KAREN SHEPPARD
Nashville,US
Summary
Experienced Registered Nurse specializing in critical care and nursing leadership. Skilled in optimizing ICU operations, enhancing staff development, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Developed impactful onboarding programs and educational resources to improve competency and retention. Committed to mentoring nurses and fostering a culture of evidence-based practice.
Overview
1
1
Certification
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Research Nurse III Clinical Staffing Lead
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, US
07.2023 - Current
- Lead onboarding and orientation of newly hired clinical research nurses and clinical staff.
- Collaborated with nursing leadership to streamline orientation processes, improving overall training effectiveness.
- Developed individualized onboarding plans and weekly educational objectives to facilitate smooth transition into Clinical and Translational Research Center.
- Design and maintain competency checklists, orientation manuals, educational resources, and workflow tools that standardize training across the department.
- Mentor and coach new staff through clinical skill development, research protocol implementation, and daily workflow integration.
- Coordinated ongoing staff education and competency initiatives to enhance professional development and skill retention.
- Develop educational materials and reference guides to improve staff competency and consistency in research procedures.
- Utilize over two decades of nursing experience to support high-quality patient care while ensuring compliance with GCP, FDA, IRB, and institutional standards.
Clinical Research Nurse II
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, US
04.2016 - 07.2023
- This role requires a combination of clinical expertise, project management skills, and a commitment to ethical research practices.
- Conducted detailed assessments of potential participants' eligibility for various studies.
- Provided compassionate care to patients participating in clinical studies while ensuring compliance with safety standards.
- Administered medications to patients and monitored for reactions or side effects.
- Assisted with adverse event reporting and follow up according to protocol.
- Reviewed case report forms prior to submission for accuracy and completeness.
- Ensured all documentation was completed accurately and efficiently according to established protocols.
- Collaborated with physicians to facilitate timely completion of clinical trial activities in alignment with protocol guidelines.
- Developed processes that enhanced efficiency within clinical research unit while ensuring high quality control.
- Created strategies for participant recruitment to increase enrollment in clinical studies.
- Developed strong relationships with patients through compassionate communication techniques.
RN, Critical Care
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, US
07.2012 - 04.2016
- Delivered comprehensive critical care to medically complex ICU patients.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes in high-acuity environments.
- Educated staff on critical care procedures and patient safety initiatives, fostering a culture of evidence-based practice.
- Instructed newly licensed nurses to ensure competency in patient care, contributing to high standards of nursing excellence.
- Mentored newly hired and graduate nurses during orientation to enhance their clinical skills and confidence.
- Assisted with competency validation and bedside education for new employees.
Flight Nurse
Air St Lukes
, US
11.2009 - 07.2012
- Enhanced flight medicine knowledge by attending mandatory meetings, conducting chart and equipment reviews, participating in skills labs and clinical rotations, and engaging in continuing education for critical patient care and transport.
- Performed comprehensive pre-flight assessments prior to takeoff.
- Utilized advanced airway management skills while providing emergency care in the air.
- Mentored junior colleagues on best practices for delivering safe and effective care at altitude.
- Demonstrated expertise in patient assessment, medication administration, treatments, and procedures.
- Facilitated team debriefings after each mission to identify successes and areas for improvement in flight operations.
- Facilitated educational seminars for healthcare professionals interested in pursuing a career as a Flight Nurse.
- Collaborated with Aviation Safety Officers to identify potential risks associated with flying missions.
- Cultivated collaborative relationships with multi-disciplinary healthcare teams to improve patient outcomes during transport.
- Provided high-level medical care to critically ill and injured patients in a variety of settings, including during transport via aircraft.
- Participated in training sessions designed to increase competency levels among Flight Nurses.
- Served as an advocate for patients requiring specialized medical attention during transport by aircraft.
- Assessed patient responses during transport scenarios and adjusted treatment plans accordingly.
- Managed complex medical equipment such as ventilators and infusion pumps during flight operations.
- Administered medications to patients and monitored for reactions or side effects.
- Provided emotional support for families dealing with difficult situations or diagnoses.
Critical Care Registered Nurse
St Lukes Regional Medical Center
, US
06.2007 - 11.2009
- Utilized advanced knowledge of critical care nursing principles and techniques to assess and manage critically ill patients.
- Monitored and reported conditions of intubated and ventilated patients to maintain optimal stats and improve patient outcomes.
- Effectively managed pain medication regimens while monitoring vital signs closely.
- Administered intravenous medications according to hospital policies and procedures.
- Administered blood and blood products, monitoring patients for signs and symptoms related to transfusion reactions.
- Assessed and monitored cardiac rhythms utilizing telemetry equipment.
- Conducted pulmonary assessments to identify abnormal respiratory patterns or breathing sounds that indicate problems.
- Identified potential complications early and implemented appropriate interventions promptly.
- Implemented evidence-based practices to reduce complications associated with acute illness or injury.
- Contributed to performance improvement initiatives in ICU to enhance care delivery and patient safety.
- Ensured compliance with established standards of practice and protocols related to critical care nursing.
- Demonstrated expertise in the assessment, planning and implementation of patient care plans.
- Collaborated with other health care professionals to develop and revise treatment plans based on identified needs and assessment data.
- Provided guidance to junior colleagues on best practices and resource utilization during critical situations to promote effective teamwork.
- Exhibited strong leadership skills to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Assessed family adaptation levels and coping skills to identify intervention requirements.
Home Health and Hospice Registered Nurse
Visions Home Health And Hospice
, US
01.2005 - 06.2007
- Provided complete care to home health patients, including physical assessments, medication and chronic disease management.
- Provided direct patient care, including assessment and evaluation of health status, development of individualized plans of care and implementation of nursing interventions.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess changes in patient conditions, recognize complications and intervene appropriately.
- Balanced multiple responsibilities to deliver timely, high-quality patient care and enhance overall patient experience.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to communicate effectively and support optimal patient outcomes.
- Administered medications and treatments according to physician orders.
- Collaborated with pharmacists to ensure proper medication administration practices were followed.
- Maintained confidentiality in patient matters to comply with HIPAA guidelines and measures.
- Delivered non-judgmental and non-discriminatory care sensitive to patient diversity, preserving dignity and rights.
- Performed therapeutic nursing interventions to promote patient well-being.
- Developed individualized plan of care to perform treatments ordered by physician.
- Taught patients and significant others to manage illness or injury by explaining post-treatment home care needs.
- Developed and implemented teaching plans for patients and families regarding disease prevention, treatment options and management strategies.
- Provided emotional support to families navigating challenging situations, fostering resilience and understanding.
- Educated individuals and families on health education and disease prevention.
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
St Lukes Magic Valley
, US
05.2002 - 01.2005
- Demonstrated strong clinical skills in providing direct patient care, including wound care and medication administration.
- Collaborated with physicians and healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care plans, enhancing patient recovery and satisfaction.
- Communicated effectively with physicians regarding treatment plans for individual patients.
- Performed detailed assessments of patient's health status, including physical exams, lab results, diagnostic tests, vital signs.
- Reviewed post-operative orders, monitored post-operative vitals, set up PCA and fluids, and oriented patients to unit to ensure safe recovery and optimal outcomes.
- Adapted well under pressure during emergency situations while demonstrating sound decision making skills.
- Developed a comprehensive plan of care for patients with complex medical issues.
- Utilized evidence based practice guidelines when formulating nursing interventions for specific conditions or diagnoses.
- Educated individuals and families on health topics and disease prevention strategies, empowering them to make informed healthcare decisions.
Education
Associate of Science - Registered Nursing
College of Southern Idaho
Twin Falls, Idaho05-2002
Master of Science - Nursing Education And Leadership
University of North Alabama
Florence, AL07-2026
Skills
- Clinical Research Nurse
- Research Project Management
- Clinical Operations
- Employee onboarding
- Clinical Mentorship
- Program development
- Resource development
- Operational Efficiency
- Process Improvement
- Team Leadership
- ICU Nurse
- Evidence-Based Practice
Certification
- Tennessee State Nursing License, 08/2002 to present
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support, 2007 to present
- Fundamentals of Critical Care Support, 2014
Publications
- Dexmedetomidine or Propofol for Sedation in Mechanically Ventilated Adults with Sepsis, N Engl J Med, 04/15/21, Collaborator
- Haloperidol and Ziprasidone for Treatment of Delirium in Critical Illness, N Engl J Med, 12/27/18, Collaborator
Personal Information
Title: RNS III
Community Service
Volunteer, Nashville Rescue Mission, Nashville, TN, 01/01/22, Present
Hobbies and Interests
- I love the outdoors and enjoy hiking, camping, and watersports.
- I enjoy traveling with my family abroad, adventuring, and learning.
Timeline
Clinical Research Nurse III Clinical Staffing Lead
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
07.2023 - Current
Clinical Research Nurse II
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
04.2016 - 07.2023
RN, Critical Care
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
07.2012 - 04.2016
Flight Nurse
Air St Lukes
11.2009 - 07.2012
Critical Care Registered Nurse
St Lukes Regional Medical Center
06.2007 - 11.2009
Home Health and Hospice Registered Nurse
Visions Home Health And Hospice
01.2005 - 06.2007
Registered Nurse, Medical-Surgical Unit
St Lukes Magic Valley
05.2002 - 01.2005
Associate of Science - Registered Nursing
College of Southern Idaho
Master of Science - Nursing Education And Leadership
University of North Alabama