We’re excited to share Adni’s initiative to highlight healthcare leaders who are at the forefront of improving clinician engagement and retention! Please join us in welcoming our first highlighted leader: Jennifer Hayakawa!

Jennifer began her nursing career at Children’s Hospital of Orange County over 20 years ago. She is certified in pediatric critical care and neuroscience nursing, spending much of her career in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. Jennifer is actively involved with the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, holding various leadership roles locally and nationally. In 2017, she transitioned to a nurse scientist role, specializing in translating research into practice, mentoring novice researchers, and leading a wide range of pediatric studies. As the Director of Nursing Research and Innovation, she has collaborated with academic partners to enhance CHOC's research infrastructure. Her leadership has resulted in significant scholarly contributions, including over 80 posters, podium presentations, and 15 peer-reviewed publications by CHOC nurses this year. Jennifer’s passion for innovation is evident in her visionary project, the Dear Hospital storytelling experience. This initiative uses personal storytelling and professional photography to foster empathy, connection, and adherence to core values among healthcare professionals. Dear Hospital's impact on organizational culture has been recognized through nominations and presentations, establishing it as a transformative force. Jennifer’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation continues to inspire and elevate our nursing community, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and academic excellence. If you or someone you know is breaking boundaries in improving clinician retention, please send us a message!