May 2026 Honoree

Karin Larson 2026, RN

  • Providence Portland Medical Center
  • Portland
    ,
    OR
    ,
    United States
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Karin has been a dedicated Providence caregiver since 2004 and has been an integral member of the PPMC NICU team since the unit opened in 2014. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment to patient safety, and unwavering dedication to her colleagues, patients, and families.

Over the years, Karin has played a critical role in the success, organization, and stability of the NICU. She has frequently stepped into unofficial project management roles, successfully coordinating unit relocations to the 3K Nursery and ensuring seamless transitions during times of change. As a long-serving Unit-Based Council (UBC) Chair, Karin has been a strong advocate for professional governance, empowering her peers and helping drive meaningful improvements in quality, patient experience, and safety.

Karin's influence extends far beyond the unit level. She serves as the NICU representative on numerous hospital-wide committees, including Continuous Compliance, Safety, and High Reliability Organization (HRO) initiatives. She has been instrumental in leading the NICU through multiple successful Joint Commission and Magnet site visits, proudly representing the unit and sharing the exceptional work being done to provide outstanding care.

A passionate advocate for safety and emergency preparedness, Karin has led several impactful initiatives, including: Creating evacuation packs for every NICU patient room. Securing grant funding for evacuation sleds designed specifically for NICU patients. Updating the NICU Emergency Management Guide to better serve our highly specialized patient population. Providing education and training to caregivers on emergency preparedness and evacuation procedures.

Despite her extensive leadership responsibilities, Karin continues to provide exceptional bedside care. She is compassionate, knowledgeable, and deeply committed to delivering family-centered care. Patients and families benefit from her expertise, kindness, and calming presence during some of life's most challenging moments.

Karin is also an outstanding educator and mentor. She precepts new caregivers and students with patience, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to help others grow. She takes the time to ensure understanding, provides thoughtful and constructive feedback, and fosters psychologically safe relationships that strengthen both individuals and the team as a whole.

Known as a clinical expert and trusted resource, Karin is often the person colleagues turn to for guidance, support, and answers. Her depth of knowledge, professionalism, and willingness to help have made her a mentor to many and a cornerstone of the NICU culture.

As Karin prepares for her retirement in 2027, we recognize that her departure will leave an enormous void within our unit. Her contributions have shaped the NICU in countless ways and have had a lasting impact on caregivers, patients, and families alike.

We want Karin to know how deeply valued and appreciated she is—not only for everything she has accomplished, but for the compassion, leadership, and dedication she brings every day. Karin has been instrumental in the success of our NICU, and her legacy will continue to be felt for years to come. We are profoundly grateful for her service and proud to celebrate the extraordinary impact she has made throughout her Providence career.

Thank you, Karin, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.

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