Jolanda Schilling
May 2025
Jolanda
Schilling
,
BSN, CCRN, PCCN
Pediatrics
Kaiser Permanente Fontana Medical Center
Fontana
,
CA
United States
Perhaps most importantly, Jolanda is a fierce patient advocate. She continuously seeks ways to enhance care delivery, improve outcomes, and ensure that every child and family receives compassionate, evidence-based care. She does so with a professional demeanor, positively engaging with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure her advocacy is conveyed respectfully while valuing others' unique opinions and contributions.
It is with great admiration, respect, and enthusiasm that I nominate Jolanda Schilling for the Lifetime DAISY Award in recognition of her extraordinary dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the field of pediatric nursing. Since becoming a registered nurse in 1982, Jolanda has left an indelible mark on every unit she has served, from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU) and, most notably, as a founding leader in opening the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Kaiser Fontana.
Jolanda is not only a highly skilled and compassionate clinician but also a lifelong mentor and educator. Many nurses owe their growth and development to her guidance. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of countless nurses, challenging them to expand their knowledge, refine their skills, and provide exceptional patient care. She takes immense pride in mentoring and precepting new nurses, ensuring they develop the confidence, critical thinking, and clinical expertise necessary to care for critically ill pediatric patients. She exemplifies a patient-first approach and continuously seeks research-based best practices to advocate for the highest standards in patient care. Jolanda’s commitment to training and developing her nursing colleagues is reflected in positive patient care outcomes and patient experiences as well as the level of respect she commands from the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Jolanda’s expertise extends far beyond her bedside skills. She holds both the Pediatric CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) and Pediatric Nurse Oncology Certification, reflecting her deep commitment to clinical excellence in pediatric critical care and oncology nursing. As an expert in cardiac didactic training, she shares her vast knowledge with colleagues, ensuring that the PICU team is equipped to provide the highest quality of care to children with complex medical conditions. Her ability to teach, empower, and inspire others. Due to her extensive knowledge base, Jolanda is consistently confided in with both nurses and physicians alike when treating children with complex medical conditions.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Jolanda serves as the Coordinator of Supplies in the PICU, ensuring that the unit is always equipped with the necessary resources to deliver the best care possible. She is a reliable and efficient leader in this role, managing supplies with exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. She also floats to the Pediatric Holding Ward when needed, demonstrating her flexibility and dedication to supporting her colleagues across units. Jolanda is also a strong and compassionate leader, serving as a relief charge nurse when needed to support staff, ensure smooth operations, and foster a positive work environment. As a highly skilled procedure nurse, she performs complex interventions with precision and care, always advocating for her patients’ well-being.
Perhaps most importantly, Jolanda is a fierce patient advocate. She continuously seeks ways to enhance care delivery, improve outcomes, and ensure that every child and family receives compassionate, evidence-based care. She does so with a professional demeanor, positively engaging with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure her advocacy is conveyed respectfully while valuing others' unique opinions and contributions. Her mentorship, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the nursing profession have left a lasting impact on the lives of her patients, their families, and her colleagues. Every day, Jolanda Schilling makes visible the value of nursing to her colleagues and the patients, family, and community we serve.
For her exceptional career, commitment to nursing excellence, and profound contributions to pediatric critical care, Jolanda Schilling is more than deserving of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Her inspiring leadership, compassionate care, and lifelong dedication to advancing the profession make her a truly extraordinary nurse who has transformed the lives of so many.
***
It is with great honor that I nominate Jolanda for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to nursing, mentorship, and leadership. Jolanda has dedicated her career to excellence in pediatric intensive care, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her patients, colleagues, and the nursing profession. As a highly skilled PICU RN, she has provided life-saving care with compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication. Her clinical excellence, critical thinking, and keen assessment skills have made her an invaluable asset in the most challenging situations.
Beyond her bedside care, Jolanda is a mentor, preceptor, and leader who has shaped the next generation of nurses. She leads by example, offering guidance, support, and encouragement to those around her. Her ability to inspire confidence and growth in others has left a lasting impact on countless nurses who have had the privilege of learning from her. As a trusted colleague and friend, Jolanda fosters a positive, collaborative work environment. Her strong interpersonal skills create a culture of teamwork and mutual respect, ensuring that both staff and patients benefit from a supportive atmosphere. Her ability to balance clinical excellence with financial responsibility showcases her dedication to both patient care and hospital sustainability.
Jolanda embodies integrity, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to nursing. Her contributions to patient care, professional development, and leadership have made an indelible mark on the PICU community.
***
It is an absolute honor to recognize Jolanda Schilling, RN, for her incredible contributions to pediatric intensive care and her lifelong dedication to mentoring and leadership. Since 1982, Jolanda has been a beacon of expertise in pediatric intensive care and pediatric cardiac ICU, shaping not only the care provided to critically ill children but also the careers of countless nurses who have had the privilege of working alongside her.
I first met Jolanda in 2006 when she was my charge nurse and mentor in the pediatric cardiac ICU. From day one, she led with wisdom, strength, and an unwavering belief in those around her. In 2009, she played a pivotal role in opening the PICU at Kaiser Fontana, recruiting me and at least ten other experienced nurses to help build something truly special. Jolanda has always seen the best in others, pushing us to grow into the best versions of ourselves. She has been my biggest cheerleader, guiding me through my journey from bedside nurse to charge nurse, and now assistant manager—a path I never could have imagined without her encouragement and support.
Today, we celebrate not just an extraordinary nurse and leader, but a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to so many. Jolanda, thank you for your unwavering dedication, your kindness, and for always believing in those lucky enough to work alongside you.
***
Jolanda Schilling is truly one of the most capable and engaged nurses I have encountered in my career, and I can think of no one else more deserving of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Jolanda was one of the original nurses who helped open the PICU in our community hospital. She was recruited specifically because she had already proven her strength as a leader and her skills as a nurse at her previous hospital. Her breadth and depth of knowledge, her compassion, and her professionalism helped establish the tone and the feel of our PICU today. It is a unit in which our patients and their parents are treated as family, and where doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists all learn from each other in order to provide the best care for our patients.
We recently took care of a patient together who had a terminal illness and whose parents had made the difficult decision to make their child DNR/DNI. He was admitted to the hospital for fulminant congestive heart failure; the parents wanted him to be able to pass peacefully but were scared for it to happen at home. Jolanda had never met the child or his parents before, but she immediately made herself emotionally available to them and put them at ease through this very difficult time. Jolanda stayed at the patient’s bedside, establishing appropriate respiratory support, initiating pain medications, and helping the parents to hold their child as respiratory support was removed. By the end of the day, after the patient had expired, the parents hugged and thanked Jolanda for all she had done for them.
I’ve known Jolanda for nearly ten years now and she proves time and time again that she is one of the best nurses I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. She leads by example and has been an invaluable teacher to the younger nurses. Our PICU would not be what it is without her.
***
Without a doubt, Jolanda has had a tremendous impact on my nursing career and was instrumental in molding me into the nurse I am today. The first time I met Jolanda was during my interview for the Loma Linda Children’s pediatric RN residency. At that, she was a charge nurse for the pediatric cardiothoracic and solid organ transplant intensive care unit, and she was on the panel of nurse leaders conducting the interviews. In the brief amount of time during that interview, it was clear that she was an expert-level nurse in her field, asking questions relating to my understanding of applicable cardiac pathophysiology, associated clinical findings on assessments, and pertinent nursing interventions. I later found out that she was instrumental in Loma Linda’s decision to hire me. In my first year working as a novice nurse, Jolanda would continually push me to learn and grow and would regularly challenge me with questions aimed at increasing my nursing knowledge base and ability to care for more acutely sick patients.
Jolanda was not someone you would fear, but you had such a level of respect for her and her commitment to the families and patients we care for, that you had a strong desire to earn her approval through continued growth as a professional nurse. I never remember Jolanda, or mama Jo, as being negative or overly critical, but as someone who would celebrate your achievements and successes with you, which would in turn add fuel to the fire in my desire to meet my personal nursing career goals. The ability to inspire others around you towards excellence is a remarkable feat, one that Jolanda has shown great aptitude for. Furthermore, Jolanda exemplifies the delivery of patient centered care. Her ability to establish rapport and engage with patients and families is remarkable.
I have worked with Jolanda for over fifteen years now in two different work settings, as I have transitioned from the Loma Linda Children’s pediatric cardiac department to the PICU for Kaiser Fontana. Knowing that Jolanda would be working in the PICU at Kaiser Fontana was one of the deciding factors in my decision to join Kaiser Permanente, because I knew that I would be supported and have a great resource and mentor to help me become established as a PICU nurse. Furthermore, even though I now consider myself a seasoned and experienced PICU nurse, Jolanda continues to teach me new information and inspire me to continuously grow as a nurse. I can think of no other nurse more deserving of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award than Jolanda Schilling, she epitomizes the values and virtues that the award represents.
***
In my opinion, any physician who doesn't admit that their medical hands-on training was almost completely thanks to experienced nurses, is a physician who shouldn't be trusted. Jolanda is one of these experienced nurses who has trained hundreds of physicians during her career to care for critically ill children, recognize physical findings that require urgent intervention, and perform various procedures. Jolanda is a fierce patient advocate and does not shy away from speaking up. And every family with a critically ill child deserves to have Jolanda at their bedside and in their corner.
I didn't get to meet Jolanda at the beginning of my critical care profession, but I have continued to learn so much from her. From the first day I worked with her I recognized that she was a walking pediatric cardiac encyclopedia. For example, I found it helpful to discuss arrhythmias with her and debate rhythm strips of patients in the unit and the planned course of treatment. I have to say, though, that my favorite part of working with Jolanda is that she can make me smile and laugh during the most challenging days working with critically ill children. And that's a skill that is so wonderful to have in a busy, stressful environment.
***
I have worked with Jolanda for over 20 years; first at the pediatric cardiac ICU, and now with Kaiser PICU. Jolanda IS the Florence Nightingale of today. She inspires all nurses...newbies and veterans to empower ourselves with knowledge. Knowledge of the child's diagnosis, how to fine tune assessment of the patient, what are the current problems, and the potential problems. This empowers us to give the best care possible, to be confident in our nursing skills, to be an important part of the child's medical team.
Jolanda shares her knowledge and wisdom with grace and respect, inspiring us all to be better nurses, to even want her to be proud of us. Jolanda is highly respected by everyone, her peers, managers and the doctors. She is the best colleague and best friend to have by my side. She has picked me up and carried me through difficult times professionally and personally.
I met Jolanda 25 years ago when I started working in the cardiothoracic unit at Loma Linda. I was a new nurse who had limited knowledge of this complex patient population. Jolanda took me under her wing and in a supportive environment taught me physical assessment skills like assessing hepatomegaly, expanded my knowledge on the anatomy and physiology of over 30 different CHDs, and taught me how to find my “inner voice” to advocate for patients and their families. When I asked her why she was so passionate about teaching younger generations of nurses, she told me of how she called a surgeon at 1 AM to express her concerns about an elevated CVP. She then told me how he reassured her, “Don’t worry Jolanda, everything will be ok”. In that moment, she knew she had no understanding of her patient's anatomy and physiology. She made it her lifelong mission that nurses would never be in a similar situation.
***
I met Jolanda in 1994. It was a few days after my orientation in the pediatric Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Unit for Loma Linda. She was our relief charge nurse then and was very knowledgeable and very inspiring. She motivated me and helped me become who I am right now as a nurse, a great bedside nurse and eventually a relief charge nurse. Her expertise and passion for her profession is evident every time I work with her. She is well-liked by all nurses, family, patients, surgeons, and other professionals who come and interact with her. I especially loved the way she taught every new nurse who came and joined our PICU at Fontana. Her knowledge is so impeccable that everyone looks to her as an inspiration. Additionally, she is incredibly funny, which helps alleviate a stressful working environment. In 2009, I joined her in opening the Fontana KP PICU, which was extremely busy in the first three months as there were only six nurses and one physician to cover the unit. Jolanda worked tirelessly for 31 days straight, even with swollen knees, to ensure the unit was adequately staffed. She is a true leader then and now. She is very active in and out of our unit. She is always updated with the trends in nursing. She has all the certifications and credentials that are required in our specialty. She always shares whatever she learns with everyone. She is a true leader and a great advocate for patients and family who seeks advice when they are confronted with fears about what to do for their sick families. She is compassionate, caring, supportive, knowledgeable and well-liked by many. She is a true inspiration to all Nurses and all the people who work around her.
***
Mama Jo is unmatched. I feel so blessed that so many of my nursing years were under her leadership and guidance. I truly believe that the way I think as a nurse is because of the foundation she instilled in me from day one. She had such a way of asking you questions about your patient that sparked your critical thinking but also firm enough that you knew you would be looking it up because not knowing wasn’t going to be an option. She was strong but kind, always challenging us and pushing us to be the best. I saw a quote that said, “make visible the value of nursing,” and I truly believe that that is how she has practiced. She created a culture where nursing practice was at the heart of our amazing patient outcomes. Her nurses knew their stuff, and anything less was unacceptable.
Clinically strong nurses helped us advocate, gave us autonomy, and made us stand out as a valued member of the team. She is also hysterical, always keeping us laughing. I miss French Fry Fridays (before the cafeteria ruined our lives and got rid of the fries), coffee chats at station 1, “nutritional rounds”, Jolanda’s amazing stories and her impersonations that have me cracking up as I type this. Her laughter always helped keep the hard days light. The years I worked with her are some of my most cherished nursing memories. I think that every nurse who grew up under Jolanda still talks about her leadership style; her expectations are still our beacon for how we strive to lead our team. She might not know anyone’s names, but she is definitely unrivaled in everything else!
***
Jolanda was my preceptor when I started in the PICU almost 12 years ago. I have a great deal of respect for Jolanda; she provides exceptional care to our little ones in the PICU. She’s very smart and is always learning something new by googling an article or reading a textbook on an illness she’s unfamiliar with. Jolanda does whatever it takes to provide the best care and the best outcome for our patients in the PICU. I look up to Jolanda; she has a big heart and awesome spirit. She’s an exceptional RN to work with in the PICU and totally deserves this achievement.
***
Jolanda, aka Mama Jo, has been my biggest nursing inspiration to date. From my first day in the unit, she has always expected greatness and continues to lead by example. I remember fearing taking care of our complex cardiac patients and Jolanda was not there to hold my hand. She was there to teach me, challenge me and ultimately develop me into a critical thinking nurse. Mama Jo is a master at balancing the line between friendship and leadership roles. We all call her Mama Jo because we know she loves us enough to celebrate our achievements and gracious enough to have our back when we reveal our shortcomings. Mama Jo deserves this DAISY Award and more. We love her so much and could not be happier for her to retire and put her happiness first.
***
Being a new nurse in the CTICU can be very overwhelming and intimidating. The expectation for us nurses is so high and without a strong leader one would feel so defeated. I was lucky to have Jolanda as my charge nurse. She was so knowledgeable regarding our patients and so respected by all the physicians. Her many years of experience in the NICU and CTICU gave her the foundation to teach us new nurses. She would take so much time to not only teach us but to help work alongside us. She would encourage us to move past our comfort zones and think ahead to whatever the next step might be. She taught us to be prepared for our very ill population and how to critically think about the disease process, surgical repairs and how we can help these patients heal. We all admired her for this and one day hoped to be a nurse leader like her. I am so thankful I had such a great mentor, role model and leader as I began my nursing career, it is because of nurses like Jolanda that I am the pediatric critical care nurse I am today.
***
It is with immense admiration and heartfelt gratitude that we recognize Jolanda as the recipient of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. For over 25 years, Jolanda has exemplified the very essence of nursing—compassion, dedication, and excellence—leaving an incredible impact on countless lives, including mine.
Jolanda is more than just a nurse; she is a mentor, a guide, and a beacon of strength for those privileged to work alongside her. Her unwavering commitment to patient care and advocacy has set a high standard in the profession, garnering the deep respect and admiration of colleagues, patients, and families alike. For me, Jolanda has been a transformative force, shaping my journey as a nurse leader and as a person. Her wisdom, patience, and encouragement have been instrumental in my growth, pushing me to strive for excellence while always leading with heart. She has taught me that nursing is not just about clinical expertise but about human connection—about listening, empathizing, and making a difference, one patient at a time.
Beyond her exceptional skill and leadership, it is Jolanda’s infectious laughter and genuine humility that make her truly unforgettable. Her warmth and humor have brightened even the toughest days, reminding us all to find joy in our work and to embrace the human side of nursing. She approaches every challenge with grace, never seeking recognition, but always lifting others up with kindness and understanding. Jolanda’s legacy is not just in the skills she has passed down or the knowledge she has shared but in the way she has made us all better nurses, better caregivers, and better people. Her unwavering passion for nursing continues to inspire, and her influence will be felt for generations to come.
Today, we celebrate Jolanda—the epitome of nursing, the heart of our profession, and a lifelong advocate for compassionate care. Thank you, Jolanda, for everything you have given, everything you have taught, and everything you continue to be. This honor is a reflection of the incredible impact you have made on all of us.
***
It has been such an honor to have been able to work side by side with Jolanda Schilling for the past twenty plus years and be able to nominate her for this DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. I can remember the early years of my nursing career in the Pediatric Cardiac Thoracic Intensive Care unit at Loma Linda where Jolanda was not only the charge nurse to the unit but was also a preceptor to me. I also ended up following her to Fontana Kaiser Permanente Medical Center Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. I truly can say that I am the nurse that I am today because of her. Jolanda's knowledge, resourcefulness, dedication, compassion, willingness to teach with no bias, and leadership exemplify the true meaning of a Nurse Leader.
***
Jolanda Schilling is a truly deserving recipient of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, with an extraordinary career spanning over four decades. Since becoming a registered nurse in 1982, she has been a leader on every floor she has worked, beginning in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), moving to the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU), and ultimately playing a pivotal role in opening the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Kaiser Fontana. Throughout her career, Jolanda has not only provided exceptional care to critically ill children but has also dedicated herself to mentoring and empowering new nurses, ensuring they develop the confidence, skills, and knowledge necessary to thrive in pediatric critical care. She exemplifies both compassion and an incredible depth of clinical expertise, setting the highest standards for patient care. A true role model, she inspires those who work with her, leading with unwavering dedication and an unmatched commitment to both her patients and her colleagues. Jolanda consistently goes above and beyond, advocating for excellence in nursing practice while fostering a culture of compassion and education. Her lifelong dedication to the nursing profession and the countless lives she has touched make her an outstanding candidate for this prestigious recognition.
***
From the first day I met Jolanda on PICU at Kaiser, I knew she held a wealth of knowledge and was more than willing to share with anyone who was interested in learning and skill building. I came to Kaiser with ten years of PICU experience, but starting a job in a new institution can sometimes be daunting, no matter how much experience you are carrying over. I believe that was something that Jolanda recognized in me. It was a relief to have such a leader in the unit take you under her wing and make you feel comfortable asking for help or advice whenever needed, while still acknowledging your skills and experience. She is a true leader in the PICU, and I appreciate working alongside her any chance I get!
***
Jolanda embodies the essence of nursing excellence, consistently going above and beyond in her role. She is not only a skilled and compassionate caregiver but also a lifelong learner who seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise. Her passion for nursing is evident in the way she mentors and precepts new nurses, ensuring the next generation is well-equipped to provide the highest standard of care. Beyond her clinical skills, Jolanda is a pillar of support for both her colleagues and the unit as a whole. She takes initiative in managing supplies and resources, helping the PICU run efficiently. Her professionalism and dedication to teamwork create a positive environment that fosters collaboration and high-quality patient care.
Additionally, she floats to the Pediatric Holding Ward to help offer support and care when needed. Perhaps most importantly, Jolanda is a true patient advocate. She continuously seeks ways to improve care delivery, ensuring that every child and family receives compassionate, evidence-based treatment. Her leadership, kindness, and dedication make a lasting impact on her patients, their families, and her colleagues. For these reasons and more, Jolanda Schilling is an Extraordinary Nurse who exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award. Her lifelong commitment to pediatric critical care nursing is truly inspiring, making her a most deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
***
Throughout her career, Jolanda has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of nursing practice, patient care, and the education of her colleagues. She embodies the very essence of compassion, expertise, and leadership, making her an invaluable asset to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the nursing community as a whole. Jolanda’s dedication to her craft is reflected in her role as an expert in cardiac didactic training, where she imparts essential knowledge and skills to her colleagues, ensuring the highest quality of care for critically ill pediatric patients. As a Pediatric Nurse Oncology Certified professional, she brings a wealth of specialized knowledge that is critical for the care of children battling cancer. Her certification in this field underscores her deep commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to our most vulnerable patients.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Jolanda serves as the Coordinator of Supplies in the PICU, ensuring that the unit is always equipped with the necessary resources to deliver the best care possible. She is a reliable and efficient leader in this role, managing supplies with exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. As a nurse, Jolanda is not only a highly skilled professional but also a tremendous resource for her peers. She is always willing to share her knowledge and offer guidance to those around her, making her an indispensable member of the team. Her humble nature and patient-first approach make her a respected and beloved colleague who consistently advocates for her patients' well-being.
Jolanda also excels in leadership roles within the PICU. She serves as a relief charge nurse, stepping into a leadership role whenever needed to support staff and ensure smooth operations. Additionally, she is a skilled procedure nurse, adept at performing complex procedures with the utmost care and precision. Her ability to balance clinical expertise with compassion for her patients and support for her team is remarkable. Throughout her years of service, Jolanda has never wavered in her commitment to advocating for her patients and providing exceptional care. Her dedication to the field of pediatric nursing, her passion for educating others, and her leadership in the PICU make her the perfect candidate for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the field of pediatric nursing and her lifelong commitment to excellence, I wholeheartedly nominate Jolanda Schilling for this distinguished honor.
Jolanda is not only a highly skilled and compassionate clinician but also a lifelong mentor and educator. Many nurses owe their growth and development to her guidance. She has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of countless nurses, challenging them to expand their knowledge, refine their skills, and provide exceptional patient care. She takes immense pride in mentoring and precepting new nurses, ensuring they develop the confidence, critical thinking, and clinical expertise necessary to care for critically ill pediatric patients. She exemplifies a patient-first approach and continuously seeks research-based best practices to advocate for the highest standards in patient care. Jolanda’s commitment to training and developing her nursing colleagues is reflected in positive patient care outcomes and patient experiences as well as the level of respect she commands from the multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Jolanda’s expertise extends far beyond her bedside skills. She holds both the Pediatric CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse) and Pediatric Nurse Oncology Certification, reflecting her deep commitment to clinical excellence in pediatric critical care and oncology nursing. As an expert in cardiac didactic training, she shares her vast knowledge with colleagues, ensuring that the PICU team is equipped to provide the highest quality of care to children with complex medical conditions. Her ability to teach, empower, and inspire others. Due to her extensive knowledge base, Jolanda is consistently confided in with both nurses and physicians alike when treating children with complex medical conditions.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Jolanda serves as the Coordinator of Supplies in the PICU, ensuring that the unit is always equipped with the necessary resources to deliver the best care possible. She is a reliable and efficient leader in this role, managing supplies with exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. She also floats to the Pediatric Holding Ward when needed, demonstrating her flexibility and dedication to supporting her colleagues across units. Jolanda is also a strong and compassionate leader, serving as a relief charge nurse when needed to support staff, ensure smooth operations, and foster a positive work environment. As a highly skilled procedure nurse, she performs complex interventions with precision and care, always advocating for her patients’ well-being.
Perhaps most importantly, Jolanda is a fierce patient advocate. She continuously seeks ways to enhance care delivery, improve outcomes, and ensure that every child and family receives compassionate, evidence-based care. She does so with a professional demeanor, positively engaging with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure her advocacy is conveyed respectfully while valuing others' unique opinions and contributions. Her mentorship, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the nursing profession have left a lasting impact on the lives of her patients, their families, and her colleagues. Every day, Jolanda Schilling makes visible the value of nursing to her colleagues and the patients, family, and community we serve.
For her exceptional career, commitment to nursing excellence, and profound contributions to pediatric critical care, Jolanda Schilling is more than deserving of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Her inspiring leadership, compassionate care, and lifelong dedication to advancing the profession make her a truly extraordinary nurse who has transformed the lives of so many.
***
It is with great honor that I nominate Jolanda for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her exceptional contributions to nursing, mentorship, and leadership. Jolanda has dedicated her career to excellence in pediatric intensive care, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her patients, colleagues, and the nursing profession. As a highly skilled PICU RN, she has provided life-saving care with compassion, expertise, and unwavering dedication. Her clinical excellence, critical thinking, and keen assessment skills have made her an invaluable asset in the most challenging situations.
Beyond her bedside care, Jolanda is a mentor, preceptor, and leader who has shaped the next generation of nurses. She leads by example, offering guidance, support, and encouragement to those around her. Her ability to inspire confidence and growth in others has left a lasting impact on countless nurses who have had the privilege of learning from her. As a trusted colleague and friend, Jolanda fosters a positive, collaborative work environment. Her strong interpersonal skills create a culture of teamwork and mutual respect, ensuring that both staff and patients benefit from a supportive atmosphere. Her ability to balance clinical excellence with financial responsibility showcases her dedication to both patient care and hospital sustainability.
Jolanda embodies integrity, resilience, and an unwavering dedication to nursing. Her contributions to patient care, professional development, and leadership have made an indelible mark on the PICU community.
***
It is an absolute honor to recognize Jolanda Schilling, RN, for her incredible contributions to pediatric intensive care and her lifelong dedication to mentoring and leadership. Since 1982, Jolanda has been a beacon of expertise in pediatric intensive care and pediatric cardiac ICU, shaping not only the care provided to critically ill children but also the careers of countless nurses who have had the privilege of working alongside her.
I first met Jolanda in 2006 when she was my charge nurse and mentor in the pediatric cardiac ICU. From day one, she led with wisdom, strength, and an unwavering belief in those around her. In 2009, she played a pivotal role in opening the PICU at Kaiser Fontana, recruiting me and at least ten other experienced nurses to help build something truly special. Jolanda has always seen the best in others, pushing us to grow into the best versions of ourselves. She has been my biggest cheerleader, guiding me through my journey from bedside nurse to charge nurse, and now assistant manager—a path I never could have imagined without her encouragement and support.
Today, we celebrate not just an extraordinary nurse and leader, but a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to so many. Jolanda, thank you for your unwavering dedication, your kindness, and for always believing in those lucky enough to work alongside you.
***
Jolanda Schilling is truly one of the most capable and engaged nurses I have encountered in my career, and I can think of no one else more deserving of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. Jolanda was one of the original nurses who helped open the PICU in our community hospital. She was recruited specifically because she had already proven her strength as a leader and her skills as a nurse at her previous hospital. Her breadth and depth of knowledge, her compassion, and her professionalism helped establish the tone and the feel of our PICU today. It is a unit in which our patients and their parents are treated as family, and where doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists all learn from each other in order to provide the best care for our patients.
We recently took care of a patient together who had a terminal illness and whose parents had made the difficult decision to make their child DNR/DNI. He was admitted to the hospital for fulminant congestive heart failure; the parents wanted him to be able to pass peacefully but were scared for it to happen at home. Jolanda had never met the child or his parents before, but she immediately made herself emotionally available to them and put them at ease through this very difficult time. Jolanda stayed at the patient’s bedside, establishing appropriate respiratory support, initiating pain medications, and helping the parents to hold their child as respiratory support was removed. By the end of the day, after the patient had expired, the parents hugged and thanked Jolanda for all she had done for them.
I’ve known Jolanda for nearly ten years now and she proves time and time again that she is one of the best nurses I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. She leads by example and has been an invaluable teacher to the younger nurses. Our PICU would not be what it is without her.
***
Without a doubt, Jolanda has had a tremendous impact on my nursing career and was instrumental in molding me into the nurse I am today. The first time I met Jolanda was during my interview for the Loma Linda Children’s pediatric RN residency. At that, she was a charge nurse for the pediatric cardiothoracic and solid organ transplant intensive care unit, and she was on the panel of nurse leaders conducting the interviews. In the brief amount of time during that interview, it was clear that she was an expert-level nurse in her field, asking questions relating to my understanding of applicable cardiac pathophysiology, associated clinical findings on assessments, and pertinent nursing interventions. I later found out that she was instrumental in Loma Linda’s decision to hire me. In my first year working as a novice nurse, Jolanda would continually push me to learn and grow and would regularly challenge me with questions aimed at increasing my nursing knowledge base and ability to care for more acutely sick patients.
Jolanda was not someone you would fear, but you had such a level of respect for her and her commitment to the families and patients we care for, that you had a strong desire to earn her approval through continued growth as a professional nurse. I never remember Jolanda, or mama Jo, as being negative or overly critical, but as someone who would celebrate your achievements and successes with you, which would in turn add fuel to the fire in my desire to meet my personal nursing career goals. The ability to inspire others around you towards excellence is a remarkable feat, one that Jolanda has shown great aptitude for. Furthermore, Jolanda exemplifies the delivery of patient centered care. Her ability to establish rapport and engage with patients and families is remarkable.
I have worked with Jolanda for over fifteen years now in two different work settings, as I have transitioned from the Loma Linda Children’s pediatric cardiac department to the PICU for Kaiser Fontana. Knowing that Jolanda would be working in the PICU at Kaiser Fontana was one of the deciding factors in my decision to join Kaiser Permanente, because I knew that I would be supported and have a great resource and mentor to help me become established as a PICU nurse. Furthermore, even though I now consider myself a seasoned and experienced PICU nurse, Jolanda continues to teach me new information and inspire me to continuously grow as a nurse. I can think of no other nurse more deserving of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award than Jolanda Schilling, she epitomizes the values and virtues that the award represents.
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In my opinion, any physician who doesn't admit that their medical hands-on training was almost completely thanks to experienced nurses, is a physician who shouldn't be trusted. Jolanda is one of these experienced nurses who has trained hundreds of physicians during her career to care for critically ill children, recognize physical findings that require urgent intervention, and perform various procedures. Jolanda is a fierce patient advocate and does not shy away from speaking up. And every family with a critically ill child deserves to have Jolanda at their bedside and in their corner.
I didn't get to meet Jolanda at the beginning of my critical care profession, but I have continued to learn so much from her. From the first day I worked with her I recognized that she was a walking pediatric cardiac encyclopedia. For example, I found it helpful to discuss arrhythmias with her and debate rhythm strips of patients in the unit and the planned course of treatment. I have to say, though, that my favorite part of working with Jolanda is that she can make me smile and laugh during the most challenging days working with critically ill children. And that's a skill that is so wonderful to have in a busy, stressful environment.
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I have worked with Jolanda for over 20 years; first at the pediatric cardiac ICU, and now with Kaiser PICU. Jolanda IS the Florence Nightingale of today. She inspires all nurses...newbies and veterans to empower ourselves with knowledge. Knowledge of the child's diagnosis, how to fine tune assessment of the patient, what are the current problems, and the potential problems. This empowers us to give the best care possible, to be confident in our nursing skills, to be an important part of the child's medical team.
Jolanda shares her knowledge and wisdom with grace and respect, inspiring us all to be better nurses, to even want her to be proud of us. Jolanda is highly respected by everyone, her peers, managers and the doctors. She is the best colleague and best friend to have by my side. She has picked me up and carried me through difficult times professionally and personally.
I met Jolanda 25 years ago when I started working in the cardiothoracic unit at Loma Linda. I was a new nurse who had limited knowledge of this complex patient population. Jolanda took me under her wing and in a supportive environment taught me physical assessment skills like assessing hepatomegaly, expanded my knowledge on the anatomy and physiology of over 30 different CHDs, and taught me how to find my “inner voice” to advocate for patients and their families. When I asked her why she was so passionate about teaching younger generations of nurses, she told me of how she called a surgeon at 1 AM to express her concerns about an elevated CVP. She then told me how he reassured her, “Don’t worry Jolanda, everything will be ok”. In that moment, she knew she had no understanding of her patient's anatomy and physiology. She made it her lifelong mission that nurses would never be in a similar situation.
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I met Jolanda in 1994. It was a few days after my orientation in the pediatric Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Unit for Loma Linda. She was our relief charge nurse then and was very knowledgeable and very inspiring. She motivated me and helped me become who I am right now as a nurse, a great bedside nurse and eventually a relief charge nurse. Her expertise and passion for her profession is evident every time I work with her. She is well-liked by all nurses, family, patients, surgeons, and other professionals who come and interact with her. I especially loved the way she taught every new nurse who came and joined our PICU at Fontana. Her knowledge is so impeccable that everyone looks to her as an inspiration. Additionally, she is incredibly funny, which helps alleviate a stressful working environment. In 2009, I joined her in opening the Fontana KP PICU, which was extremely busy in the first three months as there were only six nurses and one physician to cover the unit. Jolanda worked tirelessly for 31 days straight, even with swollen knees, to ensure the unit was adequately staffed. She is a true leader then and now. She is very active in and out of our unit. She is always updated with the trends in nursing. She has all the certifications and credentials that are required in our specialty. She always shares whatever she learns with everyone. She is a true leader and a great advocate for patients and family who seeks advice when they are confronted with fears about what to do for their sick families. She is compassionate, caring, supportive, knowledgeable and well-liked by many. She is a true inspiration to all Nurses and all the people who work around her.
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Mama Jo is unmatched. I feel so blessed that so many of my nursing years were under her leadership and guidance. I truly believe that the way I think as a nurse is because of the foundation she instilled in me from day one. She had such a way of asking you questions about your patient that sparked your critical thinking but also firm enough that you knew you would be looking it up because not knowing wasn’t going to be an option. She was strong but kind, always challenging us and pushing us to be the best. I saw a quote that said, “make visible the value of nursing,” and I truly believe that that is how she has practiced. She created a culture where nursing practice was at the heart of our amazing patient outcomes. Her nurses knew their stuff, and anything less was unacceptable.
Clinically strong nurses helped us advocate, gave us autonomy, and made us stand out as a valued member of the team. She is also hysterical, always keeping us laughing. I miss French Fry Fridays (before the cafeteria ruined our lives and got rid of the fries), coffee chats at station 1, “nutritional rounds”, Jolanda’s amazing stories and her impersonations that have me cracking up as I type this. Her laughter always helped keep the hard days light. The years I worked with her are some of my most cherished nursing memories. I think that every nurse who grew up under Jolanda still talks about her leadership style; her expectations are still our beacon for how we strive to lead our team. She might not know anyone’s names, but she is definitely unrivaled in everything else!
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Jolanda was my preceptor when I started in the PICU almost 12 years ago. I have a great deal of respect for Jolanda; she provides exceptional care to our little ones in the PICU. She’s very smart and is always learning something new by googling an article or reading a textbook on an illness she’s unfamiliar with. Jolanda does whatever it takes to provide the best care and the best outcome for our patients in the PICU. I look up to Jolanda; she has a big heart and awesome spirit. She’s an exceptional RN to work with in the PICU and totally deserves this achievement.
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Jolanda, aka Mama Jo, has been my biggest nursing inspiration to date. From my first day in the unit, she has always expected greatness and continues to lead by example. I remember fearing taking care of our complex cardiac patients and Jolanda was not there to hold my hand. She was there to teach me, challenge me and ultimately develop me into a critical thinking nurse. Mama Jo is a master at balancing the line between friendship and leadership roles. We all call her Mama Jo because we know she loves us enough to celebrate our achievements and gracious enough to have our back when we reveal our shortcomings. Mama Jo deserves this DAISY Award and more. We love her so much and could not be happier for her to retire and put her happiness first.
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Being a new nurse in the CTICU can be very overwhelming and intimidating. The expectation for us nurses is so high and without a strong leader one would feel so defeated. I was lucky to have Jolanda as my charge nurse. She was so knowledgeable regarding our patients and so respected by all the physicians. Her many years of experience in the NICU and CTICU gave her the foundation to teach us new nurses. She would take so much time to not only teach us but to help work alongside us. She would encourage us to move past our comfort zones and think ahead to whatever the next step might be. She taught us to be prepared for our very ill population and how to critically think about the disease process, surgical repairs and how we can help these patients heal. We all admired her for this and one day hoped to be a nurse leader like her. I am so thankful I had such a great mentor, role model and leader as I began my nursing career, it is because of nurses like Jolanda that I am the pediatric critical care nurse I am today.
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It is with immense admiration and heartfelt gratitude that we recognize Jolanda as the recipient of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. For over 25 years, Jolanda has exemplified the very essence of nursing—compassion, dedication, and excellence—leaving an incredible impact on countless lives, including mine.
Jolanda is more than just a nurse; she is a mentor, a guide, and a beacon of strength for those privileged to work alongside her. Her unwavering commitment to patient care and advocacy has set a high standard in the profession, garnering the deep respect and admiration of colleagues, patients, and families alike. For me, Jolanda has been a transformative force, shaping my journey as a nurse leader and as a person. Her wisdom, patience, and encouragement have been instrumental in my growth, pushing me to strive for excellence while always leading with heart. She has taught me that nursing is not just about clinical expertise but about human connection—about listening, empathizing, and making a difference, one patient at a time.
Beyond her exceptional skill and leadership, it is Jolanda’s infectious laughter and genuine humility that make her truly unforgettable. Her warmth and humor have brightened even the toughest days, reminding us all to find joy in our work and to embrace the human side of nursing. She approaches every challenge with grace, never seeking recognition, but always lifting others up with kindness and understanding. Jolanda’s legacy is not just in the skills she has passed down or the knowledge she has shared but in the way she has made us all better nurses, better caregivers, and better people. Her unwavering passion for nursing continues to inspire, and her influence will be felt for generations to come.
Today, we celebrate Jolanda—the epitome of nursing, the heart of our profession, and a lifelong advocate for compassionate care. Thank you, Jolanda, for everything you have given, everything you have taught, and everything you continue to be. This honor is a reflection of the incredible impact you have made on all of us.
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It has been such an honor to have been able to work side by side with Jolanda Schilling for the past twenty plus years and be able to nominate her for this DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. I can remember the early years of my nursing career in the Pediatric Cardiac Thoracic Intensive Care unit at Loma Linda where Jolanda was not only the charge nurse to the unit but was also a preceptor to me. I also ended up following her to Fontana Kaiser Permanente Medical Center Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. I truly can say that I am the nurse that I am today because of her. Jolanda's knowledge, resourcefulness, dedication, compassion, willingness to teach with no bias, and leadership exemplify the true meaning of a Nurse Leader.
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Jolanda Schilling is a truly deserving recipient of the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award, with an extraordinary career spanning over four decades. Since becoming a registered nurse in 1982, she has been a leader on every floor she has worked, beginning in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), moving to the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU), and ultimately playing a pivotal role in opening the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Kaiser Fontana. Throughout her career, Jolanda has not only provided exceptional care to critically ill children but has also dedicated herself to mentoring and empowering new nurses, ensuring they develop the confidence, skills, and knowledge necessary to thrive in pediatric critical care. She exemplifies both compassion and an incredible depth of clinical expertise, setting the highest standards for patient care. A true role model, she inspires those who work with her, leading with unwavering dedication and an unmatched commitment to both her patients and her colleagues. Jolanda consistently goes above and beyond, advocating for excellence in nursing practice while fostering a culture of compassion and education. Her lifelong dedication to the nursing profession and the countless lives she has touched make her an outstanding candidate for this prestigious recognition.
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From the first day I met Jolanda on PICU at Kaiser, I knew she held a wealth of knowledge and was more than willing to share with anyone who was interested in learning and skill building. I came to Kaiser with ten years of PICU experience, but starting a job in a new institution can sometimes be daunting, no matter how much experience you are carrying over. I believe that was something that Jolanda recognized in me. It was a relief to have such a leader in the unit take you under her wing and make you feel comfortable asking for help or advice whenever needed, while still acknowledging your skills and experience. She is a true leader in the PICU, and I appreciate working alongside her any chance I get!
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Jolanda embodies the essence of nursing excellence, consistently going above and beyond in her role. She is not only a skilled and compassionate caregiver but also a lifelong learner who seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise. Her passion for nursing is evident in the way she mentors and precepts new nurses, ensuring the next generation is well-equipped to provide the highest standard of care. Beyond her clinical skills, Jolanda is a pillar of support for both her colleagues and the unit as a whole. She takes initiative in managing supplies and resources, helping the PICU run efficiently. Her professionalism and dedication to teamwork create a positive environment that fosters collaboration and high-quality patient care.
Additionally, she floats to the Pediatric Holding Ward to help offer support and care when needed. Perhaps most importantly, Jolanda is a true patient advocate. She continuously seeks ways to improve care delivery, ensuring that every child and family receives compassionate, evidence-based treatment. Her leadership, kindness, and dedication make a lasting impact on her patients, their families, and her colleagues. For these reasons and more, Jolanda Schilling is an Extraordinary Nurse who exemplifies the spirit of the DAISY Award. Her lifelong commitment to pediatric critical care nursing is truly inspiring, making her a most deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
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Throughout her career, Jolanda has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the highest standards of nursing practice, patient care, and the education of her colleagues. She embodies the very essence of compassion, expertise, and leadership, making her an invaluable asset to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the nursing community as a whole. Jolanda’s dedication to her craft is reflected in her role as an expert in cardiac didactic training, where she imparts essential knowledge and skills to her colleagues, ensuring the highest quality of care for critically ill pediatric patients. As a Pediatric Nurse Oncology Certified professional, she brings a wealth of specialized knowledge that is critical for the care of children battling cancer. Her certification in this field underscores her deep commitment to providing comprehensive, compassionate care to our most vulnerable patients.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Jolanda serves as the Coordinator of Supplies in the PICU, ensuring that the unit is always equipped with the necessary resources to deliver the best care possible. She is a reliable and efficient leader in this role, managing supplies with exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills. As a nurse, Jolanda is not only a highly skilled professional but also a tremendous resource for her peers. She is always willing to share her knowledge and offer guidance to those around her, making her an indispensable member of the team. Her humble nature and patient-first approach make her a respected and beloved colleague who consistently advocates for her patients' well-being.
Jolanda also excels in leadership roles within the PICU. She serves as a relief charge nurse, stepping into a leadership role whenever needed to support staff and ensure smooth operations. Additionally, she is a skilled procedure nurse, adept at performing complex procedures with the utmost care and precision. Her ability to balance clinical expertise with compassion for her patients and support for her team is remarkable. Throughout her years of service, Jolanda has never wavered in her commitment to advocating for her patients and providing exceptional care. Her dedication to the field of pediatric nursing, her passion for educating others, and her leadership in the PICU make her the perfect candidate for the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the field of pediatric nursing and her lifelong commitment to excellence, I wholeheartedly nominate Jolanda Schilling for this distinguished honor.