Karen Owings
May 2026
Karen
Owings
,
MSN, RN
Medstar Health
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital
Baltimore
,
MD
United States
She leads with empathy, listens with intention, and mentors with dedication.
Karen Owings exemplifies every attribute of a DAISY Nurse Leader, embodying what it truly means to lead with compassion, integrity, and purpose. She builds meaningful relationships across all levels of the organization, earning the trust and respect of frontline nurses, leaders, and colleagues alike. Her transparency, approachability, and unwavering commitment to placing patients at the center of every decision create a culture where both caregivers and patients thrive.
A visible and deeply engaged leader, this nurse can be found consistently rounding across all units at both hospitals—on holidays, during snowstorms, and in everyday moments—simply to connect, listen, and support. She makes herself readily available to every team member, always following through on questions, concerns, and ideas. Her communication is intentional and inclusive, ensuring that organizational goals are clearly understood while elevating the voices and perspectives of frontline nurses in every initiative.
Karen's impact was especially evident during the recent Magnet survey, in which frontline nurses spoke candidly about her compassion, mentorship, and daily presence. She fosters an environment where nurses feel empowered, valued, and heard. Her leadership transformed the Magnet journey into a shared mission—one rooted in pride, excellence, and professional growth.
She is a tireless advocate for her teams, ensuring they have the resources, support, and guidance needed to succeed. Whether responding to emails personally, seeking face-to-face conversations, or collaborating with clinical administrators and senior leadership, she goes above and beyond to ensure no one feels overlooked or unsupported. She champions both the professional and personal well-being of her staff, regularly checking in to ensure they feel seen, safe, and cared for.
What truly sets her apart is her heart. She leads with empathy, listens with intention, and mentors with dedication. She creates a sense of belonging and reassurance—her presence alone makes staff feel secure and supported. As one colleague shared after nearly four decades in nursing, she is among the very best leaders they have ever worked with, someone who makes even the most challenging days feel manageable and reminds nurses they are never alone.
She invests deeply in developing others, empowering emerging leaders, and celebrating the contributions of frontline nurses. She holds high standards while uplifting those around her, fostering both accountability and confidence. Her collaborative spirit strengthens partnerships across disciplines, advancing the organization as a whole.
Simply put, she leads with heart—and it shows in every interaction, every decision, and every outcome. She is a mentor, an advocate, a visionary, and a source of unwavering support. Because of her leadership, nurses feel valued, teams feel united, and patients receive exceptional care. Karen is the embodiment of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She is not only deserving of this recognition, but she also defines it.
A visible and deeply engaged leader, this nurse can be found consistently rounding across all units at both hospitals—on holidays, during snowstorms, and in everyday moments—simply to connect, listen, and support. She makes herself readily available to every team member, always following through on questions, concerns, and ideas. Her communication is intentional and inclusive, ensuring that organizational goals are clearly understood while elevating the voices and perspectives of frontline nurses in every initiative.
Karen's impact was especially evident during the recent Magnet survey, in which frontline nurses spoke candidly about her compassion, mentorship, and daily presence. She fosters an environment where nurses feel empowered, valued, and heard. Her leadership transformed the Magnet journey into a shared mission—one rooted in pride, excellence, and professional growth.
She is a tireless advocate for her teams, ensuring they have the resources, support, and guidance needed to succeed. Whether responding to emails personally, seeking face-to-face conversations, or collaborating with clinical administrators and senior leadership, she goes above and beyond to ensure no one feels overlooked or unsupported. She champions both the professional and personal well-being of her staff, regularly checking in to ensure they feel seen, safe, and cared for.
What truly sets her apart is her heart. She leads with empathy, listens with intention, and mentors with dedication. She creates a sense of belonging and reassurance—her presence alone makes staff feel secure and supported. As one colleague shared after nearly four decades in nursing, she is among the very best leaders they have ever worked with, someone who makes even the most challenging days feel manageable and reminds nurses they are never alone.
She invests deeply in developing others, empowering emerging leaders, and celebrating the contributions of frontline nurses. She holds high standards while uplifting those around her, fostering both accountability and confidence. Her collaborative spirit strengthens partnerships across disciplines, advancing the organization as a whole.
Simply put, she leads with heart—and it shows in every interaction, every decision, and every outcome. She is a mentor, an advocate, a visionary, and a source of unwavering support. Because of her leadership, nurses feel valued, teams feel united, and patients receive exceptional care. Karen is the embodiment of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award. She is not only deserving of this recognition, but she also defines it.