Tribute Journal
A leader in her specialty, she has presented medication for addiction treatment and stigma training to more than 200 hospitals in California.”
SHERRIE CISNEROS POMONA VALLEY HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER
Substance Use Disorder Services Substance Use Navigator Nurse
The program focuses on educating patients and the public about risks associated with substance use, including long-term health issues like chronic pain, heart rate irregularities and life-threatening overdose situations.
Sherrie Cisneros, MSN, RN-BC, is a substance use nurse navigator and the quality program coordinator for Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center (PVHMC). Cisneros has been a registered nurse for more than 28 years and serves patients at the hospital and is a community educator for local police, first responders and community partners.
The PVHMC Substance Use Disorder Program has a comprehensive approach to treatment, and Cisneros provides patients, community members and employees with education about medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder and harm reduction services. Cisneros also connects any community members with resources for inpatient, outpatient or detox services and support services.
At PVHMC, Cisneros created the medication for addiction program in the emergency department. A leader in her specialty, she has presented medication for addiction treatment and stigma training to more than 200 hospitals in California. Cisneros focuses on reducing stigma and teaches community members how to identify overdoses and administer the lifesaving naloxone medication.
Along with her multifaceted role at PVHMC, Cisneros is the Navigator Program Director at the nonprofit Bridge, which funds and supports emergency care and community health. In this role, she leads the planning and coordination for all statewide training for the navigator role at Bridge.
Cisneros understands that substance use disorders affect a wide array of individuals across the United States. Working with a dedicated substance use disorder team, she provides compassionate and comprehensive treatment for addiction to prescription opioids, alcohol and other substances. Her team recognizes that overcoming addiction requires both medical intervention and supportive care. 35