The Registered Nurse leaders of Kaiser Permanente San Diego’s Pediatrics Department represent the very best of nursing leadership in action. Amber McCormack, Ashley Lawson, Alissa Blankenship, Brittanee Randle, Daniel Watkins, Katya Franco, Lena Derkrikorian, and Tiffany Notigan exemplify excellence through their unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, team development, and operational innovation.

At the core of their leadership is a deep commitment to children and families. This team consistently creates an environment where patients feel heard, supported, and cared for with compassion and dignity. They go beyond clinical excellence, actively engaging families, advocating for each child’s unique needs, and ensuring that care delivery is both personalized and meaningful.

Their leadership is grounded in collaboration and forward-thinking practice. Partnering seamlessly with physicians, interprofessional teams, and frontline staff, they develop and implement comprehensive care strategies that improve outcomes and enhance safety. They are highly adaptable leaders who integrate evidence-based practices, embrace innovation, and respond effectively to evolving healthcare challenges.

A defining example of their leadership is the successful implementation of the Pediatric Staff Retention Project. Through structured communication, including monthly touchpoints and quarterly data-driven updates, they engaged leaders, HR, and union partners to strengthen workforce stability. In addition, they launched the North Floating Pilot, a creative solution that reduced staff travel burden and significantly improved team satisfaction.

Their influence extends beyond their department. As mentors and role models, they actively invest in developing others, fostering a culture of continuous learning, certification, and professional growth. Their thoughtfully designed new employee orientation program ensures strong onboarding, mentorship, and long-term success for new nurses. Their leadership style is approachable, inclusive, and grounded in trust, creating a highly engaged and high-performing team.

Their commitment was most powerfully demonstrated during the 2025 and 2026 four-week UNAC strike. During this time, eight nurse leaders stepped forward as the only Registered Nurses supporting outpatient pediatrics across 13 San Diego locations, including the pediatric oncology infusion center at Vandever. Despite limited resources and the absence of additional support staff, they ensured uninterrupted care for some of the most vulnerable patients. They navigated complex clinical situations, maintained the highest standards of safety and quality, and provided essential emotional support to patients and families. Their resilience, teamwork, and clinical expertise ensured that critical treatments continued without disruption. This extraordinary level of dedication reflects not only professional excellence but a profound commitment to the mission of care.

The impact of this team is also reflected in their exceptional performance outcomes. Their department consistently ranks among the top in Southern California, including:

• #2 in Southern California for POE scores (2025)
• #1 for Combo 10 childhood vaccinations
• #1 for Pediatric influenza and African American influenza vaccination rates
• #2 in Pediatric Flu SOR performance
• Achieved targets for HPV vaccination rates
• All 12 MOBs meeting Combo 2 adolescent vaccine goals
• Consistent achievement of Well Teen Visit goals
• #3 ranking in Well Baby Visits (15–30 months)
• DHCS audit scores above 90% across all 12 MOBs
• Greater than 80% direct booking rates, improving patient access
• 79% open panels, supporting access for new patients
• Sustained ASQ access scores above 9 over two years

Equally notable is their impact on workforce engagement and culture. Over two years, this team increased engagement scores by 10%, achieving an overall People Pulse engagement score of 82%. Their leadership is reflected across key indices, including Team Effectiveness (86), Integrity and Ethics (86), and Patient Safety (84). Four of their leaders were recognized on the 2025 Kaiser Permanente Culture of Health Manager Honor Roll, further validating their leadership excellence.

They also model lifelong learning and professional advancement. Team members have earned advanced degrees and continue to pursue higher education, including MBAs, MSNs, and DNP preparation, reinforcing a culture of growth and leadership development.

This team does not simply meet expectations; they consistently raise the standard for what nursing leadership should be. Their ability to deliver exceptional patient care, lead through adversity, innovate in operations, and invest in people makes them truly deserving of the Pediatric Leadership Team Award.