(MINOT, ND)-Karen Zimmerman, RN, MSN, Director of Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety at Trinity Health, has been named the organization’s Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), effective January 1st.
As CNO, Zimmerman will have responsibility for all of Trinity’s Nursing units and the Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety Department, providing clinical leadership and oversight. She replaces Barbra Brown, who recently announced she is retiring.
“Karen brings a solid record of accomplishment to her new role,” said John M. Kutch, Trinity’s Chief Executive Officer. “As Director of Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety, Karen has supported the professional development of her team and has shown steadfast commitment to the principles of patient safety, knowledge-driven care and evidence-based practice. She’ll be a tremendous asset to our leadership team as we continue to deliver the best care in North Dakota.”
Zimmerman has enjoyed a long career at Trinity Health, providing bedside care for patients in nearly every hospital unit, including medical/surgical, ortho/neuro, maternal/infant, intensive care and pediatric nursing. She had a successful tenure in the Emergency/Trauma Center, serving as a staff nurse and Assistant Nurse Manager, and later becoming the hospital’s Trauma Program Manager. She also managed the Clinical Studies Department for a time and served as Hospital Supervisor.
As Director of Clinical Excellence and Patient Safety since 2011, Zimmerman has led Trinity’s efforts in numerous key areas, including process improvement, core measure compliance, patient safety and patient relations, infection prevention and control, and regulatory compliance. She also has provided support for Trinity’s physician quality, peer review, and privileging and credentialing programs.
“I am excited about the opportunity to lead as we continue to improve and build from a solid foundation of delivering high quality care,” Zimmerman said. “I look forward to contributing to our team effort in my new role as we continue to put patients first.”
Zimmerman earned her bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Medcenter One College of Nursing in Bismarck and her master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Mary, Bismarck, where she
continues to serve as an adjunct faculty member for the University’s graduate nursing program. She’s been an instructor for the Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum and a preceptor for nursing students across the state. She’s also been a guest speaker at Minot State University and speaks at surrounding high schools about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and trauma.
A Minot resident for over 20 years, she and her husband, Jay, have three children. Karen is an active member of the Minot Sertoma Club and serves on various church committees and groups.