3 RivCo Nurses Celebrated For Lifesaving Work And Selfless Service

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — Kaiser Permanente Riverside recently honored a trio of medical professionals who work within the county in honor of Nurses Week earlier this month.

Three nurses — Byron Batz, Debbie Meulstee and Cassandra McClure — have been named as those who "embody the heart and soul of health care."

"As Nurses Week 2025 approached, I thought about how important it is to give nurses the resources and support they need to grow their career at Kaiser Permanente," said KP's Chief Nurse Executive, Phyllis Doulaveris. "Being prepared for success — today and tomorrow — is key for each nurse to thrive and for our organization to continue providing high-quality care to our members and patients."

Batz, who has been a nurse for 22 years, holds a specialization in population health. At a young age, Byron was inspired by compassionate caregivers who were administering vaccines in a small Central American village.

With the help of his mentors, he pursued a nursing education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Cal State Long Beach. Eventually, he went on to earn a Ph.D.

"Today, Byron's work blends science and humanity, driven by a profound dedication to healing, service, and compassion," Kaiser Permanente said in a statement.

Meulstee has been a nurse for 13 years and currently serves as an Addiction Nurse Counselor in the Addiction Medicine Department.

"Her dedication to making a difference in people's lives is evident through her compassionate care," the health care giant said.

Meanwhile, McClure, a 20-year veteran nurse, has found profound meaning in participating in "honor walks" for organ donors.

KP Riverside says McClure is "driven by a strong calling to care for others and make a difference in people's lives."