Jackson Healthcare Acquires Nurse Executive Firm, Kirby Bates Associates

ATLANTA, March 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- National staffing, search and technology company, Jackson Healthcare, has acquired Kirby Bates Associates, a 29-year-old firm that specializes in nursing executive retained search, interim management, coaching and consulting services. The firm was recently recognized by Hunt Scanlon as a "top 50" healthcare and life sciences search firm.

Kirby Bates Associates officially joined Jackson Healthcare on February 17, 2017. Until the acquisition, the firm was both owned and operated by nursing executives. Karen K. Kirby, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, FAAN, will remain president and CEO, continuing the firm's nurse-led legacy.

"Kirby Bates both deepens and broadens our ability improve the delivery of patient care in health systems, hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the nation," said Shane Jackson, president of Jackson Healthcare. "Through this new collaboration, we look forward to further helping clients recruit and retain experienced nursing leadership talent."

Founded in 1988 by two nurse entrepreneurs, Kirby Bates' core business has been nurse executive retained search. Over the years, the firm has expanded its services to include interim management, coaching and consulting. This evolution to a full-service firm is the result of helping clients develop nursing leadership teams that ensure the delivery of exceptional patient care.

"Our focus is and will continue to be on building long-term relationships with our clients," said Kirby. "I couldn't have found a better company to work with than Jackson Healthcare. Their commitment to patient care, supporting healthcare professionals and giving back through charitable work perfectly aligns with Kirby Bates' values."

About Jackson Healthcare 
Jackson Healthcare is built on a simple idea — that talented professionals with a shared purpose can improve the lives of patients, families and communities. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company has risen to a place of prominence among the largest healthcare staffing and technology companies in the U.S. It currently serves more than seven million patients in over 1,300 healthcare facilities.

In addition to serving health systems and providers, Jackson champions local, national and international charitable work. It founded and sponsors the Hospital Charitable Service Awards, which honors programs that set new standards for health and wellness in their communities through education, access and delivery. Atlanta Business Chronicle named Jackson Healthcare the city's "Best Place to Work" in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

About Kirby Bates
Kirby Bates Associates takes great pride in its record for "Shaping Exceptional Healthcare Teams… One Leader at a Time." That is not just our corporate mission — it is the personal mission of our founders and everyone who works for our organization. At Kirby Bates Associates we give personalized attention that cannot be matched by most search or consulting firms. We are large enough to have a national network of resources but small enough to work closely with clients to find the best leaders and solutions for their organization. We take a personal interest in our client challenges.

Led by President and CEO Karen Kirby, RN, MSN, NEA-BC, FAAN, FACHE, we bring proven expertise to Executive Search, Interim Management, Leadership Coaching and Professional Consultations. Kirby Bates Associates knows firsthand the challenges facing healthcare leaders today because we have walked in their shoes. We help clients find proven solutions because we have years of experience as nursing and healthcare executives.

SOURCE Jackson Healthcare

Related Links

http://www.jacksonhealthcare.com