For 18 years, Isolina (“Izzy”) Pistolessi has worked as a nurse at Kaiser’s Falls Church Care Center, but she has done so much more. On the job, she is a mentor to other nurses, conducts outreach to the community, promotes public health, educates and cares for patients, and serves as a UFCW Local 400 shop steward. Off the job, Pistolessi (right) is a volunteer and leader with the National Association of Hispanic Nurses, a member of the Medical Reserve Corps, and a union activist who recently participated in Local 400’s Lobby Day. Now she’s being recognized by Kaiser with their 2016 National Extraordinary Nurse Award. “To receive this honor is a complete surprise,” Pistolessi said, “but it’s also wonderful.” Excerpted from a longer report on the UFCW 400 website.