Karen Simko
Chetek,USA
Summary
Experienced Registered Nurse specializing in adult and pediatric care, recognized for exceptional assessment and planning capabilities. Committed to enhancing patient health through teamwork and clear communication with healthcare professionals.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Registered Nurse
Rice Lake Area Free Clinic
Rice Lake, WI
06.2025 - Current
- Administer patient care, monitored vital signs, and maintained accurate health records.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized care plans for patients.
- Educate patients and families on health management and medication administration.
- Volunteer position
Certified School Nurse
School District45
Villa Park, IL
08.2015 - 05.2025
- Monitored chronic health conditions in students to ensure timely interventions.
- Collaborated with teachers to address student health needs effectively.
- Coordinated development of health plans for students with chronic conditions.
- Created emergency response plans for medical crises within school settings.
- Conducted vision and hearing screenings for all district students, promoting early detection.
- Advocated for student healthcare needs with families and healthcare professionals.
- Participated in IEP meetings to evaluate medical impacts on academic performance.
- Reviewed and updated district policies and procedures regularly.
Registered Nurse
Elmhurst Extended Care Center
Elmhurst, Illinois
03.2020 - 02.2021
- Delivered compassionate care to patients while ensuring safety and comfort.
- Administered medications accurately, adhering to established protocols.
- Maintained thorough documentation to support patient care continuity.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to optimize treatment plans.
- Initiated and managed comprehensive plans of care tailored to patient needs.
- Educated patients and families on treatment options and health management.
Certified School Nurse
Addison School District 4
Addison, IL
08.2009 - 05.2015
- Assisted in managing student health records and documentation according to HIPAA regulations.
- Implemented health education programs for students and staff to promote wellness.
- Collaborated with teachers to address student health needs effectively.
- Monitored chronic health conditions in students through regular assessments.
- Conducted health screenings and evaluations for students.
- Communicated with parents regarding student health concerns and updates.
- Developed individual health plans for students with chronic conditions.
- Provided direct care to ill or injured students, including administering prescribed medications.
Registered Nurse
Addison School District 4
Addison, Illinois
08.2007 - 05.2009
- Administered medications and treatments as per patient care plans.
- Collaborated with healthcare team to ensure comprehensive patient care.
- Assisted in developing individualized care plans for diverse patient needs.
- Maintained accurate and confidential student health records in compliance with HIPAA.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current trends in nursing practices by attending continuing education classes or seminars.
- Conducted health assessments to identify patient needs and concerns.
- Utilized critical thinking skills to assess clinical situations quickly and accurately.
- Conducted Hearing and Vision screenings.
- Administered medications and treatments, monitoring students for reactions and side effects.
Registered Nurse
DuPage Medical Group
Addison, IL
12.2004 - 07.2007
- Documented and maintained records in compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Triage patient calls to determine appropriate care steps.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes.
- Educated patients and families on effective health management strategies.
- Administered immunizations while adhering to established safety protocols.
- Assessed patients and documented findings prior to physician encounters.
Registered Nurse
St. Alexius Medical Center
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
03.1993 - 08.2001
- Maintained thorough documentation to support patient care continuity.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to optimize treatment plans.
- Initiated and managed comprehensive plans of care tailored to patient needs.
- Monitored patient vital signs and reported changes to medical staff.
- Assisted healthcare teams in developing individualized patient care plans.
- Educated patients and families on health management and treatment options.
- Documented patient progress and communicated updates to interdisciplinary teams.
- Administered medications and treatments per physician orders.
- Maintained a safe environment by adhering to established safety protocols.
- Provided compassionate support to patients during emotional and physical challenges.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient care.
Education
Certified School Nurse -
National Louis University
Chicago, IL01.2009
Nursing - undefined
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL12.1992
Skills
- Clinical evaluations
- Crisis management planning
- Health literacy promotion
- Chronic condition management
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Proficient in prioritizing tasks
- Diabetes management
- Analytical problem-solving
- Strategic decision-making
Certification
Current RN Licensure
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
BLS CPR Certification expires 2026-10
Timeline
Registered Nurse
Rice Lake Area Free Clinic
06.2025 - Current
Registered Nurse
Elmhurst Extended Care Center
03.2020 - 02.2021
Certified School Nurse
School District45
08.2015 - 05.2025
Certified School Nurse
Addison School District 4
08.2009 - 05.2015
Registered Nurse
Addison School District 4
08.2007 - 05.2009
Registered Nurse
DuPage Medical Group
12.2004 - 07.2007
Registered Nurse
St. Alexius Medical Center
03.1993 - 08.2001
Nursing - undefined
Northern Illinois University
Certified School Nurse -
National Louis University
References
Deanne Abbott, RN, 630-532-1609
Diana Brown, Director of Student Services at School District 45, 630-842-6006