Nursing excellence shows up in many ways—through advocacy, presence, innovation and contributions that strengthen care for patients and teams alike. During National Nurses Week, May 6–12, Sutter Health honors all its nurses and recognizes four standout nurses as Nurses of the Year. Nominated by their colleagues, this year’s honorees reflect the four nursing philosophies that guide practice across the organization: Force of Good, Humble Presence, Unlimited Potential and Unique Contribution.

Laura Dixon, R.N., Sutter Center for Psychiatry | Force of Good

Laura Dixon, R.N.,

Laura Dixon, R.N., embodies the Force of Good through steadfast advocacy, calm leadership and an unwavering commitment to safety—especially in complex, emotionally charged situations. A trusted charge nurse and mentor, colleagues say she consistently puts patients and families first, using clear communication, empathy and sound clinical judgment to guide care and decision-making.

With nearly 30 years of nursing experience and nine years at Sutter Center for Psychiatry (SCP), Dixon’s impact extends well beyond the bedside. Often described as the “anchor” of the unit and a core member of the DAISY Award Committee— a program she helped launch at SCP. She has also helped lead patient and staff‑focused initiatives, including a philanthropy-funded weighted blanket project designed to reduce patient anxiety and support emotional regulation in behavioral health settings and the launch of the Zen Room at SCP, supporting staff well-being and resilience.

Through her advocacy, vigilance and deep compassion, colleagues say Dixon strengthens teams, protects patients and exemplifies the true meaning of the Force of Good.

“When Laura is on the unit, people feel it,” said her manager, Ciara Levine, R.N. SCP.  “She brings calm, clarity and an incredible sense of safety—for patients, families and staff—and that makes a real difference every single day.”

Dixon says being named Nurse of the Year is an honor she shares with her patients and team who inspire her daily.

“It is incredibly rewarding to connect with patients in their most vulnerable moments,” said Dixon. “To show them they are not alone in what they are going through and watch them slowly regain hope and stability.”

Dani Vincent, R.N., Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital | Humble Presence

Dani Vincent, R.N.

Dani Vincent, R.N., exemplifies Humble Presence through her ability to meet patients, families and peers exactly where they are with compassion and expertise. A Staff Nurse III in Labor and Delivery, charge nurse and preceptor at Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital (SSRRH), colleagues describe Vincent as a steady and trusted presence whose trauma‑informed approach helps create safety and trust during vulnerable moments.

Recognizing the value of preparation in birth outcomes, colleagues say that Vincent identified a gap in access to childbirth education and led the creation of a comprehensive program for expectant parents. She helped develop the curriculum, secured funding, recruited and trained fellow nurses, and now teaches classes in both English and Spanish. The program has contributed to a meaningful reduction in Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex (NTSV) rates while increasing patient confidence and engagement. Vincent has also shared this work broadly, presenting at the Sutter Health Nursing Symposium and the California AWHONN Conference.

Beyond the bedside, colleagues consider Vincent a respected leader in trauma‑informed care (TIC). Drawing on her experience as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, she educates teams across disciplines through trainings, committee work and candid storytelling. Her humility, vulnerability, and willingness to share lessons learned have inspired colleagues to pause, listen and see patients as individuals. In 2025, Vincent further advanced her expertise by earning board certification as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner for adult specialties, as well as her board certification in obstetrics.

“Dani shows up with compassion, listens deeply and helps people feel truly cared for,” said Dani’s manager, Shanti Cabinaw, R.N., SSRRH. “She connects easily with others, supports them exactly where they are at and encourages all around her to grow and become the best nurse they can be.”

Vincent, who has been a nurse at Sutter for nearly 10 years, says this award is humbling.

“It’s hard to fully put into words what being named Nurse of the Year means to me,” Vincent said. “I care deeply about making meaningful change, and this recognition feels like a reminder that my work is seen and truly making a difference.”

Brittany Chavez, R.N., Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation | Unlimited Potential

Brittany Chavez, R.N.

Brittany Chavez, R.N., is a nurse driven by curiosity, initiative and a deep commitment to improving how care is delivered—for patients, teams and the organization as a whole. A Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation (SPMF) urology nurse with a strong growth mindset, Chavez is known for seeking evidence‑based approaches and collaborating across teams to strengthen patient-centered care.

Her impact is especially evident in addressing gaps in outpatient care for patients discharged with nephrostomy tubes. Colleagues say Chavez worked across inpatient teams and specialty clinics to help design a standardized outpatient care pathway—reducing unnecessary Emergency Department visits and improving continuity of care. She also played a key role in helping General Surgery establish a structured outpatient wound care service, improving access and consistency for patients.

Chavez is recognized for managing responsibility across multiple departments—Urology, Obstetrics and General Surgery— with adaptability, professionalism and a consistent focus on delivering safe, reliable care.  Colleagues regard Chavez as a mentor, problem‑solver and “go‑to” nurse who shares knowledge generously. With advanced certifications, lactation expertise, community involvement and a reputation for integrity and innovation, Chavez exemplifies Unlimited Potential.

“Brittany is always asking how we can do better, for our patients and for each other,” said her manager, Megan Nye, R.N., SPMF. “Her curiosity, energy and willingness to step in wherever she’s needed have made a lasting impact across Sutter.”

As a nurse at Sutter for the past 11 years, Chavez says the most rewarding part of nursing for her is building trust with patients and being able to guide them through vulnerable or complex moments in their care.

“Whether it’s educating, advocating, or simply being present, I value the opportunity to make patients feel heard, safe, and supported,” said Chavez. “Being named Nurse of the Year is truly humbling and it means a great deal to be acknowledged in a role that I care so deeply about.

Juliemarie Carreiro, R.N., Memorial Hospital Los Banos | Unique Contribution

Juliemarie Carreiro, R.N.

Juliemarie Carreiro, R.N., is a driving force behind meaningful improvements in patient care, quality and safety at Sutter’s Memorial Hospital Los Banos (MHLB). Honored for her Unique Contribution, she is the first nurse from this hospital to receive Nurse of the Year recognition—a reflection of her innovation. Colleagues say her persistence and deep commitment has helped transform how care is coordinated across disciplines.

Carreiro has played a pivotal role in launching multidisciplinary bedside rounding and proactive discharge planning, improving care coordination and supporting earlier, more efficient discharges. She has also been instrumental in advancing stroke care, supporting Primary Stroke Center certification and ensuring timely, high‑quality care for the community.

Colleagues credit Carreiro with strengthening fall‑prevention practices, championing remote video safety monitoring for high‑risk patients and significantly reducing pressure injuries as the site’s wound‑care champion. When the hospital faced a critical gap in swallow evaluations for stroke patients, Carreiro helped support the creation of an innovative tele‑swallow process—helping reduce transfers and keep patients close to home.

“Juliemarie shares her expertise through skills fairs, daily coaching and consistent reinforcement of evidence‑based practices,” says Juliemarie’s manager, Miriam Rivas, R.N. “Juliemarie exemplifies leadership and her contributions have been transformative for Memorial Hospital Los Banos and strongly represent what Nurse of the Year stands for.”

As a nurse for 15 years, Carreiro says the most rewarding part of nursing for her is the variety.

“My role allows me to shift between patient care and supporting or educating staff based on what the day brings,” said Carreiro. “I know there are many deserving nurses for his recognition, so being named Nurse of the Year is incredibly humbling.”

Recognizing Nursing Excellence

Sutter Health’s Nursing Philosophy of Care reflects the values that guide nurses every day—clinical excellence, compassion, and a commitment to serving patients first. The annual award celebrates nurses who make a difference not only through skill and expertise, but through how they show up for patients, families and one another.

Kat Ascencio-Holmes R.N.

“Our Nurses of the Year embody what it means to care deeply and lead with purpose,” said Katrina Ascencio‑Holmes, Chief Nurse Officer at Sutter Health. “Laura, Dani, Brittany, and Juliemarie each bring our values to life in meaningful ways, and it’s an honor to recognize their extraordinary contributions.”