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November 3, 2026

Nurse leaders earn national honors for transforming care

Meet 3 nurses who help shape the future of health care.

Jerry Spicer, Kaprice S. Welsh, and Rayne Soriano were honored at the nomination ceremony for fellows of the American Academy of Nursing.

Three Kaiser Permanente nurse leaders were inducted as fellows of the American Academy of Nursing in October 2026. This is the highest recognition in the nursing profession. For these Kaiser Permanente nurse leaders, it honors and celebrates their contributions to improving patient health and transforming health care at Kaiser Permanente and beyond.

These 3 nurse leaders train the next generation of nurses, support the current nursing workforce at Kaiser Permanente, and work to improve women’s health.

They join more than 3,500 fellows from the United States, U.S. territories, and 45 countries.

Rayne Soriano

Rayne Soriano’s nursing career began 30 years ago in an emergency room. Today, he is regional senior director of professional excellence at the Kaiser Permanente Scholars Academy. The academy was launched to advance professional training, help integrate best practices, and develop future leaders. Soriano loves helping nurses grow as caregivers, teachers, researchers, problem solvers, and leaders.

Rayne Soriano

He works to create programs that support nurses, help patients, and prepare future nurses.

“I hope this honor inspires future nurses, especially those from groups that have not always had the same opportunities,” Soriano said. “I want them to know they can help shape health care at the highest levels. Every nurse can lead with kindness, curiosity, and a strong wish to improve lives.”

Soriano sees many ways for nurses to lead. They can lead at the bedside and also in research, innovation, teaching, public policy, and top leadership roles.

He credits Kaiser Permanente for supporting his career. “Kaiser Permanente values research, learning, and care that meets each person’s needs,” Soriano said. “Kaiser Permanente is a place where new ideas can grow and nurses can lead change. Great mentors and co-workers taught me to think big and help others grow.”

Jerry Spicer

Jerry Spicer, who holds a doctor of nursing practice degree, started as a bedside nurse, where he learned the value of teamwork, great care, and courage. There, he also learned to speak up for others. These lessons still guide him today as a nurse leader. 

Jerry Spicer

Spicer currently serves as the chief nurse executive for Kaiser Permanente in Southern California and Hawaii. During his leadership, he’s helped train nurse leaders and has developed programs to prevent patient falls, improve patient safety, support research, and improve care.

“This honor celebrates work with one clear goal: Support nurses so they can give safe, high-quality, and compassionate care,” Spicer said.

“I hope this honor calls attention to the great work of nurses across Kaiser Permanente. I also hope it helps future nurses see that they can bring new ideas, speak up for others, and lead healthier communities.”

Spicer thanks Kaiser Permanente for giving him chances to lead, learn, try new ideas, and make a real difference.

Kaprice S. Welsh

Kaprice S. Welsh holds master of science in nursing and master of public health degrees. For 30 years, she has cared for women in Georgia as a certified nurse-midwife. She champions women’s health, both in direct patient care and in the community.

Kaprice Welsh

Welsh has worked as a Kaiser Permanente nurse-midwife since 2018. She continues to improve women’s health, especially for patients with limited access to health care.

“This honor recognizes the work I have done for many years to speak up for women’s health,” Welsh said. “I have done this at the bedside and with public health leaders and lawmakers across Georgia.”

Welsh has served on the Georgia Maternal Mortality Review Committee. She also led the Health Equity Committee for the Georgia Perinatal Quality Collaborative. She is now president of the Georgia Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. She also helped start Mom’s Heart Matters. This mobile health program helps patients check their blood pressure at home and supports them during and after pregnancy. It links public health, health care, and mental health services.

Welsh is also working on a doctoral degree at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She studies how Georgia laws affect care for women who need substance use treatment during and after pregnancy.

“Working with a strong team of ob-gyns and midwives has helped me grow in my work and career,” Welsh said.

Learn more about Kaiser Permanente nursing excellence.

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