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Intensive Care Nursery Adds New Lead--Brenna Esparza, NP
submitted by Erna Josiah-Davis, APP Manager
Brenna Esparza, NP is the newest APP lead in the Intensive Care Nursery (ICN). She is a Bay Area native whose UCSF career began in the ICN in 2009, before joining the CCRT peds float pool in 2015. She completed her Acute Care PNP degree in 2017 and a post-masters NNP degree in 2018 before starting as NNP in the ICN, also moonlighting with the UCSF pediatric surgery team. Since 2021, her focus has been working with the ultrasound machine and completed formal POCUS (Point of Care Ultrasound) training at the March 2024 Stanford conference. She is now the ICN APP Simulation and Education Lead, initiating the vascular ultrasound program for ICN nurses in May 2024, and developing POCUS training for ICN providers to improve diagnostic and procedural techniques including PICC/arterial line placement and lumbar punctures. Moreover, Brenna received her NP3 promotion in 2024. Congratulations, Brenna, and thank you for your leadership!
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UCSF CRNAs Reflect, Recharge and Celebrate
submitted by Amanda Fulton, APP Manager
In January, the UCSF CRNA group held its first-ever retreat, focusing on connection, collaboration, and a growth mindset. Through engaging activities such as improvisation and meditation exercises, they strengthened their teamwork and communication while taking time to reflect and recharge.
Also notable was celebrating the first CRNA Week at Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, recognizing and honoring our first-ever CRNAs at this location. It was a meaningful opportunity to highlight the contributions of our CRNA team and the essential role they play in patient care.
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BCH Oakland APPs Outstanding Contributions submitted by Hani Gutierrez, APP manager
At Oakland, we have exceptional advanced practice providers that are unwavering in their dedication. They overcame numerous challenges in 2024. Their commitment to excellent patient care has ensured the continuation of world-class care, significantly enhancing patient access within our Oakland and greater Bay Area communities. To our BCH Oakland APPs, your resilience and passion are the heartbeat of our mission. Thank you for your outstanding service!
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Advanced Heart Failure Comprehensive Care Center New Nurse Manager
submitted by Nimaljeet Tarango, Administrative Director
Robin Fischer DNP, FNP-C is named Nurse Manager for the Advanced Heart Failure Comprehensive Care Center. She brings to the role many years of cardiac and heart failure clinical NP and nursing experience, as well a background of nursing education. The department is thrilled to have Robin step into this role to support the growing Advanced Heart Failure program.
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Women of UCSF Health--Spotlight on Sarah Palilla, PA-C
Women of UCSF Health is a community of connections that celebrates, inspires and empowers women while always striving to be inclusive of all gender identifications. In its seventh year, Women of UCSF Health spotlights women and sponsor events. Click here to read about January's spotlight, Sarah Palilla, PA-C, Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery. Click here learn more about International Women's Day celebration events March 3-7, 2025.
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UCSF Magazine Interviews Courtney Gordon
Courtney Gordon, DNP, GNP-BC, ACHPN is a geriatric and palliative care NP who helps to keep geriatric San Francisco citizens in their homes by providing direct primary care to them at their residence through the UCSF's Care at Home Program. She was recently interviewed by UCSF Magazine about planning for a vibrant future. Read more How Do I Prepare Today For Health Aging Tomorrow?
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Getting The Word Out Through Publications
Congratulations to the following APPs for publishing their work.
Advanced Heart Failure Comprehensive Care Center APPs
Yu Wu, Lina Gao, Simran Grewal, Irina Yurkova, Nimaljeet Tarango
Care of adult heart transplant recipients for the primary care provider: A practical roadmap (link not available)
Alisa Yee, MSN, ACNP-BC
Using the Perspective of Advanced Practice Providers to Design Strategies to Increase Engagement of Surgical Patients In Advance Care Planning
Jessica Brennan, MSN, PNP and Marilyn McEnhill, MSN, PNP
Long-term impact of immigration status on outcomes in pediatric kidney transplant recipients
Matt Tierney, MS, NP, FAAN
Policy priorities to improve access to advanced practice nursing care for mental health and substance use problems: An American Academy of Nursing manuscript.
Mitchel Erickson, DNP. MS, ACNP-BC
Navigating barriers to dementia specialty care among vulnerable populations: Insight from a multidiscipline care navigation team
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Office of Advanced Practice Providers Hosts FREE Virtual APP Conference
The conference will be offered virtually and feature live presentations from NPs, PAs, midwives, CRNAs, and physicians. The morning sessions will focus on clinical refresher topics.
- Chest and abdominal Imaging Review (840-930am)
- Inpatient Antibiotic Selection (9:40-1030am)
- Acute Pain management (10:40-11:30am)
Keynote: EMBRACE asserts a deliberate and unapologetic stance around holding Black mothers, Black pregnant people and their families with a model of care where social economic factors that affect Black mothers, pregnant and their families can be identified and addressed. (12-1pm)
The afternoon sessions will highlight APPs providing innovative care and leaders who are supporting APPs to practice at the top of their scope of practice.
- Innovate: Highlighting Innovative APP Work at UCSF (1:10-2:00pm)
- Elevate: Supporting APPs to Practice Top of Scope (2:10-3:00pm)
- Celebrate: Creating Joy in the Workplace (3:10-4:00pm)
Finally, we will end the day with tips for creating joy in your workplace.
Save the date March 28, 2025. Email advancedpractice@ucsf.edu with any questions.
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UCSF Sigma Sponsors DNP & PhD Showcase--February 18, 2025
Come and hear about DNP and PhD projects that have been conducted within the UCSF School of Nursing. 1 contact hour available and its free for UCSF employees. Tuesday February 18, 2025, 6-7pm via Zoom. Click here for registration information.
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APP Town Hall
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 410-5pm
Opportunity to drop into the Office of Advanced Practice Office Hours and ask any questions. Your hosts Tara Valcarcel Director of Pediatric APP Operations and Diana Allocco, Interim Director of APP Informatics
Zoom Meeting ID 947 0512 0837 Password 573827
To view any prior recorded Town Halls, click here.
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APP Education Stipends are Available for West and East Bay
Applications are being accepted for stipend reimbursement if you've been invited to speak or panel at a conference. Click here for the application.
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Pediatric Grand Rounds (East Bay)
Every Tuesday 8-9AM
For Zoom login information, contact: Cristina Fernandez crfernandez@ucsf.edu, 510-428-3885 ext 4343. Full schedule and archived videos (Password: CHRCO).
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
“Black Womxn's Lives Matter"
Presented by Katherine Brown, MD, MAS and Judy Young, MPH Co-directors, Black Womxn's Health & Livelihood Initiative
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
"Leaning into Health Equity: Alameda County's Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health Unit's Programs and Initiatives"
Presented by Jill Miller, Psy.D, Dana Cruz Santana, MSW, PMH and Daphina Melbourne, MPP
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APP Grand Rounds
February 11, 2025 12-1PM Zoom link. Flyer here
"Global Advanced practice: Reflecting on the Past, Innovating the Present, Shaping the Future"
Presenter: Rebecca Silvers, DNP, APN, CPNP-AC, CCRN, RNFA
2 steps to Register in advance.
- Point your camera to QR code, or click
- To claim 1-hour CEU for RN/NP/CRNA/CNM. Preregister at Nursing Connect.
- Search by title "Global Advanced Practice" or "universal health coverage" or "improving health access"
Category 2CME for PA does not require additional registration.
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Global Nursing Impact Series--NEW
Every second Tuesday 7-730AM
The series will give voice to and highlight the contributions of nursing and advance practice across the globe, foster collaboration and promote to development of these efforts. Read more.
Tuesday, February 11, 2024 Presented by Simone Ipolliti, MSN, RN. Principles and outcomes of how La Charla exemplifies the transformative power of collective action in advancing sustainable global health initiatives. Register here.
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2-day Palliative Care Overview February 20 & February 25
This UCSF course is intended to pique your interest and familiarize you with topics in palliative care. We have many excellent speakers who will present on a range of topics, including racial discrimination in the treatment of pain and access to palliative care, spiritual care in serious illness, serious illness communication, pain and non-pain symptom management, advance care planning, moral distress, burn out and ways to "fill your cup," build resiliency and practice self-care in your work.
The class focuses mainly on the adult population, but content is applicable across all age groups and practice settings, and all providers are welcome. Read more.
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UCSF Leadership Institute Offers Professional Development Opportunities
The Leadership Institute is proud to offer three innovative programs designed to empower healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge to thrive in today's evolving landscape.
- Population Health Management Certificate Program
- Evidenced-Based Practice (EBP) Workshop Series: Micro-Learning Sessions
- Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) E-Learning Series
For more details about the programs.
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CANP 47th Annual Education Conference
The California Association For Nurse Practitioners (CANP) is hosting its annual education conference March 19-22, 2025 near Greater Palm Springs at the Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort and Spa. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Bernadette Melnyk, PHD, APRN-CNP, FAANP, FNAP, FAAN. She is one of very few women and nurses elected to the Institute of Medicine-one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine. She founded the National Interprofessional Education Practice Collaborative to advance the US Department of Health and Human Services Million Hearts initiative. UCSF APPs will also be presenting throughout the conference. Click here for the agenda.
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"I didn't even see the patient...why am I being sued"?
Learn more about how to minimize the likelihood that you become involved in litigation arising out of providing consults. Risk management has started a monthly newsletter. Read about it here.
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SmartPhrase Change
As of 1/1/2025 there is no legal requirement to use .ATTEST1487 Smartphrase, thus the .APPNOTE Smartphrase has been changed to be "I attest that I have verbally informed the patient that I am an Advanced Practice Provider and explained my role in their team-based care."
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Medicare Telehealth Services Extended
Congress has extended Medicare Fee-for-Service telehealth coverage until March 31, 2025. Patients can continue receiving telehealth care, including audio-video services. Future legislation may extend this coverage for 2-5 years.
For more information click here.
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BCH Oakland--New way to receive news and information about UKG
Changes and updates to BCH Oakland HR, Payroll, and Benefits can be found in a new tab in UKG Pro. Login to UKG Pro. Go to MYSELF->My Company->News & Information. Select the tile that interests you and click the link to download the information. These changes are meant to communicate more efficiently.
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JUSTICE, EQUITY AND INCLUSION | |
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Join the Staff Military Veteran Club
submitted by Heather Coyne, NP
Mission: To connect, support, recognize, and celebrate fellow military veterans at UCSF. The club provides a supportive and inclusive community for military veterans, welcoming individuals from all branches of the military, as well as their friends and allies.
This club serves as a platform for veterans to:
• Connect and share experiences
• Provide mutual support and resources
• Raise awareness of the unique challenges and needs of military veterans
• Serve as a resource to UCSF to attract and retain veteran talent
If you or someone you know would like to join the club, please sign up here
We look forward to welcoming you to our community!
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ARDS--Anti-Racist De-Escalation Simulation Sessions
Practice communicating with patient and families in challenging situations before you are in the situation in real life. Get Hands on practice, participate in scenarios (suing standardized patients(actors) that lead to uncomfortable conversations around hospital policy with our disenfranchised patient population. For more information.
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APP Justice, Equity, and Inclusion (JEI) Committee
The APP JEI Committee is seeking APP volunteers for its Collaborative Career Advancement Network (C-CAN). APP volunteers are needed to provide shadowing experiences, personal statement review, mock interviews, and mentorship to employees interested in or pursuing a career as an APP. This is a great opportunity to promote the APP professions and help towards the development of our APP workforce! Please email C-CAN@ucsf.edu with questions or to volunteer.
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White House and Executive Orders Impacting Healthcare Services and Federally Funded Grants and Programs
The White House has recently issued executive orders pertaining to health care services and federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs. This is an evolving situation, and UCSF will update you as information becomes available. Please know that UCSF and UC systemwide leaders are advocating to continue providing all of the services our patients need and working diligently to understand the impacts of the executive orders. Please continue to offer full patient care services unless directed by senior leadership that a change is occurring. Message from UC President Michael Drake, MD
If you are in need of emotional or mental health support, please contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program.
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Advancing the Integration of BCH Oakland & UCSF Health
UCSF announces advancing the health systems, infrastructure, and workforce between UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland and UCSF Health. On July 1, 2025 all BCH Oakland staff will transition their employment to the University of California (UC). There will be no layoffs or reduction in base pay as a result of this transition. Personalized details regarding job titles, compensation, and benefits will be provided within 60-90 days. Recording of the January 24, 2025 BCH Integration Town Hall can be viewed here. For more information about the integration.
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Discharge Lounge--What is it?
The Parnassus Campus has a discharge lounge that serves 50-80 adult patients per day. The lounge provides a safe environment for patients to await transition from their hospital room or procedure to their discharge destination (home or elsewhere). The lounge is open 7 days a week 0700-1930 (last patient accepted 1830). It is located on the first floor of 505 Parnassus Ave and overlooks the vehicle pickup circle. APeX will automatically calculate the patient's eligibility for the lounge. The RNs can assist with medication pickup from the UCSF Pharmacy. Patients on nasal cannula oxygen (<4L/min) can use the lounge after 2pm. Providers should encourage use of the lounge. Click here for lounge FAQs.
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UCSF Surveys
All UCSF East and West Bay employees with a current RN license (including NPs, CRNAs, and Nurse Midwives) need to complete the following survey. The information gathered is critical for Magnet redesignation.
You can make an impact on UCSF's efforts to improve our working and learning environment by taking the
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Lab Testing at Saint Francis Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital
Patients from UCSF practices have been directed to Saint Francis Hospital and/or St. Mary’s Hospital for lab draws and testing. Unfortunately, we are not yet fully integrated with our APeX system for lab ordering and processing at Saint Francis Hospital or St. Mary’s Hospital and we should not direct UCSF patients there for lab testing at this time. We anticipate that after APeX is fully integrated at Saint Francis and St. Mary’s Hospitals the UCSF community will be able to utilize these sites for lab draws. Read more.
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Approximately 50 APP Job Openings (West Bay and East Bay)
Click here for a full listing of East Bay job openings as of February 2025
Click here for a full listing of West Bay job openings as of February 2025
Attend an in-person Career Nursing Expo at UCSF's Mission Bay Conference Center, 1675 Owens St UNIT 251. Wednesday March 19, 2025 3-6pm. Come and meet the Talent Acquisition Team, APP hiring managers and the Office of Advanced Practice Providers. For more information.
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Lab Stewardship--Reducing Unnecessary Labs
submitted by Dr. Theodore Peng, Associate Director Cardiac Hospitalist Service
Unnecessary labs contribute to unnecessary cost and wasted laboratory staff time, and can lead to excess venipuncture, iatrogenic anemia, prolonged length of stay, and increased mortality in hospitalized patients. Compared to peer academic medical centers, UCSF orders significantly more labs per inpatient hospitalization. As part of the Caring Wisely initiative, the newly established UCSF Lab Stewardship Program is working to address this by reducing unnecessary CBCs with Differential.
CBC w/diff can take nearly 4 times longer than CBC alone. For more info about CBC or CBC w/Diff, click here. Contact Anoop.Muniyappa@ucsf.edu and Theodore.Peng@ucsf.edu with any questions.
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Press Ganey Comments about NPs, PA, CRNAs, Midwives
Emergency Department: PA (Lisette Paz) gave extra effort to stay on top of the MRI availability to ensure i got in ASAP
OB GYN MZ: Robin Litt, NP did a terrific job helping me understand a recent medical issue that require important follow up appointments.
CITE clinic MB: You are very fortunate to have Emily Pepe, NP. She was compassionate and well informed with my health issues and gave me comfort.
OHNS-Faculty practice: Kali (Koziol) is an excellent PA
NeuroSpine: PA-C Teresa Jones is one of the most wonderful doctors I have ever seen. She is always very thorough and patiently addresses any questions.
Look up your own patient experience comments on this dashboard
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Caring Wisely Project Contest-- Win $50,000 Funding For Your Improvement Idea--Closes February 28, 2025
Submit a proposal that improves healthcare value at UCSF Health. Proposals that address value improvement opportunities in one of the below areas are of particular interest.
- Improve Hospital Throughput and Reduce Excess Inpatient Bed Days
- Improve Outpatient, Inpatient, or Perioperative Clinical Access
- Reduce Hospital Acquired Conditions and Infections
- Reduce Unnecessary Testing
To learn more and submit your idea, visit FY26 Caring Wisely Project Contest Page. if you have any questions, contact Rasmyah.Hammoudeh@ucsf.edu.
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APPs and Pickleball
APP Wellness Committee sponsored its second wellness event on January 23, 2024--indoor pickleball at the Millberry Union Gym. The event was led by Jessica Thai, NP and brought together many APPs. The next APP Wellness event will be on April 26, 2024--a walk to end pancreatic cancer. Contact co-chairs won.kim2@ucsf.edu and tien.nguyen@ucsf.edu to learn more about the Wellness committee.
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Walk to End Pancreatic Cancer--Join the APP team
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) is hosting an annual "Purple Stride" walk to end pancreatic cancer in San Francisco (Marina Green) on Saturday, April 26th from 9 AM - 1 PM. There is a UCSF APP team--come join the team--donations and fundraising are optional; it is free to join and walk even if you are unable to donate or fundraise. Family and friends are welcome. The meeting area will be listed on the APP Team Page prior to the event. Feel free to share the link with others. Lets get a large group of APP friends and family together to represent UCSF and support the fight against pancreatic cancer. Use this link to join the UCSF APP team for the walk. This event is being led by krystal.hill@ucsf.edu on behalf of APP Wellness Committee.
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Be an APP Mentor or Talk to a Mentor
Are you looking to make it to the next level? Do you want to increase connection in your work? Or are you looking for a way to share your experience? Join the APP mentorship program. This program is a self-passed opportunity to connect your knowledge with your coworkers. Past participants report feeling more connected to their goals and finding more purpose in their work. For more information, check out this website or email mentorship@ucsf.edu. Spring social- date to be determined at Mission Bay
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Free Tickets to Cobb's Comedy Club and The Punch Line
"Laugher is an instant vacation."--Milton Berle
"I don't trust anyone who doesn't laugh."--Maya Angelou
Click here to see the February dates and shows titles for free comedy tickets for Cobb's Comedy Club and The Punch Line SF
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Hot Yoga and Pilates with a Discount for UCSF Providers
Funky Door Yoga has a brand new studio in San Francisco (1336 Polk St (at Pine St) and is offering a special discount for UCSF providers. Get the first 2 months for $99 followed by a monthly price of $129! Unlimited classes at their SF and Berkeley studios. www.funkydoor.com. Check them out here.
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Office Hours: Office of Advanced Practice Providers
Every 2nd Wednesday from 12noon-1pm and every 4th Thursday 4pm-5pm
Meeting ID: 988 4723 9380 Password: 857049
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 12-1PM
Host: Alisa Yee, Director of Operations, Adult Services
Thursday, February 27, 2025 4-5PM
Host: Brandon Sessler, Director of Professional Practice
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NPIII renewal application due February 28, 2025
Reappointment application packets are accepted twice a year on the last business day of February and the last business day of August. NPIIIs must submit a reappointment application packet every three years
Click here for the reappointment application. Click here to view a presentation about about the initial NPIII application process.
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Christian Sendaydiego Administrative Assistant | |
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Kurstan Del Rosario Senior Operations Analyst
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Tara Valcarcel, MSN, RN, CPNP-PC, NEA Director, Pediatric Operations Advanced Practice Providers | |
Roseanne "Rosie" Krauter, FNP-BC, CORLN Director of Clinical Systems | |
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Brandon Sessler MMS,PA-C
Director of Professional Practice Fellowship Coordinator
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Alisa Yee, MSN, ACNP-BC
Director, Adult Operations Advanced Practice Providers
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Ivette Becerra-Ortiz, DNP, MPH, NP, RN, NEA-BC, C-PNP Chief of Advanced Practice Providers | |
UCSF Health PRIDE Values Professionalism • Respect • Integrity • Diversity • Excellence | | | | |
