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 to 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.”