The Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) is proud to announce the recipient of the 2024 Direct Patient Care Award – Izzah Panganiban, CRRN. As a Clinical Nurse at Providence St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, CA, and an active member of the Southern California Chapter of ARN, Izzah exemplifies excellence in rehabilitation nursing through her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to patient care.

A Leader in Enhancing Care Delivery and Patient Safety

As the Vice Chair of the Care Delivery Council (CDC) Committee of the ARU at Providence St. Jude Medical Center, Izzah collaborated with the CDC committee and the Acute Rehab team through the Safety Fair initiative that successfully reduced fall rates by an impressive 20%. Her efforts in developing the "Road to Recovery: An Inpatient Guide to Rehab" and the "Admission Checklist" were pivotal in improving patient experience, offering information, guidance and structure to both patients and healthcare providers of the ARU.

Patient Education and Advocacy at the Forefront 

Izzah's commitment to patient education and advocacy goes beyond the bedside. She initiated the Home Readiness Tracker project, ensuring that patients are educated that they have a voice in their care and that they are fully prepared for a safe and successful discharge. By addressing patient's specific needs and securing the appropriate care and equipment prior to leaving the hospital, she played a crucial role in improving post-discharge outcomes and reducing the risk of readmissions. An advocate for Rehab nurses to be certified as CRRN, she guides and encourages her co-workers to take that next step in their career ladder.

A Valuable Resource to Colleagues 

In addition to her patient care responsibilities, Izzah is a constant source of support and knowledge for her colleagues. She regularly conducts in-service sessions and gives updates being a member of the SKIN committee, offering guidance on complex cases and sharing best practices to enhance the overall care provided in her unit. Her creativity and dedication have made her an indispensable member of her team, as she continues to lead by example and drive improvements in the field of rehabilitation nursing.

Q+A With Izzah Panganiban 

Q: What does this honor mean to you? 

Receiving the Direct Patient Care Award from ARN is truly an incredible honor. It validates the dedication and passion I've put into my work and underscores the importance of the patient-centered approach we strive for in rehabilitation nursing. This award is a testament to the collaborative effort of my entire team at Providence St. Jude Medical Center, and it motivates me to continue improving and advocating for the highest standards of care for our patients. It's also a reminder of why I chose this profession: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Q: What has ARN provided you as a member?

Being a member of ARN and the Southern California Chapter has been immensely valuable to my professional development. The association has provided me with a wealth of resources, from cutting-edge research and educational opportunities to networking with fellow professionals who share my commitment to rehabilitation nursing. ARN's conferences and educational resources have been particularly instrumental in keeping me informed about the latest advancements and best practices in our field. The sense of community and support from ARN has been a cornerstone in my journey as a rehabilitation nurse.

Q: What has been your favorite part of being an ARN member?  

One of my favorite aspects of being an ARN member has been my involvement with the Southern California Chapter (previously LAOC Chapter). Working alongside dedicated colleagues to address the needs of our chapter members and develop innovative solutions has been incredibly rewarding. Additionally, the Annual ARN and SoCal Chapter conference have been a highlight, offering invaluable opportunities to learn from experts, share experiences, and connect with peers who are as passionate about rehabilitation nursing as I am. 

The Annual SoCal chapter "Bootcamp" review course that helps Rehab nurses in their quest to be certified as CRRN helps in my advocacy to have more certified Rehab nurses. These experiences have enriched my professional life and have been a major source of inspiration and growth in my career.

A Role Model in Rehabilitation Nursing

Izzah's leadership, creativity, and dedication to her patients and colleagues make her a shining example of the impact that rehabilitation nurses can have on their communities. Her work at Providence St. Jude Medical Center and her contributions to ARN continue to inspire others in the field, and her recognition as the 2024 Direct Patient Care Award winner is well deserved.

Congratulations, Izzah!