Dr. Gizzele Valencia, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Nurse Researcher Excellence Award

Dr. Gizzele Valencia works at SKY Facial Plastic Center, San Diego. She graduated from the University of San Diego with Doctorate in Nursing Practice in May 2020. She was the principal investigator on her Evidenced-Based project titled, "Calm: A Mindfulness Mobile App for Stress Reduction in the Workplace." She was a co-principal investigator at the University of Guam Nursing and Health Sciences on "The Nursing Program Predictor for Success, in Fall 2019". She is also a certified Family Nurse Practitioner trained in primary care setting with focus on family health, college student health and sexually transmitted diseases. Dr. Valencia is a founding Board Member of the Guam Honor Society and affiliated with Zeta Mu Charted — Sigma Theta Tau International Society.

CDR Edgar San Luis, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, PI-IN, SANE-A Advance

Practice Nurse Excellence Award

CDR Edgar San Luis is currently serving as the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery's Specialty Leader for Family Nurse Practitioner. He's been a Nurse Practitioner for 18 years. He was a former reservist in the Navy and in 2010 he transitioned to active duty. He held various positions including department head of the Physical Exam and Sexual Assault Forensic Examination clinic in Guam, Department Head of Primary Care clinic in Sasebo Japan, Deputy Director of Health Services at Naval Health Clinic Hawaii. In March 2020, he deployed to USNS MERCY in direct support of the Defense Support of Civilian Authority (DSCA) response to the COVID-19 pandemic mission, augmenting the local bed capacity of hospitals in Los Angeles, California. CDR San Luis is presently serving as the Director or Warrior Transition at Naval Medical Regional Training Center San Diego.

Anita Lansang La Guardia, ASN, RN

Clinical Staff Nurse Excellence Award

Anita worked at Rady Children's Hospital for the past 35 years. She is an outstanding Charge Nurse, Team Leader and Supervisor in the Pre and Post-Operative areas. She has served as an excellent preceptor, mentor, project leader and educator. Highlights of her career includes leading role in the successful Electronic Medical Record planning and volunteerism work in many community organizations such as Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and Mercy Outreach Program, providing free surgeries to the underserved children locally and in Mexico. Anita has received multiple Nurse Excellence Awards that includes President's Quality Award and Employee of Excellence Award in Surgical Services during her tenure at Rady Children's Hospital.

Gloria Olaogun, BSN, RN, ALS, CLEC

Community Service Nurse Excellence Award

Kimberly Beeks works at Veteran Affairs Primary Clinic as Clinical Nurse Informatics. She is the Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) champion, responsible for reviewing and updating electronic charting policies for the clinic with 10,500 empaneled patients. She trains over 100 personnel from multiple VA clinics sites for the VA Video Connect program, resulted in surpassing the national average in utilizing Video Connect with 87% while national average is at 78%. She improved the sensitive indicators related to access to care by providing team training for the virtual encounter to connect providers with patients. RN Beeks is recipient of the HERO award for implementing Home Telehealth in VA San Diego Healthcare System during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kimberly Beeks, MSN, RN-BC

Nurse Informatics Excellence Award

Kimberly Beeks works at Veteran Affairs Primary Clinic as Clinical Nurse Informatics. She is the Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA) champion, responsible for reviewing and updating electronic charting policies for the clinic with 10,500 empaneled patients. She trains over 100 personnel from multiple VA clinics sites for the VA Video Connect program, resulted in surpassing the national average in utilizing Video Connect with 87% while national average is at 78%. She improved the sensitive indicators related to access to care by providing team training for the virtual encounter to connect providers with patients. RN Beeks is recipient of the HERO award for implementing Home Telehealth in VA San Diego Healthcare System during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cynthia Paraguya, MSN, RN, PCCN

Nurse Educator Excellence Award

Cynthia Paraguya is a Clinical Nurse Educator at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, Progressive Care Unit. As an educator, she identifies the needs of the staff and ensure their learning is achieved in utilizing innovative strategies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Cynthia educated her staff in a timely manner as guidelines were established in the appropriate care of COVID-19 patients. She closely works with Clinical Nurse Specialist in disseminating COVID-19 updates specifically relating to safe patient care and appropriate PPE's. Ms. Paraguya also serves as an Adjunct Clinical Instructor at Southwestern College for the Certified Nursing Assistant Program.