Karen B. Shipman RN, CEN, TCRN

Karen B. Shipman, RN, CEN, TCRN, is a dedicated nursing professional and the Trauma Outreach RN at VCU Health System, part of the Level I Trauma Center at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia. In this role, she plays a crucial part in advancing trauma care and education across the region by building strong partnerships with emergency medical services, regional hospitals, and community organizations to support trauma system development, performance improvement, and injury prevention initiatives.

With a clinical background grounded in emergency and trauma nursing, Karen bridges frontline care with broader outreach and educational efforts. She works collaboratively with EMS, hospital staff, and public health partners to promote best practices in trauma care and to ensure high-quality, coordinated responses to serious injury. Karen also represents VCU Health on committees such as the Virginia Injury Prevention Committee, contributing her expertise to statewide efforts aimed at reducing injury and improving outcomes for trauma patients.

In addition to her coordination duties, Karen is actively involved in continuing education programs — including those offered through the Center for Trauma & Critical Care Education — where she shares her insights on topics like trauma response and prevention with healthcare professionals and prehospital providers throughout Virginia.