'They want a regional medical center. They don't want to go to Nashville for something that they feel is an expectation of a medical center for a community of this size.'

The population of male nurses at Vanderbilt Health continues to grow every year, now representing 13% of the overall nursing workforce and approximately 18% of advanced practice providers.

As director, Jarman will define and guide the vision and future growth paths for the nursing workforce and will identify data-driven solutions to expand advancement opportunities for employees.

Nearly 700 advanced practice providers, including advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants, have clinical privileges in the Department of Medicine, a number that has quadrupled in the past 15 years.

The program is designed to remove common barriers for medical assistants who want to advance into nursing but may not be able to step away from full-time employment to attend school.

Her husband jokes that she has delivered half of Tullahoma. Sometimes when she's walking around town, it can seem like it.

Holly Bobo, RN, works in the Intensive Care Unit at Vanderbilt Bedford County Hospital. She is one of the latest Vanderbilt Health DAISY Award winners.