Karen Humphrey

As a wound care nurse at the wound care clinic I assess, treat and educate patients on their complex & simple wounds. Chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, and arterial ulcers. Non healing wounds and surgical wounds different to heal. I implement infection control protocols to prevent wound infections. I collaborate with the physicians to provide care per orders while following CMS guidelines.

As infection Control Nurse, I am responsible for preventing and managing healthcare-associated infection within our CAH. I develop and implement infection control protocols and monitor compliance with hygiene practices, instruct/monitor on cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, and vaccinating. In this role I also monitor and manage outbreaks of infection and investigate their causes. I educate healthcare staff and patients/families on infection prevention measures based on CMS guidelines.

As charge nurse in the wound care department in a CAH I was responsible for overseeing daily operations in the department, ensure staff follow proper protocols for wound assessment, treatment, documentation, coordination of patient care with other healthcare providers. Act as a resource for staff nurses regarding complex wound management while providing direct patient care when needed. Ensure the team delivered safe and effective wound care to patients.

I started off working in a clerical role while in nursing school. Once I graduated in December 2005 I began my nursing career as home health nurse. As home health nurse I worked with multidisciplinary teams to carry out successful treatment plans for diverse and acute and chronic conditions. Determined and addressed individual home care needs by completing detailed assessments and reviewing documentation. Provided assessments, medication and chronic disease management to patients in a home care setting. Provided different therapies such as wound care and medications (IV infusion) in line with physician orders and treatment plan. Identified early warning signs of patient deterioration or complications, promptly notifying physicians to adjust treatment plans accordingly. Educated patient and caregivers on disease processes, medications and treatments. Followed care plans and documented patients' progress in patient medical records.