Barbara Meringo, RN Med/Surg Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center, Santa Rosa, California

Barbara Meringo is truly an extraordinary nurse and one of Kaiser Permanente's unsung heroes. Barbara embraces all of the qualities that in my mind make up an exemplary nurse. She has the highest principles and the warmest human sympathies. She is what I call a seasoned, dedicated, no nonsense nurse with excellent skills that have been honed through years of practical experience gained in the trenches. She is a devoted patient advocate, the queen of team, and the nurse I most aspire to be like. Physicians, hospital administrators, colleagues and fellow nurses all respect her and she is the go-to person whenever there is a question regarding policies or procedures.

Barbara is a leader and frequently the glue that holds the unit together. She is the voice of reason in tumultuous times of change in our healthcare system. She has embraced Health Connect and is always trying to find ways to improve and personalize her care despite the use of this impersonal tool.

Barbara is the nurse that we all turn to in the time of crisis or confusion. She is a wonderful listener and a terrific teacher and is always willing to share what she knows with her coworkers. She is both empathetic and firm, a soft should to cry on and strong spirit to guide and her patient and their families report they draw comfort and relief from her.