Kirby Bates Associates (KBA) is a national firm specializing in nursing executive retained search, interim management and coaching/consulting services.

Founded in 1988 as Bates & Associates by two leading nurse entrepreneurs, we have been continuously owned and operated by nursing executives. We expanded our services in 2003 under the leadership of Karen K. Kirby, RN, MSN, with the goal of providing our clients with a continuum of services to meet their special needs.

A Commitment to Our Clients

We are committed to building and maintaining long-term relationships and partnerships – serving candidates who return as clients, and clients who return for multiple engagements.

Faithful to Our Mission

We remain mindful of the factors that allowed our firm to grow over the years: personal service, timely response, quality candidates and a unique understanding of our clients’ needs. This translates into several continuing commitments.

• We stay focused on what we know and do best–shaping exceptional nursing teams.
• We have a strong professional network.
• We have first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by healthcare organizations and nursing executives.
• Our diverse team is committed to creating a culturally complimentary workforce.
• Our ultimate goal is to help organizations deliver high quality, cost-effective patient care.