Kari Lucero
Kansas City,MO
Summary
A results‑driven nurse practitioner committed to advancing pediatric care through evidence‑based practice and strong clinical leadership. Experienced in guiding families through complex care, leading initiatives that improve patient outcomes, and strengthening team performance through collaboration, mentorship, and high standards of practice.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
APRN II, Pediatric Epilepsy
Children's Mercy Hospital
07.2022 - Current
- Independently manage patient care, including pharmacologic therapy, ketogenic diet management, and VNS therapy
- Perform comprehensive assessments, order and interpret diagnostic studies, and collaborate with the epileptologist to develop individualized care plans within the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
- APP Novice of the Year Award, 2023
- Member, Advanced Practice Collaborating Council, 2023–present
- Member, APP Transition to Practice Committee, 2025–present
- Member, APP Practice and Quality Subcommittee, 2024–present
Staff RN, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Rush University Medical Center, RUMC
11.2013 - 06.2022
- Led a PIV extravasation prevention initiative, achieving a 56% reduction in grade 2 extravasations following implementation.
- Represented the department on a hospital‑wide committee responsible for recommending clinical advancement for nurses demonstrating exemplary leadership.
- Oversaw scheduling operations for more than 40 RNs, developing tracking systems and standardized guidelines that remain in use.
Upper Division Spanish Instructor
Casady School
08.2007 - 05.2010
- Geneva Hood Award - awarded by fellow colleagues for creativity, integrity, and dedication - 2010
Education
Doctorate of Nursing Practice - Acute Care Pediatrics - GPA: 4.0
Rush University College of Nursing
Chicago, IL04.2022
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, OK2013
Bachelor of Science - Spanish, International Studies
University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO2005
Skills
- VNS interrogation and manipulation
- Systematic management of complex pediatric patients
- Quality improvement initiatives
- High acuity modalities such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT)
Certification
- Certified Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner - Licensed in KS and MO
- Pediatric CCRN
- Qualified Bilingual Staff
- Missouri R.N. License: 2022013201
Professional Organizations
- American Epilepsy Society
- American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Timeline
APRN II, Pediatric Epilepsy
Children's Mercy Hospital
07.2022 - Current
Staff RN, Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Rush University Medical Center, RUMC
11.2013 - 06.2022
Upper Division Spanish Instructor
Casady School
08.2007 - 05.2010
Bachelor of Science - Spanish, International Studies
University of Central Missouri
Doctorate of Nursing Practice - Acute Care Pediatrics - GPA: 4.0
Rush University College of Nursing
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center