symplr Introduces Karlene Kerfoot Nursing Leadership in Technology Education Grant

symplr, AONL, and The DAISY Foundation launch education grant to recognize visionary nurse leaders in healthcare and technology transformation

HOUSTON, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- symplr^®, a leading provider of enterprise healthcare operations software, today announced the Karlene Kerfoot Nursing Leadership in Technology Education Grant at the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) Annual Conference in Boston. The grant honors the late Karlene Kerfoot, PhD, RN, FAAN, symplr's Chief Nursing Officer, whose passion for nursing and technology continues to shape healthcare.

In partnership with AONL and The DAISY Foundation, the education grant recognizes a nursing leader for pioneering contributions advancing technology in nursing with a focus on innovation and leadership to improve patient care. Kerfoot's contributions, including co-founding AONL's Leadership, Innovation, and Technology Transformation (LITT) initiative in 2022, highlight her commitment to inspiring change and empowering nurses through technology.

"Karlene's impact is immeasurable—her vision, humor, humility, compassion, and advocacy changed nursing," said Deborah Zimmerman, AONL Board President and CEO of The DAISY Foundation. "She saw potential where others didn't and championed nurses as leaders in healthcare's digital transformation."

"Karlene dedicated over 40 years of her life to nursing and was an incredible mentor and lifelong friend to so many," said Susan Grant, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Chief Clinical Officer of symplr. "Her legacy is one of compassion and tireless advocacy for nurses and patients. She never lost sight of what truly matters in healthcare—human connection—and this education grant is our way of honoring her impact and inspiring the next generation of nurses and leaders."

Continuing her legacy, symplr is showcasing its latest innovations at AONL including symplrAI for Workforce and the newly launched symplr Operations Platform to reduce the administrative burden, giving nurses more time for patient care and nurse managers more time to support their staff.

Nominations for the Karlene Kerfoot Nursing Leadership in Technology Education Grant will be accepted June 1 through Sept. 1 through www.daisyfoundation.org/karlene-kerfoot-grant. To learn more about how symplr solutions support the nursing workforce, visit symplr.com or join us at the AONL conference in Boston.

About symplr
symplr is a leader in enterprise healthcare operations software and services with a first-of-its-kind operations platform. Trusted in 9 of 10 U.S. hospitals and 400+ U.S. health plans, symplr optimizes operations and maximizes care powered by our cloud-based workforce, quality, provider data management, and spend solutions. Gain efficiency, reduce complexity, and improve outcomes where it matters most. Learn how to stay ahead of change at www.symplr.com.

About the American Organization for Nursing Leadership
As the national professional organization of more than 12,000 nurse leaders, the American Organization for Nursing Leadership is the voice of nursing leadership. Our membership encompasses nurse leaders working in hospitals, health systems, academia and other care settings across the care continuum. Since 1967, the organization has led the field of nursing leadership through professional development, advocacy and research that advances nursing leadership practice and patient care. AONL is an affiliate of the American Hospital Association. For more information, visit AONL.org/AONL.

SOURCE symplr