Karen Lucas DNP-C, ACNP, CCDS, FHRS
Williamstown
Summary
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) candidate with over 16 years of advanced practice experience in cardiac electrophysiology and a strong foundation in clinical education. Proven leader in expanding APP roles, mentoring new providers, and driving evidence-based care. Former adjunct faculty with a passion for preparing future nurse practitioners through teaching, clinical evaluation, and academic support. Recognized for technical expertise in cardiac device management, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to improving patient care and APP practice. Member of Sigma Theta Tau and anticipated DNP graduation with Summa Cum Laude distinction, July 2025.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Electrophysiology Nurse Practitioner
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
05.2009 - Current
- Independently manage electrophysiology patients across inpatient and outpatient settings, including admissions, discharges, and consults.
- Interrogate and reprogram pacemakers, defibrillators, and biventricular devices (Abbott, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Biotronik).
- Perform cardioversions, tilt table tests, and obtain informed consent for procedures.
- Conduct comprehensive histories and physicals; order and interpret labs, ECGs, and diagnostics; adjust antiarrhythmic therapies.
- Lead MRI-safe device programming and workflow development as part of Penn’s device MRI program.
- Serve on the Arrhythmia Disease Prevention Committee and Device Governance Committee, supporting clinical quality and innovation.
- Actively mentor and precept new APPs, contributing to team development and onboarding.
- Document patient care and collaborate closely with electrophysiologists and multidisciplinary teams using Epic EMR.
Cardiac Device Specialist
Atlantic Medical Imaging - Township of Galloway
08.2022 - Current
- Perform device interrogations and reprogram conditional pacemakers and defibrillators to MRI-safe mode, ensuring device integrity and patient safety throughout the imaging process
- Monitor patients on telemetry throughout imaging procedures to ensure clinical stability and respond to emergent device-related concerns.
- Collaborate with radiology and cardiology teams to maintain safe and efficient workflow for patients with implantable cardiac devices undergoing MRI.
Nurse Practitioner
ConCall Solutions
05.2010 - Current
- Provide weekend coverage across multiple cardiology subspecialties, including electrophysiology, heart failure, vascular medicine, cardiothoracic surgery, and general cardiology.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to manage complex inpatient cardiac cases.
Adjunct Professor
Rutgers University
09.2011 - 11.2017
- Supported student development in clinical settings and professional socialization into the nurse practitioner role.
- Evaluated student performance using a variety of assessment tools across cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains.
- Provided detailed feedback on clinical assignments to enhance learning.
- Conducted on-site midterm and final evaluations of clinical competence.
- Led weekly teleconferences focused on evidence-based clinical decision-making.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
Education
Doctorate of Nursing Practice -
Stockton University
Galloway, NJ07.2025
Master of Science in Nursing - Acute Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Program
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
01.2009
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
Widener University
Chester, PA12.2006
Associate of Science - undefined
Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ01.2003
Diploma in Nursing - undefined
Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing
Camden, NJ12.2002
Skills
- Cardiac device interrogation and programming (Abbott, Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Biotronik)
- MRI-safe device programming for pacemakers and defibrillators (conditional and non-conditional)
- Advanced arrhythmia and electrophysiology management
- Clinical decision-making using evidence-based guidelines
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation and antiarrhythmic management
- Graduate-level clinical teaching and student mentorship
- Curriculum development and clinical evaluation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and patient education
- Precepting and onboarding advanced practice providers (APPs)
- Committee involvement: Arrhythmia Disease Prevention & Device Governance
- Leadership in APP practice expansion and workflow optimization
- Epic electronic medical record (EMR) proficiency
Certification
- Registered Nurse State of New Jersey
- Advance Practice Nurse State of New Jersey
- Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Advance Practice Nurse State of New Jersey
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) State of New Jersey
- Registered Nurse State of Pennsylvania
- Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP) State of Pennsylvania
- CRNP Prescriptive Authority State of Pennsylvania
- Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) State of Pennsylvania
- Certified Cardiac Device Specialist (CCDS)
- Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (ACNP) American Nurses Credentialing Center
- Advance Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) American Heart Association
- Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider (BLS) American Heart Association
Affiliations
- Hear Rhythm Society
- Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Theta Sigma Chapter
Scholary Presentations
- Same Day Discharge Following Left Atrial Appendage Ligation
Poster Presentation, Sigma Theta Tau – Theta Sigma Chapter Dinner, June 6, 2025 - Same Day Discharge Following Left Atrial Appendage Ligation: Outcomes Following Implementation
Poster Presentation, Graduate Research Symposium, Stockton University, April 2025 - Same Day Discharge Following Left Atrial Appendage Ligation: Project Concept
Poster Presentation, Graduate Research Symposium, Stockton University, April 2024 - MRI’s in Patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices (CIEDs)
Presentation, Advanced Practice Provider Week, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, September 2022
Professional Involvement
- Arrhythmia Disease Prevention Committee, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
Active Member - Device Governance Committee, Penn Medicine
Active Member - Advisory Council Participant, Nursing Programs, Stockton University
May 2024, May 2025
Timeline
Cardiac Device Specialist
Atlantic Medical Imaging - Township of Galloway
08.2022 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Rutgers University
09.2011 - 11.2017
Nurse Practitioner
ConCall Solutions
05.2010 - Current
Electrophysiology Nurse Practitioner
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
05.2009 - Current
Master of Science in Nursing - Acute Critical Care Nurse Practitioner Program
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - undefined
Widener University
Associate of Science - undefined
Camden County College
Diploma in Nursing - undefined
Our Lady of Lourdes School of Nursing
Doctorate of Nursing Practice -
Stockton University
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