I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work under the mentorship of Ms. Johanah Carrera.  She is not only an outstanding educator with vast knowledge of her craft and her above and beyond expertise in the field, but also a remarkable role model who demonstrates how to balance the multiple demands of nursing leadership and education with grace and efficiency. Throughout my clinical experience, Ms. Johanah Carrera managed to seamlessly juggle her responsibilities—attending meetings, collaborating with clinical staff and management, engaging with different departments, and contributing to leadership and research initiatives—all while being fully present for me.

Despite her demanding schedule, she ensured that I received the attention, support, and guidance I needed. Her time management skills are nothing short of exceptional, and it was inspiring to see how she could handle such diverse responsibilities without compromising the quality of her teaching. Her ability to balance her professional commitments while still prioritizing her role as an educator is a testament to her dedication. Even with so many competing priorities, she took the time to ensure that I had a comprehensive learning experience tailored to my needs. Whether it was hands-on teaching or in-depth discussions about nursing theory and practice, she went above and beyond to ensure that I gained the skills and confidence necessary for my clinical practice.

Beyond her technical expertise, her compassion and willingness to support both her colleagues and her students make her truly exceptional. She creates an environment where learning flourishes, and her passion for nursing education shines through in everything she does. Ms. Johanah Carrera is an inspiration to me and embodies the qualities of an ideal Clinical Nurse Educator. She is not just a mentor but someone who sets the standard for what nursing education should be. Without a doubt, Ms. Johanah Carrera is the best Clinical Educator I could have asked for, and I am profoundly grateful for her impact on my professional journey.

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As a perinatal clinical nurse educator and nurse leader at UCI Health, Johanah exemplifies the highest standards of service excellence, quality, and safety. Her unwavering dedication to enhancing the skills and processes of perinatal nurses and interdisciplinary team members has significantly improved patient outcomes and fostered a culture of collaboration and support within our organization. Johanah's commitment to service is evident in her proactive approach to addressing challenges within the perinatal department.

One of her most notable contributions is the establishment of the Multidisciplinary Strip Rounds. Recognizing a gap in communication and collaboration between the nursing staff and the OB medical team, Johanah took the initiative to partner with the OB Medical attending responsible for the residents. Together, they developed a structured program that focuses on fetal heart monitoring and interpretation. Through case studies of fetal strips, Johanah facilitated interdisciplinary sessions that provided a safe environment for nurses and physicians to discuss care plans and address concerns, particularly in situations involving potential oxygen interruption to the fetus or excessive contractions in mothers. This initiative not only improved the professional relationships among team members but also enhanced the overall quality of care provided to our patients.

In addition to her work with the Multidisciplinary Strip Rounds, Johanah identified a critical need for a robust Perinatal Scrub Nurse Program. With the retirement of experienced scrub nurses and a dwindling number of scrub techs, Johanah recognized the potential risk to patient safety and operational efficiency in the Labor and Delivery OR. She collaborated with the OR educator, senior scrub technicians, and management to develop a comprehensive training program aimed at increasing the number of nurses competent to scrub during C-section procedures. This initiative has not only ensured that we have an adequate number of skilled scrub staff available but has also empowered nurses to expand their skill sets and take on new responsibilities, thereby enhancing their professional development.

Johanah's dedication to service excellence extends to her work on the Perinatal Communication and Perinatal Loss Project. This initiative was born out of a genuine concern for the emotional and psychological well-being of patients experiencing unplanned pregnancies. After receiving feedback from multiple nurses regarding the need for a perinatal loss workshop, Johanah took it upon herself to address this critical gap. She collaborated with Michelle Sinclair, Dr. Harken, and Dr. Rousseau from the UCI School of Nursing to design a workshop that not only addressed clinician biases but also provided effective communication strategies to improve nurse-to-patient interactions. By fostering an environment of understanding and empathy, Johanah has significantly improved the quality of care for patients facing challenging circumstances, ensuring that they receive the support and compassion they deserve.

Johanah's collaborative spirit and passion for nursing are evident in every project she undertakes. She consistently rallies her colleagues, inspiring them to elevate their practice and strive for excellence. Her ability to bring together diverse teams and facilitate open communication has created a culture of trust and respect within the perinatal department. Johanah's leadership style encourages others to share their ideas and concerns, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to patient care.

Another notable contribution by Johanah is the Labor and Delivery and Mother Baby Competency Review Project. Recognizing the need for specialized skill sets among nurses following the decision to split Labor and Delivery and DH 46, Johanah took the initiative to develop two distinct competencies tailored to the unique requirements of each patient population. This proactive approach not only addressed existing gaps in nursing skills but also ensured that our staff could provide the highest quality and safest care possible. By creating these specific competencies, Johanah has set a standard that aligns with UCI Health’s mission to deliver exceptional care. Johanah’s work on the Competency Review Project was due to Johanah’s foresight in identifying the need for ongoing education and training among nursing staff. As an Intermediate Fetal Monitoring instructor, she recognized the importance of advanced training in fetal monitoring and proactively sought additional certification through collaboration with UCSD educators. This commitment to her professional development not only enhances her own skills but also empowers her to teach advanced fetal monitoring techniques to her colleagues. Johanah’s dedication to ensuring that her team is well-equipped to handle complex clinical situations is a testament to her leadership and commitment to patient safety.

Moreover, Johanah understands that effective teamwork is essential in providing optimal care. To facilitate this, she has implemented a monthly interdisciplinary maternal simulation program that includes OB and anesthesia attendings alongside nursing staff. These simulations provide a consistent opportunity for the team to practice and refine their neonatal resuscitation skills in a safe and controlled environment. By fostering collaboration among different disciplines, Johanah enhances communication and teamwork, which are critical components in delivering high-quality perinatal care. Her efforts in organizing these simulations demonstrate her proactive nature and unwavering commitment to maintaining clear practice standards and competencies. Johanah’s impact extends beyond her immediate team; she serves as a role model for nurses across UCI Health. Her collaborative spirit and dedication to service excellence inspire others to strive for improvement and innovation in their practice. She actively encourages her colleagues to engage in professional development opportunities, fostering a culture of lifelong learning that benefits both staff and patients alike. Johanah’s ability to inspire and motivate her peers is a vital asset to our organization, as it cultivates an environment where excellence is not just expected but celebrated.

Johanah does everything with passion, hard work, and so much dedication. Her innovative projects, proactive approach to education, and collaborative efforts have made a lasting impact on the perinatal services at UCI Health. I wholeheartedly recommend Johanah for the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, as she truly deserves recognition for her dedication and passion in all her work in the perinatal specialty of the organization and the patients we serve. Johanah is an inspiration.