We are honored to recognize Karen for her trailblazing leadership. She consistently inspires those around her to think beyond traditional boundaries, encouraging innovation and collaboration that elevate both patient care and team performance. Her ability to lead with confidence and compassion has cultivated a culture where every team member feels valued and supported to contribute their best.

Karen has supported our team through collaboration with outpatient nursing so that we can effectively and safely provide care to our pediatric population awaiting bed availability. She assisted in starting the admission process early by developing the HOD process to prevent further delay of care or discharges.

Monthly staff meetings showcase the exemplary leadership she brings to pediatrics. She ensures meetings start with pediatric oncology lectures that aim to bring new, innovative protocols conducted by our pediatric physicians. There are always moments taken to connect us staff to our mission and values, which serve to refocus our dedication to nursing practice. Reminders of our NSI status, education needs, and kudos/recognitions of staff members are also peppered into meetings. Karen empowers staff to become certified with motivation and support. She has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to resources for certification, and includes pediatric and HCT certification level questions in every staff meeting to instill confidence in material and review of topics.

Karen’s kindness shines through in both her words and actions, whether it’s offering encouragement during difficult times, celebrating successes, or simply being there when someone needs to talk. Her compassion and understanding help staff remain resilient and engaged.

Karen embodies inclusivity and creates an inclusive environment with her presence on both day and night shifts, as well as in outpatient settings, being genuinely present, walking the entire unit, and personally checking in with every single person. She especially makes a point to recognize team members at all levels. For example, our “Star Team Member of the Quarter,” displayed near the entrance of 3W, celebrates nursing excellence. Karen also inspires rigor by believing in everyone’s potential and encouraging excellence without ever lowering her expectations. She celebrates diversity by taking time to make everyone feel valued in each of our roles. She is the glue that holds us together and unites our team.

Another example is the profound attention she gives to our new grad nurses. Anyone who remembers their new grad year can recall how overwhelming that time can be. Karen is known to take time out of her day to see the new grads and meet 1-on-1 to check on their progress and provide them with a low-stakes, open space to ask questions. Not only is this a great way to gauge how new nurses are acclimating to the unit, but she is also making sure that our newest pediatric nurses feel included. She also worked with our UBC to create a welcome breakfast for all staff to introduce new grads on their first day.