There is not one specific instance that I can recall that makes me feel KP is deserving of this award, but rather an overarching feeling of his leadership throughout my MICU career. The Medical Intensive Care Unit at Loma Linda prides itself on the culture and teamwork of the nurses, PCAs, RTs, doctors, social workers, case managers, and others who work there. Our culture of teamwork stems from great leadership. Leadership is not all about direction and telling people what to do, but rather, leading by example. KP never hesitates to lend a hand, pass meds, turn, pull up or clean up a patient, he will place IVs, or any other task asked of him. Sometimes, having someone take over one simple task can make all the difference in your day. He has a big toothy grin, loves anything lemon, the Kansas City Chiefs, and never forgets to say, "Thank you for being here today."

Sometimes, the little things make the biggest difference. I can remember one particularly rough day I was having; I came out of a room feeling overwhelmed with everything I had to do, and a patient's medication had sprayed all over my face, my glasses included. KP asked what was wrong, and I unloaded on him with a list of things that overwhelmed me. He said, "Let me have your glasses." He took my glasses and cleaned them off for me. KP understands that by taking care of his nurses first, he is creating the best possible environment for healing for his patients. If the nurses are happy and taken care of, they will take good care of the patients, and the outcome will be best for everyone. Taking care of your employees is at the core of establishing a good culture and a happy work environment. For the last 50 years, Kenneth Peterson has been able to do that for the MICU here at Loma Linda.