R e g io n a l R e c o g n i t i o n
Regional Finalist, Advancing and Leading the Profession
Karen Yarbrough, MS, CRNP Nurse Practitioner Stroke Program Director
Awarded to an RN who is well known and respected as a visionary, innovative leader, and change agent, who moves the profession forward through work in patient care administration, education or research, or strengthens it through other professional activities, endeavors, or contributions.
Karen is responsible for developing and managing programs that support the Maryland Stroke and Brain Attack Center. Ms. Yarbrough has been an indispensable leader in the Stroke Program. She has guided an increasingly complex interdisciplinary effort to first, secure Primary Stroke Center designation, and subsequently, Comprehensive Stroke Center certification. Her knowledge and judgment as well as her ability to interact effectively with others has brought her innumerable compliments from hospital leadership and day-to-day care providers. She is admired by the six vascular neurologists in the Department of Neurology Stroke Division. Her influence extends throughout the hospital as well as to approximately 40 community hospitals where she is viewed as a “go to” resource for “all things stroke.” Karen’s commitment to Stroke Care Best Practice and her deep love of nursing sets her above the norm. She is profoundly respectful of the nursing role both at the bedside, in the community and to the advanced practice role. She believes in the empowerment of nursing to own quality improvement and clinical outcomes. She is a model of professional collaboration, building consensus, and strengthening team initiatives, not only with regard to regulatory processes but especially with building and understanding the importance of transition from hospital to home and community. This holistic approach and commitment to the contiguous patient experience truly emphasizes her deep understanding of the patient and family experience.
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NURSING EXCELLENCE AWA R D S 2 0 1 4