In her CNO role at Sanford Health Fargo, Ms. Larson is focused on setting the standard for clinical and nursing excellence, impacting more than 3,200 registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Her efforts helped lead Sanford Fargo to its first-ever Magnet designation, a milestone achieved after 20 years working to align with the American Nurses Credentialing Center standards. Under Ms. Larson’s leadership, the organization earned the Vizient “Rising Star Award” in 2023 and a 5-star rating from CMS in 2024. Alongside high-quality care, Ms. Larson is passionate about building a supportive culture that empowers nurses and promotes professional development opportunities. In addition, she has led several innovative initiatives to address workforce challenges, such as the internationally educated nurses program, which welcomed over 280 nurses to Sanford Fargo as of 2024, with plans to hire an additional 100 annually. To further strengthen the nursing workforce, Ms. Larson has established strategic partnerships with colleges and universities, including tuition-support programs tied to work commitments at Sanford Health.
