Every nurse can point to someone who helped shape their career.
A preceptor who offered encouragement during a difficult shift. A clinical nurse educator who took the time to teach a new skill. A mentor who inspired confidence during a career transition. Behind many nursing success stories are professionals dedicated to helping others learn, grow and thrive.
Sutter Health celebrates Nursing Professional Development Week, Sept. 13-19, and the clinical nurse educators, professional development specialists, preceptors, mentors, simulation teams and others who help make lifelong learning possible for nurses across the not-for-profit health system.
Their work touches every stage of a nurse’s career. From orienting newly graduated nurses as they transition into practice to helping experienced clinicians develop specialty expertise, adapt to new technologies and prepare for leadership opportunities, these teams play a critical role in strengthening nursing practice and supporting exceptional patient care.
Robin Lewis
“Our nursing professional development practitioners promote lifelong learning, clinical excellence and professional growth,” said Robin Lewis, system director, clinical education. “Nursing Professional Development Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate these professionals and the important role they play in strengthening the nursing workforce and advancing patient care through education and development.”
For Tiffany Alves, clinical nurse educator lead, supporting nurses means helping them build confidence and reach their potential.
Tiffany Alves
“What inspires me most as a nursing educator is witnessing nurses discover the strength within themselves — building the confidence and psychological resilience to navigate any challenge, weather any shift, and step confidently into the leaders they were always meant to be,” Alves said.
Across Sutter, nurse educators help create a culture where learning is encouraged, questions are welcomed and professional growth is viewed as a lifelong journey.
Nursing professional development teams work closely with clinical leaders and frontline caregivers to identify opportunities for growth, share best practices and help nurses have access to the tools and resources they need to succeed. Their work strengthens clinical excellence, supports innovation and contributes to a positive practice environment across Sutter.
Jen Anzalone
For nurse Jen Anzalone, manager of clinical education for Perioperative Programs, one of the most rewarding aspects of nursing is its foundation of lifelong learning and shared knowledge.
“Having started my own nursing journey through a Sutter Transition to Practice program, it’s especially meaningful to now help create those same opportunities for others. One of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping nurses grow throughout their careers and discover new specialties, roles and opportunities they may not have otherwise considered,” Anzalone said.
Sara Heckley, clinical educator for Sutter’s Nurse Residency Program, says supporting the next generation of nurses is one of the most rewarding parts of her role.
Sara Heckley
“I truly love what I do, and supporting the growth and resilience of new nurses is incredibly rewarding,” Heckley said. “Watching nurses gain confidence, develop their skills and succeed in their careers reminds us why this work matters so much. It fills our bucket every time.”
Whether teaching in the classroom, facilitating simulations, mentoring a new graduate nurse or providing guidance at the bedside, nursing professional development educators help create the supportive learning environment that nurses rely on throughout their careers.
Kat Ascencio-Holmes
“Thank you to the nurse educators across Sutter who help nurses build confidence, strengthen their skills and reach their full potential,” said Kat Ascencio-Holmes, chief nurse officer at Sutter Health. “Your work strengthens our teams, supports our caregivers and enhances the care we provide to our patients and communities every day. We are grateful for all you do.”
