Karen Murray
Leawood
Summary
Skilled Apheresis Nurse with a robust background at Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, adept in medication and IV administration and providing exceptional patient management. Demonstrated leadership in nursing staff development and a proven track record in improving care plan implementation. Excelled in delivering direct nursing care and mentoring new staff, showcasing strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Apheresis Nurse
Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
Kansas City
06.2023 - Current
- Prepared and maintained apheresis equipment according to established protocols.
- Adhered strictly to safety policies and procedures when handling biohazardous materials or operating apheresis equipment.
- Provided instruction on proper use of Apheresis Equipment to new staff members.
- Participated in continuing education programs related to Apheresis Technician duties.
- Assisted in the collection of platelets, red cells, and plasma using automated apheresis equipment.
- Managed inventory levels of supplies related to apheresis operations.
- Conducted quality control tests on apheresis machines regularly, troubleshooting any problems detected immediately.
- Assisted physicians with specialized treatments related to renal replacement and apheresis therapy.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Ambulatory Core Charge Nurse for Covid Vaccine and
Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
Kansas City
05.2021 - 05.2023
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients.
- Managed inventory of medical supplies and equipment.
- Developed and implemented nursing care plans for individual patients based on their needs.
- Performed health education activities with patients to promote understanding of medical condition and self-care skills.
- Served as a preceptor for new nurses by providing orientation to unit policies and procedures, coaching on clinical skills, and mentoring on professional development issues.
- Ensured compliance with infection control protocols throughout the facility.
- Coordinated communication between physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient care.
- Provided direct patient care, including assessments and treatments, to a variety of patients.
- Monitored vital signs, medication administration, and fluid balance for assigned patients.
- Maintained accurate records of all treatment interventions provided to each patient.
- Monitored patient progress and adjusted care plans accordingly.
Pediatric Critical Care Charge Nurse I
Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
Kansas City
09.1993 - 12.2011
- Managed staffing levels within the unit while ensuring optimal levels of patient care.
- Coordinated communication between physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient care.
- Collaborated with other departments such as pharmacy, laboratory services, physical therapy, to ensure proper delivery of services.
- Provided direct patient care, including assessments and treatments, to a variety of patients.
- Responded quickly to emergent situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory distress.
- Maintained accurate records of all treatment interventions provided to each patient.
- Ensured that all documentation was completed accurately according to established policies and procedures.
- Provided emotional support for families facing difficult decisions regarding end-of-life care.
- Actively participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress toward desired outcomes.
- Assisted with admission and discharge planning for assigned patients.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Mar
Bismarck, ND05-2021
Associate of Science - Nursing
Penn Valley Community College
Kansas City, MO12-1988
Licensed Practical Nurse - Nursing
Kansas City Vocational School
Kansas City, MO12-1984
Skills
- Medication and IV administration
- Discharge coordination
- Nursing staff development
- Care plan implementation
- Ventilator care
- Infection control
- Phlebotomy techniques
- Direct nursing care
- Patient management
- Workflow and patient management
Affiliations
- Missouri Nurses Association (MONA) Board Leadership Fellow - 2025 to present
- Missouri Nurses Association (MONA) Practice Council -May 2019 to present
- Nursing Practice Engagement Committee (NPEC) Co-Chair - Jan 2019- Jan 2022
- Nursing Practice Engagement Committee (NPEC) - March 2016- Present
- Shared Governance Sub Committee - March 2016- 2023
Certification
- Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) - Jan 1993-Present
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) - Jan 1987-Present
- Basic Life Support (BLS)- Dec 1984- present
- Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum (TNCC) - May 1999-2022
Accomplishments
- Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award
- Nursing Practice Engagement Committee (NPEC) Scholarship
Publications
- Murray, K., Schmidt, K., & Goodyear, C. (2018). Navigating night-shift nuances. Nursing Management, 49(10), 44-48.
- Murray, K., et al, (2016). Journey of Excellence: Implementing a Shared Decision Making Model. American Journal of Nursing, 116 (4), 50-56.
Timeline
Apheresis Nurse
Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
06.2023 - Current
Ambulatory Core Charge Nurse for Covid Vaccine and
Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
05.2021 - 05.2023
Pediatric Critical Care Charge Nurse I
Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
09.1993 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Mar
Associate of Science - Nursing
Penn Valley Community College
Licensed Practical Nurse - Nursing
Kansas City Vocational School
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