June 2024
Cultivating the Heart of Healthcare: Kaiser Permanente Northern California's Journey with Caring Science
In the spirit of growth and heartfelt commitment to the well-being of both patients and healthcare professionals, Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) proudly announces a groundbreaking collaboration with the Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI). This partnership heralds the initiation of the inaugural Caritas Coach Education Program® (CCEP) Faculty Development—a beacon of light guiding the integration of Caring Science into the heart of our Professional Practice Model and the Discipline of Nursing.
Embracing Transformation Through Education
As the first cohort of Caritas Leaders® across our medical centers and regional offices embarks on this transformative educational odyssey, KPNC sets a new standard for the expansion of the CCEP. The careful design of this program ensures that professionals are not only taught but are truly mentored into becoming Caritas Coaches®, embodying the essence of empathy, compassion, and patient-centered care. The intensive three-day training, followed by ongoing coaching from WCSI experts, led by Dr. Lori Gdanetz, ignites a six-month journey to nurture a robust community of practice. This community vows to uphold the principles of Caring Science, resonating with KPNC's dedication to compassionate, patient-centered care.
Spotlight on Innovations:
KP Cares 2.0: Enculturating Caring Science
Our KP Cares 2.0 Hub Support Model stands as an innovative approach to continuing education for Nursing and Allied Health Professionals. This four-month program offers a series of rejuvenated Caring Science modules, designed to deepen caring connections and reinforce the core tenets of Caring Science. Delivered monthly, this Hub model offers a structured yet adaptable learning landscape, respecting the demanding rhythms of healthcare professionals' lives. This program doesn't just educate—it inspires our professionals to weave the principles of Caring Science into the tapestry of their daily practices. We are elated to have collaborated with the Watson Caring Science Institute (WCSI) in the development of the 4 Caring Science Educational Modules. It is with great pride and humility that we announce the gifting of these modules to WCSI, ensuring their availability and use within the Caritas Community. This contribution embodies our shared commitment to advancing the practice and understanding of Caring Science everywhere.
Foundational Caring Science in Patient Care Services Orientation
We take great pride in the development of an exceptional module for new employees, introducing them to the profound world of Caring Science and its relevance to their roles within KPNC.
Caring Science and Allied Health
Building a foundational understanding of Caring Science and the Caritas Processes® within our interprofessional community is a priority. Through our Allied Health Scholars Academy, we are advancing the unitary vision of Caring Science while supporting our caregivers in all aspects of their caring roles.
Guided by the esteemed Dr. Jean Watson and other luminaries in the field, our pioneering faculty is at the vanguard of this noble endeavor. Together, we are nurturing the essence of nursing and healthcare professionalism. As we journey forward, KPNC stands as a lighthouse of excellence in patient care, steadfast in our dedication to the principles of Caring Science within our professional practice. We are so proud of this landmark moment as we lead the charge in healthcare transformation through the power of Caring Science, enriching the lives of those we serve and elevating the soul of healthcare.