Chris Sanford
November 2023
Chris
Sanford
,
DNP, RN, NEA-BC
Patient Care Services
Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center
Santa Rosa
,
CA
United States

 

 

 

​​​​​​​Regardless of the complexity of any scenario, Chris executes flawlessly. She is invariably present, a testament to her commitment and a resource we have all come to depend on. Her leadership style is both unique and impactful, leaving an indelible mark on Kaiser Santa Rosa.
We would like to nominate Chris Sanford for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award for her years of dedication to our adult services team, her patients, and teams throughout the medical center. Chris has demonstrated unwavering strength, leadership, organization, and collaboration. Despite the innumerable challenges we have faced, Chris has been a steady rock and support to everyone she leads.

Chris is the embodiment of calm logic in the eye of the storm, consistently demonstrating an impressive ability to remain balanced and focused. Her approach is never dramatic or overly emotional, yet she is sincere and—most importantly—consistently compassionate in every situation.

Her instrumental role during the Santa Rosa fires in 2017 was pivotal in our hospital's ability to reopen swiftly, ensuring we passed all necessary surveys with flying colors. As the COVID pandemic unfurled its uncertainties, Chris remained our voice of reason through the fear of the unknown. In times characterized by considerable staff and leadership turnover, her guidance was a beacon of hope.

Chris's compassionate nature has shone brightly during sentinel events, leading us with a gentle yet assured hand. Her leadership through various work stoppages has been nothing short of remarkable, coordinating efforts seamlessly to guarantee our patients receive safe care. When adult services experienced the profound sorrow of losing members of our work family, Chris was there, offering her unwavering support to staff and leaders alike, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation while reminding us of our collective strength and dedication.

Regardless of the complexity of any scenario, Chris executes flawlessly. She is invariably present, a testament to her commitment and a resource we have all come to depend on. Her leadership style is both unique and impactful, leaving an indelible mark on Kaiser Santa Rosa. As Chris approaches her well-deserved retirement, there's an undeniable sense of uncertainty about our path forward without her steadfast presence. Yet, it is a testament to her extraordinary leadership that she has prepared us for this moment with every action, every decision, and every word of encouragement. She has equipped us with the skills, confidence, and compassion needed to continue our mission with the same dedication and excellence she exemplified.

In closing, it is leaders like Chris Sanford who elevate the nursing profession to new heights. She will always and forever be a BADASS leader, whose legacy at Kaiser Santa Rosa is as enduring as it is inspiring.