Nurses at Cedars-Sinai are consistently recognized as among the nation’s best, and this year, donors played a pivotal role in setting new standards in the nursing field. Their assistance was instrumental in our nurses’ ability to deliver quality, compassionate, value-added, person-centered care to help our patients heal, recover and thrive.

Through its far-reaching philanthropy, the Zifkin Family Fund for Excellence in Nursing continued raising the bar on our nurses’ development, nurturing their professional growth and enhancing their ability to reach the next stages of their careers. This year’s recipients of the Zifkin Family Nursing Excellence Award and the Zifkin Family Scholarship Nursing Award welcomed the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and grow their skills.

“It is such a humbling experience and a true honor to receive this award,” said Olena Svetlov, an advanced practice clinical nurse specialist in the Critical Care Division. “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Zifkin, for acknowledging our work and dedication!”

Cynthia Arevalo, a nurse on the 5S Medical Surgical Unit, was also very inspired. “I am extremely grateful to receive this scholarship,” she said. “I am passionate about nursing and helping our community, and it is donors like you who make Cedars-Sinai employees feel valued.”

An anonymous Cedars-Sinai Board of Directors member and life trustee also made a significant gift to support and sustain the medical center’s distinguished nurses. By focusing his contribution to meet the needs of these essential caregivers, he strengthened the practice of nursing across the institution.

“Our nurses are heroes who dedicate themselves to the care of this community, always putting patient wellness first,” the donor said, referring to our nurses’ tireless commitment and self-sacrifice at the height of the pandemic. “I am proud to honor their efforts and to celebrate their achievements by investing in Cedars-Sinai’s Nursing Department and helping to carry it forward.”