Regional Medical Center deploys nurses to support Southern California colleagues during wildfire crisis

San Jose, CA - Regional Medical Center (RMC) in San Jose is playing a critical role in supporting colleagues and communities affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern California. In response to an urgent call for assistance, RMC sent twelve of its dedicated nurses to its sister HCA Healthcare hospital, Los Robles Hospital & Medical Center, in Thousand Oaks, CA, where staff are facing extraordinary challenges due to the ongoing crisis.

“When the fires in Southern California broke out, we didn't hesitate to act. I quickly connected with our ICU and ED departments and within half a day, we had a list of nurses willing to step up and deploy,” said Jina Canson, Chief Nursing Officer at RMC. “It's during times of crisis that we truly shine. The willingness of our nurses to leave their own families and responsibilities to support colleagues in need speaks volumes about their compassion and dedication. That's what it means to be part of HCA Healthcare—we're there for each other, no matter what.”

The deployment is part of a broader effort by HCA Healthcare's Far West Division to mobilize resources from its network of hospitals across California and Nevada. Nurses from RMC joined colleagues from Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, MountainView Hospital in Las Vegas and Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas in answering the call to action.

While patient care remains intact, the wildfires have affected colleagues at Los Robles Hospital who've lost homes, power or are under mandatory evacuation orders. Deploying nurses and staff from the Far West sister hospitals gives local colleagues the opportunity to focus on their families, safety and rebuilding. This support not only aids the hospital but also strengthens the local community, fostering a sense of unity and resilience.

The Far West Division of HCA Healthcare has a long history of standing together during emergencies. The wildfires in Southern California have created an urgent need for additional support at Los Robles.

“The deployment of nurses from San Jose, Riverside and Las Vegas hospitals underscores HCA's commitment to provide exceptional care during crises, not just for the communities it serves but also for its fellow healthcare providers,” said HCA Far West Division President Jackie Van Blaricum. “This collaborative effort highlights the strength of the HCA Healthcare network and the resilience of its caregivers showing up for their patients and community during a time of need. Together, we show up—because that's what families do.”