Nursing Annual Report 2026 | A Legacy of Excellence

Five Times and Still Raising the Bar

This year, our nursing community achieved an extraordinary milestone with a fifth consecutive Magnet® Designation. This recognition reflects more than excellence. It represents the heart, energy, and unwavering commitment of our nurses and interprofessional teams who show up every day to elevate care.

The Magnet team celebrating El Camino Health’s fifth consecutive Magnet Designation

From the moment the Magnet® appraisers arrived, the spirit of our organization was unmistakable. Teams across the hospital came together with pride, purpose, and a shared commitment to showcasing what makes our nursing culture so special. The result was a powerful demonstration of who we are: collaborative, innovative, and deeply dedicated to our patients and one another.

The appraisers highlighted what we already know to be true. Our nurses lead with expertise and compassion. Our outcomes reflect a relentless focus on quality and safety. Our professional practice environment empowers growth, supports advancement, and fosters belonging. From strong retention and advanced education to exceptional patient experience and clinical excellence, our teams continue to set a standard that stands out on a national level.

This achievement is also a reflection of visionary leadership. Under the guidance of our Chief Nursing Officer, Cheryl Reinking, our organization continues to invest in nursing, champion professional development, and create an environment where nurses can thrive and lead.

A fifth Magnet® designation is not just a milestone. It is a legacy in motion. It honors where we have been, celebrates who we are today, and energizes us for the future ahead.

Together, we are not just sustaining excellence. We are redefining it.

Shining Bright: Recognition Through the Beacon Award

This year, our Mountain View campus took its long-standing tradition of nursing excellence to new heights. The Progressive Care Unit celebrated its second consecutive Silver Beacon Award, and the Critical Care Unit earned the distinguished Gold Beacon Award. With more than 575 applicants across the country, our teams truly stood out, and that says a lot about who we are.

Our Critical Care Unit standing proud having earned the distinguished Gold Beacon Award.

The Beacon Award is not just a milestone. It is what happens when nurses join forces with a shared purpose and a whole lot of heart. Across our units, teamwork turned into superpower mode. Early recognition of patient deterioration improved, infections dropped thanks to focused education and consistent practices, and collaboration became the secret ingredient behind every win.

What makes this even better is how naturally it fits into our culture. Shared governance, interdisciplinary partnership, and evidence-based practice are part of our daily rhythm. They give nurses the power to lead change, influence outcomes, and make a difference in ways that are sometimes quiet but always meaningful.

The spirit behind the journey mattered just as much as the results. Nurses supported one another throughout the Beacon process, mentoring new committee members, sharing knowledge, and building confidence as a team. Pride came not only from the awards, but from the strengthened friendships and the sense of unity that grew along the way.

These accomplishments are part of a living legacy we are building together. Experience, innovation, and teamwork continue to lift our care today and inspire the next generation of nurses who will carry this tradition forward with the same passion and joy!

Baby-Friendly® Designation: Growing Our Commitment to Families

El Camino Health’s Lactation Consultant, Jamie Huang, shares breastfeeding information with new parents.

El Camino Health’s Mountain View campus has achieved Baby-Friendly® Hospital designation, joining our Los Gatos campus, which has long been recognized for its commitment to exceptional breastfeeding support and family-centered maternity care. Together, both campuses now stand proudly as Baby-Friendly facilities, strengthening our shared dedication to the healthiest possible start for every newborn and family we serve.

This achievement reflects the successful implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and full adherence to the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. It represents a meaningful investment in evidence-based care that supports bonding, education, and long-term health outcomes for mothers and infants.

Under the leadership of Nancy Held and her dedicated team, the Mountain View campus reached this milestone through collaboration, perseverance, and a deep commitment to excellence. Their work builds on a strong foundation established across the organization and brings this level of care to even more families in our community.

With designation through January 2031, this moment is both a celebration and a continuation of our journey. Our teams remain focused on continuous improvement, ensuring that every family receives the compassionate, high-quality support they deserve from their very first moments together.

Togethering in Action: Building a Legacy of Leadership

Our Nursing Clinical Managers had the opportunity to step away from their day-to-day responsibilities to participate in a three-day Leading an Empowered Organization (LEO) workshop. This immersive experience brought leaders together from across the organization to reconnect with their purpose, strengthen relationships, and build the skills needed to support both staff and patient care in meaningful ways.

Nursing leaders gathered for an offsite workshop at Shoup Park.

During the workshop, managers focused on what it truly means to lead with intention. They explored how to create a culture where accountability is shared, communication is open, and every team member feels valued and supported. The experience emphasized that strong leadership goes beyond clinical expertise. It requires the ability to listen, inspire, and guide others through change while fostering trust and collaboration.

As a result of this experience, our leaders returned with renewed energy, a deeper sense of purpose, and practical tools to support their teams. This investment in leadership development strengthens our ability to create a positive work environment, improve staff well-being, and ultimately enhance the care we provide to our patients and community.