California Nurse Zachary Pritchett Wins AFSCME Never Quit Award

An Emergency Room Nurse's Heroic Actions Highlight Dedication to Public Service

One warm day in Washington, D.C., Zachary Pritchett, an experienced emergency room nurse from Los Angeles, found himself in the midst of an unexpected situation. While visiting Capitol Hill to voice his opposition to a newly passed law that could potentially weaken healthcare services, Pritchett was drawn to a scene that demanded his medical expertise.

Pritchett, who works at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, noticed an elderly man dressed in a suit appearing unwell near the U.S. Capitol building. The man, who was supported by two companions, suddenly collapsed, clutching his chest and stomach. Without hesitation, Pritchett intervened, supported by nearby police officers.

“I talked to the officers and informed them I was an emergency room nurse,” Pritchett recalls. “I told them that I could assess his vital signs. He was an elderly gentleman who had recently had a pacemaker placed and was feeling very weak. He was wearing a jacket and long sleeves and it was really hot outside, so I got his jacket off and got ice packs to try to cool him down. His vital signs were OK. Then I stayed with him until an ambulance arrived.”

With 14 years of nursing experience, Pritchett's swift actions reflect both his professional training and a genuine commitment to public service. His dedication extends beyond the hospital walls, manifesting in his active role within the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP), an AFSCME affiliate. For his efforts, he was honored with the Never Quit Service Award, recognizing individuals who significantly contribute to their communities.

“I love being there for people when they need help,” Pritchett says. “I love being a nurse. Nursing is such a fusion of art and science. You get to practice science, and then you also get to take into account the humanity aspect and the art of caring. It’s a great profession.”

In addition to his nursing duties, Pritchett serves as vice president of his local union, where he also acts as a contract specialist and part of the bargaining team. His union involvement complements his public service mission. “It’s important to help people when they don’t have a voice and can’t take care of themselves,” he says, emphasizing his dual commitment to both patients and healthcare professionals.

Pritchett's unwavering dedication to public service remains strong, even in the face of legislative challenges and pressures on public service workers. His guiding principle, inspired by social activist Maggie Kuhn, is clear: “Always use your voice, even if it shakes.” He believes now is the time to stand for what is right and make one's voice count, stating, “Silence is complacency.”