandemic is waning, and what they’re finding most rewarding as they continue their work on the front line.

Maureen Chin, RN, associate director, Department of Pediatrics, Guerin Children’s

Chin spent much of the pandemic planning for the opening of the Guerin Children's in the summer of 2022. The new facility offers highly specialized care for children of all ages and spans neonatology, gastroenterology, cardiac services, orthopaedics, neurology and beyond.

Chin has spent her career at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and is accustomed to a bustling atmosphere. But she was surprised at how quickly patient volume increased at Guerin Children’s. 

“The number of patients doubled within weeks,” she said. “Then respiratory season came, and again, we had record-breaking admissions. We were also getting calls every day from all over the region about having patients transferred here. I was proud of our team for keeping the patient care flow moving.”

A year after opening its doors, Guerin Children’s has newly expanded services, including halo-gravity traction, which gently stretches and straightens the spine, as well as increased epilepsy monitoring.

“Our nurses are masters in varied types of specialized care, from oncology conditions to seizure disorders to trauma,” Chin said. “Then there are the outpatient clinics that are a part of the Guerin Children’s family. It’s quite expansive.”

When Chin has a rare free moment, she heads to the Healing Garden at Guerin Children’s. It was created to bring tranquility to patients, their families and staff members. Chin calls it an “instant mood-lifter.”

Another boost to the spirits comes when Chin brings a friendly volunteer to work with her: Rhone, her 2-year-old certified therapy dog. “Rhone brings a smile to everyone’s face—kids, parents and staff.”

The most fulfilling event for Chin, though, is when a young patient leaves the hospital.

“Kids are so resilient—often, they go home better than I could’ve ever imagined. And that’s the best feeling.”

Paulina Andujo, RN, clinical joint surgery manager in the Joint Replacement Program

Andujo turned to music to get through the pandemic and even learned a new skill to help her co-workers escape the intensity: DJing.

Throughout the pandemic, Andujo occasionally hosted virtual dance parties for her fellow caregivers. Now, she’s looking forward to an in-person party in the coming weeks. During National Hispanic Heritage Month, Andujo will DJ at a Cedars-Sinai celebration for nurses while they dance to the beat of “DJ Pau Pau.”

Now that the pandemic has eased, Andujo also is getting back to another passion—traveling on global volunteer missions with Operation Walk to provide joint replacement surgeries. Andujo recently returned from her seventh volunteer mission—this time, to Arusha, Tanzania, where 54 volunteer healthcare pros replaced 49 joints for 43 patients over three-and-half 13-hour days. They also collaborated with local hospital staff, helping patients in need as well as training the staff on surgical care techniques.

One patient was a 30-year-old man whose hip issues prevented him from working the hours he needed to support his family. He also couldn’t get down on the floor to play with his 4-month-old child. Hip replacement surgery changed everything.

“We’ve gotten pictures and videos from this patient since surgery,” Andujo said. “He has a light about him that wasn’t there before. As with many patients we meet on missions, being unable to work was detrimental to his livelihood and his relationships. We provide many patients their only opportunity to get surgery that can change their lives.”

Andujo is grateful to Cedars-Sinai for supporting her mission work.

“When I come back to work, everyone is eager to hear what I learned. It’s interesting to see what nursing looks like in other parts of the world. I can tell you that nursing care is nursing care, no matter what country.”

Kayla McBride, RN, digital care service nurse, Cedars-Sinai Virtual Second Opinion 

McBride said the pandemic is partially responsible for the unique job she stepped into a year ago.

With the popularity of telehealth and virtual meetings increasing dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic, McBride’s job is helping more patients than ever connect with Cedars-Sinai experts to get second opinions on the diagnoses or treatment recommendations they receive from their local physicians.

Cedars-Sinai’s Virtual Second Opinion is available to people in 20 states (more states continue to be added) who need complex cardiac, spine or gynecologic care. McBride is the first person with whom second opinion seekers connect when they enroll in the program. McBride's assessment to learn more about why a patient is seeking a second opinion is an in-depth conversation that can take more than an hour. 

McBride partners with the patient to collect and organize their medical records and imaging, which are provided to a physician with specialized expertise. Within one to three weeks (depending on how long it takes to receive medical records), the patient gets a customized report with the physician’s feedback. Patients can review the report prior to their telehealth physician visit, and there are multiple opportunities to get questions answered.

McBride said that patients seek a second opinion from Cedars-Sinai for different reasons. Some patients simply want validation that what their first doctor recommended is a good treatment plan. Others want to know if there are breakthrough treatments on the horizon.

“We’re giving them access to one of the best opinions they can get,” she said. “Sometimes our opinion is that the patient doesn’t need the risky surgery, or that we can offer them a procedure that their local hospital wasn’t able to provide.”

Patients often tell McBride that they are comforted knowing that their voice is being heard.

“When patients say that we were great listeners and answered all their questions, that’s the extra cherry on top,” McBride said.

Read more from the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Transition Program Gives Promising Nurses Extra Support

At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, however, patient care staff can step into a “Serenity Lounge,” a break room equipped with massage chairs, aromatherapy oils, artwork and other amenities to provide a soothing respite from their demanding work.  

“Historically, studies have shown that nurses’ wellbeing affects job satisfaction and performance, along with the quality of care we can provide to patients,” said Melanie Barone, RN, MSN, associate nursing director and co-creator of the medical center’s Serenity Lounge initiative.

The 24/7/365 Serenity Lounges, a culmination of ideas backed up by research from Cedars-Sinai nurses, proved to be a valuable resource for employees in need of a 10- to 20-minute respite.

Since the first Serenity Lounge opened during the COVID-19 pandemic, 13 additional lounges have opened throughout the medical center. Cedars-Sinai nurse Florida Pagador, RN, MSN, conceptualized the idea as a solution to her own need for relaxation during breaks.

“Being at patients’ bedsides can be mentally, emotionally and physically challenging,” said Pagador. “I needed a place to relax and recharge, so I pitched the idea and we got to work.”

Pagador and Barone found an underutilized locker area, gave it a makeover and established the first lounge. As the pandemic continued, more nursing teams carved out space for their own Serenity Lounges.

In a study by Pagador and Barone that was published in the American Journal of Nursing, Cedars-Sinai nurse investigators found that nurses who used a massage chair in a quiet room for as little as 10 minutes experienced mental and emotional relief, allowing them to return to patient care better equipped to handle the stress.

“If we see a colleague who’s having a bad day, we ask them if they need to go for a walk, or if they need to take 10 minutes in the lounge,” Barone said. “Our culture is to support each other and recharge, no matter what kind of day you’re having.”

Serenity Lounge benefits have stretched far beyond Cedars-Sinai, garnering attention and inquiries from nursing professionals throughout the U.S.

"Our nurses are the backbone of compassionate patient care, and their wellbeing is paramount,” said David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president, chief nursing executive and the James R. Klinenberg, MD, and Lynn Klinenberg Linkin Chair in Nursing in honor of Linda Burnes Bolton.

“The Serenity Lounges stand as a testament to our commitment to provide an environment that empowers and nurtures our nursing family.”

Read more on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: Small Change, Big Impact For Pilot Program Led By ICU Nurses

Jones will be responsible for the integration of nursing and healthcare informatics across all care settings within Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital, Cedars-Sinai Medical Network, Huntington Health and the Academic Enterprise.

“We are excited to have James in this new collaborative position that will build upon Cedars-Sinai’s proud history of innovation,” said Craig Kwiatkowski, PharmD, senior vice president and chief information officer.

Nursing informatics integrates the science of nursing with multiple information and analytical sciences to effectively incorporate data, information, and knowledge to support patient care and advance nursing practice. 

Jones, a respected nursing informatics expert, is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center in nursing informatics and as a Nurse Executive Advanced. He joins Cedars-Sinai from UW Medicine health system in Washington, where he spent eight years in executive nursing services and operational roles. Prior to becoming UW’s chief nursing informatics officer, Jones was vice president of Nursing Operations and chief nursing informatics officer at UW Medicine’s Valley Medical Center.

At Cedars-Sinai, Jones will provide leadership and strategic direction to ensure nurses and other frontline staff members are involved in the design and use of technology.

Working in partnership with nursing leaders at each Cedars-Sinai location and affiliate, Jones will drive data-based efforts to support the highest level of patient care by improving workflows and processes, supporting technology-enabled transformation, and advancing new healthcare delivery capabilities.

Additionally, Jones will collaborate with Cedars-Sinai's Human Resources team to lead technology training teams that support e-learning and the onboarding of new employees.

“James’ deep experience and collaborative leadership style will serve Cedars-Sinai’s mission to constantly enhance the care we provide to patients while also ensuring staff wellbeing,” said David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, senior vice president, chief nursing executive and the James R. Klinenberg, MD, and Lynn Klinenberg Linkin Chair in Nursing in honor of Linda Burnes Bolton.

Read more in Discoveries: A Deep Dive with Data Scientists