May 2026 Honoree
Bass Infusion Center
Kimberly M. Williams, DNP, RN, NE-BC • Merian Van Eijk, MSN, RN, CPHON • Melissa Martin, RN • Diep Luong, RN • Tami (Cheryl) Okumura, RN • Shelley Vranesh, RN • Stephanie Duffy, RN • Heather Sanderson, RN • Jill Becchetti, RN • Amelia Miller, RN • Jennifer Koelmel, RN • Angela Duerr, RN • Ellen Renee, RN • Julia Gallo, RN • Megan Wong, RN • Jaclyn Smith, RN • Christina Davis, RN • Allison (Renee) Nolen, RN • Josephine Lontoc-Delatorre, RN • Jaclyn Vance, RN • Jackie Miller, RN • Cherry Lo, RN • Amanda Reedy, RN • Sara Buncke, RN • Jamie Jarret, RN • Tamra Seto, RN • Liana Bullard • Marion Goldman
Have you ever imagined administering over $2 million in one groundbreaking study medication? Or witnessed the revolutionary advancements of CAR-T therapy—Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell treatment—that is transforming cancer care? Have you heard of a dedicated unit that helps reduce Emergency Department congestion by providing care for sick oncologic and stem cell patients? Or experienced the challenge of accessing a port and needed the expert assistance of an infusion nurse? Can you envision working with a team so collaborative and efficient that they deliver these cutting-edge therapies—often limited to only a handful of specialized institutions? This is just a small part of what the nursing team at LPCH’s Infusion Center does every day. Here, innovation meets compassion, and an extraordinary team of nurses provides life-changing care with dedication, expertise, and a pioneering spirit.
The nursing team at the Infusion Center may be small, but they are mighty. They are driven by a shared mission to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of their patients while providing exceptional care. Whether through their expert-level care, personalized coping plans, or quick response in emergency situations, they build bonds rooted in trust and compassion.
The infusion center takes care of a diverse patient population including individuals with complex hematologic, oncologic, neuro-oncologic, stem cell transplant, nephrology, gastroenterology, immunology, allergy, ophthalmology, endocrinology, neuromuscular, and rheumatologic conditions. The infusion nurse's expertise extends beyond routine infusions; they are skilled in procedural care—assisting with lumbar punctures, bone marrow aspirates, and biopsies under general anesthesia. While serving a diverse patient population with unique needs, they are committed to advancing research and innovation to deliver the highest quality care. The infusion center nurses deliver outpatient infusions that reduce hospital stays, which increases patient and family satisfaction, while also easing inpatient resource strain.
The Infusion Center Nursing Team is dedicated to delivering exceptional clinical care while also uplifting the patients' spirits. They strive to make each visit a little brighter, recognizing that a positive experience is just as important as the treatment itself. With empathy and creativity, the team transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences, making patients feel truly seen, heard, and valued.
The nurses believe in empowering patients and families by offering choices and involving them in the care process by taking the time to create individualized plans for patients. For example, a 4-year-old patient with brain cancer who was fearful of injections and procedures was in the infusion center on a Saturday to receive an injection. There is no child life in the infusion center on weekends, so the nurses must be creative in creating a plan and providing therapeutic interventions. By offering her choices, such as which band-aid she wanted or which lollipop she'd like after the injection, nurses were able to distract her from the procedure and make it a positive experience. The team worked together to make it a game, using "silly counting" (one princess, two pairs of pretty shoes, three brave girls...) to make the experience enjoyable, and she left feeling happy and proud of her bravery.
In another scenario, a patient was extremely needle phobic and had never had labs drawn before. It had been a decade since their last vaccines. In collaboration with the sedation team, nurses were able to provide a calm, therapeutic environment and successfully retrieve labs. The doctor of the patient said, “Infusion Nurses showed amazing teamwork and excellent care that allowed us to provide services to the patient to accomplish essential care, I am incredibly grateful for this team”.
The Infusion Team also celebrates their patients' life milestones, coming together as a team to mark the end of therapies and other significant achievements. They gather in the courtyard to cheer on patients and acknowledge their progress, fostering a strong sense of community and support. In collaboration with the Bass Clinic, they provide balloons, cake, and sing an end-of-therapy song to mark these special moments.
For one patient who was unable to attend her honeymoon in Hawaii due to her clinical status, the nurses organized a Hawaiian-themed party as a surprise during her infusion, complete with themed food and a ukulele player. For another patient who loves to sing and visits the center weekly, the nurses set up “concert tickets” and a designated area for him to perform, with staff clapping and cheering, visibly lifting his spirits. It’s clear that the nurses go above and beyond to bring joy and encouragement to their patients in any way they can.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of the Infusion Team’s success. Whether managing high-pressure emergencies—such as reactions to blood products—or navigating daily routines, their teamwork exemplifies professionalism and mutual support. Recently, when a primary nurse’s patient experienced a reaction, while attending to that urgent need, another nurse proactively took care of her other patient by checking and hanging her chemotherapy. The primary nurse remarked, “I didn’t even have to ask; you just did it. This is truly the best team.”
In another instance, a nurse coordinator praised the infusion nurses who responded swiftly and effectively to a patient with a high heart rate and low blood pressure in the Bass Center Clinic. “They all responded and worked to get the patient the support they needed in a very professional manner. They exemplified great teamwork.”
During procedures, where three different nurses collaborate, effective and thoughtful communication during handoffs is essential. The infusion center administers many medications, such as chemotherapy, IVIG, and blood products, which require double nurse verification and checks—further emphasizing the team’s reliance on one another for safe, high-quality care. The team’s collaborative culture is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and support, ensuring every member feels valued and empowered to contribute.
Their teamwork was also put to the test during a recent unit move, where nurses played a vital role in planning and executing the transition through multiple meetings, task delegation, and input on the new space’s design and layout. Thanks to their dedication and collaborative effort, the move was a resounding success.
Beyond intra-team collaboration, they expertly coordinate with various teams throughout the hospital on a daily basis. They work closely with specialized teams such as Vascular Access, training infusion nurses to perform ultrasound-guided peripheral IV placements. This skill not only alleviates the workload on Vascular Access but also ensures that patients continue receiving their vital treatments without risking vein damage. It also reduces patient wait times, enhancing overall care efficiency and patient satisfaction.
In preparation for procedures with anesthesia in the infusion center, they collaborate with multiple providers, inpatient teams, and anesthesia, helping to optimize operating room utilization and patient comfort. The team also works closely with sedation teams and child life specialists to provide comfort for anxious patients during procedures. Additionally, they work closely with nurse coordinators, home pharmacy, and numerous other teams to ensure seamless patient care.
The team’s ability to adapt swiftly to evolving treatments and modalities keeps them at the forefront of innovation. For example, they administer cutting-edge therapies such as Zolgensma, a one-time infusion for SMA, which is recognized as one of the world’s most expensive drugs and is available only at select institutions. Their proficiency also enables them to deliver virus-specific T-cell infusions—an advanced immunotherapy for stem cell transplant patients—making LPCH a leader in groundbreaking research and care.
They frequently administer research medications, adhere strictly to study protocols, and provide new therapies that often require on-the-spot training. This level of adaptability and expertise relies on a strong, collaborative team dedicated to success.
Their commitment to advancing care through evidence-based practice and research is equally remarkable. One nurse leads a study on aromatherapy to reduce anxiety during port access; another collaborates with the Children’s Oncology Group to address fatigue in oncology patients through creative interventions like walks and scavenger hunts. They have established rigorous safety protocols for high-risk medications, including reaction kits, second-nurse checks, and emergency readiness, exemplifying their dedication to patient safety. Additionally, they partner with Child Life to improve patient experiences, ensuring that innovation and research translate into tangible benefits for patients and families.
The Infusion Center nursing team is a shining example of exceptional patient care, collaboration, and innovation. With their unique blend of specialized skills, compassionate approach, and commitment to advancing research and evidence-based practice, they have made a profound impact on the lives of patients and families. The team embodies the mission and values of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. Their dedication to delivering personalized care, empowering patients and families, and fostering a positive experience is truly inspiring.
A nurse wrote in a recognition note, “[BIC nurses] teamwork, persistence, and willingness to speak up made a meaningful difference in a very challenging moment. The care, compassion, and advocacy [they] showed truly reflected the heart of patient- and family-centered care. It was powerful to witness...”.
The team's achievements, from providing expert care across multiple specialties to advancing research and quality improvement, demonstrate their unwavering commitment to excellence. They are a testament to the power of teamwork, empathy, and kindness, and they have an outstanding contribution to the community. They may be small in number, but their impact is immeasurable.
The nursing team at the Infusion Center may be small, but they are mighty. They are driven by a shared mission to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of their patients while providing exceptional care. Whether through their expert-level care, personalized coping plans, or quick response in emergency situations, they build bonds rooted in trust and compassion.
The infusion center takes care of a diverse patient population including individuals with complex hematologic, oncologic, neuro-oncologic, stem cell transplant, nephrology, gastroenterology, immunology, allergy, ophthalmology, endocrinology, neuromuscular, and rheumatologic conditions. The infusion nurse's expertise extends beyond routine infusions; they are skilled in procedural care—assisting with lumbar punctures, bone marrow aspirates, and biopsies under general anesthesia. While serving a diverse patient population with unique needs, they are committed to advancing research and innovation to deliver the highest quality care. The infusion center nurses deliver outpatient infusions that reduce hospital stays, which increases patient and family satisfaction, while also easing inpatient resource strain.
The Infusion Center Nursing Team is dedicated to delivering exceptional clinical care while also uplifting the patients' spirits. They strive to make each visit a little brighter, recognizing that a positive experience is just as important as the treatment itself. With empathy and creativity, the team transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences, making patients feel truly seen, heard, and valued.
The nurses believe in empowering patients and families by offering choices and involving them in the care process by taking the time to create individualized plans for patients. For example, a 4-year-old patient with brain cancer who was fearful of injections and procedures was in the infusion center on a Saturday to receive an injection. There is no child life in the infusion center on weekends, so the nurses must be creative in creating a plan and providing therapeutic interventions. By offering her choices, such as which band-aid she wanted or which lollipop she'd like after the injection, nurses were able to distract her from the procedure and make it a positive experience. The team worked together to make it a game, using "silly counting" (one princess, two pairs of pretty shoes, three brave girls...) to make the experience enjoyable, and she left feeling happy and proud of her bravery.
In another scenario, a patient was extremely needle phobic and had never had labs drawn before. It had been a decade since their last vaccines. In collaboration with the sedation team, nurses were able to provide a calm, therapeutic environment and successfully retrieve labs. The doctor of the patient said, “Infusion Nurses showed amazing teamwork and excellent care that allowed us to provide services to the patient to accomplish essential care, I am incredibly grateful for this team”.
The Infusion Team also celebrates their patients' life milestones, coming together as a team to mark the end of therapies and other significant achievements. They gather in the courtyard to cheer on patients and acknowledge their progress, fostering a strong sense of community and support. In collaboration with the Bass Clinic, they provide balloons, cake, and sing an end-of-therapy song to mark these special moments.
For one patient who was unable to attend her honeymoon in Hawaii due to her clinical status, the nurses organized a Hawaiian-themed party as a surprise during her infusion, complete with themed food and a ukulele player. For another patient who loves to sing and visits the center weekly, the nurses set up “concert tickets” and a designated area for him to perform, with staff clapping and cheering, visibly lifting his spirits. It’s clear that the nurses go above and beyond to bring joy and encouragement to their patients in any way they can.
Collaboration is the cornerstone of the Infusion Team’s success. Whether managing high-pressure emergencies—such as reactions to blood products—or navigating daily routines, their teamwork exemplifies professionalism and mutual support. Recently, when a primary nurse’s patient experienced a reaction, while attending to that urgent need, another nurse proactively took care of her other patient by checking and hanging her chemotherapy. The primary nurse remarked, “I didn’t even have to ask; you just did it. This is truly the best team.”
In another instance, a nurse coordinator praised the infusion nurses who responded swiftly and effectively to a patient with a high heart rate and low blood pressure in the Bass Center Clinic. “They all responded and worked to get the patient the support they needed in a very professional manner. They exemplified great teamwork.”
During procedures, where three different nurses collaborate, effective and thoughtful communication during handoffs is essential. The infusion center administers many medications, such as chemotherapy, IVIG, and blood products, which require double nurse verification and checks—further emphasizing the team’s reliance on one another for safe, high-quality care. The team’s collaborative culture is rooted in mutual respect, trust, and support, ensuring every member feels valued and empowered to contribute.
Their teamwork was also put to the test during a recent unit move, where nurses played a vital role in planning and executing the transition through multiple meetings, task delegation, and input on the new space’s design and layout. Thanks to their dedication and collaborative effort, the move was a resounding success.
Beyond intra-team collaboration, they expertly coordinate with various teams throughout the hospital on a daily basis. They work closely with specialized teams such as Vascular Access, training infusion nurses to perform ultrasound-guided peripheral IV placements. This skill not only alleviates the workload on Vascular Access but also ensures that patients continue receiving their vital treatments without risking vein damage. It also reduces patient wait times, enhancing overall care efficiency and patient satisfaction.
In preparation for procedures with anesthesia in the infusion center, they collaborate with multiple providers, inpatient teams, and anesthesia, helping to optimize operating room utilization and patient comfort. The team also works closely with sedation teams and child life specialists to provide comfort for anxious patients during procedures. Additionally, they work closely with nurse coordinators, home pharmacy, and numerous other teams to ensure seamless patient care.
The team’s ability to adapt swiftly to evolving treatments and modalities keeps them at the forefront of innovation. For example, they administer cutting-edge therapies such as Zolgensma, a one-time infusion for SMA, which is recognized as one of the world’s most expensive drugs and is available only at select institutions. Their proficiency also enables them to deliver virus-specific T-cell infusions—an advanced immunotherapy for stem cell transplant patients—making LPCH a leader in groundbreaking research and care.
They frequently administer research medications, adhere strictly to study protocols, and provide new therapies that often require on-the-spot training. This level of adaptability and expertise relies on a strong, collaborative team dedicated to success.
Their commitment to advancing care through evidence-based practice and research is equally remarkable. One nurse leads a study on aromatherapy to reduce anxiety during port access; another collaborates with the Children’s Oncology Group to address fatigue in oncology patients through creative interventions like walks and scavenger hunts. They have established rigorous safety protocols for high-risk medications, including reaction kits, second-nurse checks, and emergency readiness, exemplifying their dedication to patient safety. Additionally, they partner with Child Life to improve patient experiences, ensuring that innovation and research translate into tangible benefits for patients and families.
The Infusion Center nursing team is a shining example of exceptional patient care, collaboration, and innovation. With their unique blend of specialized skills, compassionate approach, and commitment to advancing research and evidence-based practice, they have made a profound impact on the lives of patients and families. The team embodies the mission and values of Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. Their dedication to delivering personalized care, empowering patients and families, and fostering a positive experience is truly inspiring.
A nurse wrote in a recognition note, “[BIC nurses] teamwork, persistence, and willingness to speak up made a meaningful difference in a very challenging moment. The care, compassion, and advocacy [they] showed truly reflected the heart of patient- and family-centered care. It was powerful to witness...”.
The team's achievements, from providing expert care across multiple specialties to advancing research and quality improvement, demonstrate their unwavering commitment to excellence. They are a testament to the power of teamwork, empathy, and kindness, and they have an outstanding contribution to the community. They may be small in number, but their impact is immeasurable.
Thank you for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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