Nancy Karpen
Chicago,IL
Summary
Results-oriented nursing leader with 30 years of experience delivering exceptional patient care. My strong leadership skills, combined with a deep understanding of acute, chronic, and research settings, position me to drive positive change in veteran health care. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
45
45
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
RN, Neurology Nurse Case Manager
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
01.2021 - Current
- Educated patients and caregivers on healthcare protocols and processes.
- Served as a liaison between patients and various support services such as financial assistance programs, community resources, and mental health counseling to ensure holistic care was provided.
- Increased referral rates by providing excellent service and building meaningful relationships with patients and caregivers.
- Collaborated with healthcare leaders and physicians to support and offer resources in performance of duties to maintain high-quality and efficient patient care.
- Used evidence-based practice to evaluate proposed processes, saving time for both staff and patients while maintaining patient safety and department standards of care.
- VN 610 3, 10
RN, Clinical Trial Unit (CTU) Study Nurse (SN)
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
01.2009 - 01.2024
- Lead recruitment, data collection and management; review design and made recommendations that effected in-ex criteria; collaboration, monitoring, and AE/SAE reporting
- Performed accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes in compliance with regulatory standards.
- Administered intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- Promoted a safe and comfortable healing environment by addressing patient concerns promptly and professionally.
- VN 610, 3, 10
RN, Outpatient Specialty Clinic
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
01.2009 - 12.2021
- Provided nursing care, education, and interventions for many specialty populations including geriatric; endocrinology patients with diabetes, T1 and T2 DM, and obesity; cardiology, pulmonary, to name a few
- Education and training as an NP in addition to experience working with patients in the Specialty Clinics helps to understand the diversity, care coordination, and chronic conditions effecting the veteran population
- Administered medications accurately and safely, reducing medication errors and adverse reactions.
- Enhanced patient satisfaction through effective communication, empathy, and timely response to their needs.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in better health outcomes.
- Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
- VN 610, 2, 7, to VN 610, 2, 12; service progression from 2009 to 2021
Family Nurse Practitioner BC
St Xavier University
09.2015 - 05.2017
- Handled complex cases involving multiple comorbidities effectively by employing critical thinking skills and seeking expert consultations when necessary.
- Performed comprehensive physical assessments, accurately diagnosing conditions, and determining appropriate interventions.
- Ordered and interpreted diagnostic tests to develop and implement treatment plans.
- Performed patient physicals and compared and contrasted results with established medical records to provide proper diagnosis and facilitate appropriate treatment.
- Managed a diverse patient population, including geriatrics, pediatrics, and adults.
- Utilized evidence-based and holistic approaches to care in family practice settings.
- Educated patients on treatment options, medical needs, and non-medical options for treatments and therapy.
RN, Emergency Department
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Level one trauma hospital; POD hospital for City of Chicago
- Trauma, medical, surgical, and psychiatric emergency services
- Monthly review and evaluation of cardiac STEMIs
- Demonstrated proficiency in performing emergency procedures such as wound care, IV insertion, ECG interpretation, and life-saving interventions following ACLS guidelines.
- Consistently exceeded performance metrics related to quality of care delivery, time management, and customer service within the emergency department.
- Evaluated patient histories, complaints, and current symptoms.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
RN, Cardiac Critical Care & Medical Critical Care
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
01.2004 - 10.2004
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Provided support for patients'' families during difficult medical decisions or end-of-life care, serving as a liaison between the healthcare team and loved ones.
- Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
RN, Emergency Department
Mt. Sinai Hospital
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Level one trauma center; adult and pediatric services
- Trauma, medical, surgical, and psychiatric emergency services
- Demonstrated proficiency in performing emergency procedures such as wound care, IV insertion, ECG interpretation, and life-saving interventions following ACLS guidelines.
- Managed multiple priorities simultaneously while delivering exceptional nursing care in a busy 24/7 Emergency Department setting.
- Performed triage on incoming patients and determined severity of injuries and illnesses.
RN, Open-heart Recovery & Telemetry Units
Mercy Hospital
07.1999 - 06.2000
- Demonstrated expertise in various cardiac procedures such as EKG interpretation, defibrillation, cardioversion, and administration of emergency medications.
- Improved patient comfort and safety by maintaining clean and organized work environment, adhering to infection control standards.
- Improved patient health outcomes by providing accurate cardiac telemetry monitoring and timely reporting of arrhythmias to healthcare team.
- Managed patients recovering from medical or surgical procedures.
RN, Orthopedic and General Medicine Units
St. Anthony Central Hospital
08.1998 - 06.1999
- Level one trauma center, pediatric and adult
- Orthopedic and med/surg unit
- Recorded details regarding therapies to keep patient charts updated.
- Used first-hand knowledge and clinical expertise to advocate for patients under care and enacted prescribed treatment strategies.
- Demonstrated expertise in wound management techniques resulting in accelerated healing times for patients with complex wounds or pressure injuries.
RN, Step-down Trauma, Orthopedic, Neuro, & Burn
Parkland Hospital
07.1995 - 08.1998
- Utilized critical thinking skills to prioritize nursing interventions based on patients'' acuity levels and individual needs.
- Assisted in the training and mentorship of new nursing staff members, contributing to a positive work environment and high-quality patient care.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in nursing care and emerging trends in healthcare delivery.
- Facilitated patient transitions between different levels of care, ensuring continuity of services and minimizing disruptions in treatment plans.
Sales manager
Data Storage Marketing (DSM)
01.1987 - 01.1992
- Managed and hired 20-person sales department
- Managed 10-person marketing support and administrative staff
- Increased sales in Dallas to 10 million dollars during the first year of operation in 1989
- DSM was sold to General Electronic (GE) for its strategic distribution operation
Archival Data Specialist & Museum Assistant
State Historical Society of Wisconsin
01.1980 - 01.1983
- Archival data entry for historical sites throughout Wisconsin that were made available to the public
- Data entry accurately and efficiently.
- Followed procedures to enter data for historical archival accuracy.
- Organized input data against source documents.
- Assisted museum staff with artifact acquisition.
- Archaeological site survey for the State of Wisconsin, Department of Transportation .
- Began as a volunteer and advanced to a paid staff employee at the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.
Education
Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner
St Xavier University
Chicago, ILMaster of Science - Clinical Nurse Leader
St Xavier University
Chicago, ILBachelor of Science - Nursing
Lewis University
Romeoville, ILAssociate degree - Nursing
Brookhaven College
Dallas, TXNo Degree - Biomedical Health Information Systems
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, ILNo Degree - Chemistry, Math, Physiology
Wright College, City Colleges of Chicago
Chicago, ILNo Degree - Nursing
University of Phoenix
Denver, CONo Degree - Nursing
University of Texas At Arlington
Arlington, TXNo Degree - General Undergraduate Studies
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
Whitewater, WINo Degree - American Sign Language (ASL)
Gateway Technical College
Racine, WIBachelor of Arts - Anthropology, Major; English, Minor
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WI12.1982
Skills
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Chronic disease management
- Quality Improvement
- Business management
- Weingarten representation
- Fact-finding meeting representation
- Administrative board investigations
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- Merit System Protection Board (MSPB)
- Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Certification
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Illinois, Wisconsin
- Registered Nurse, Illinois, Wisconsin
Recognition & Awards
- Co-author, BMJOpen, manuscript ID bmjopen-2024-088291; Study protocol for a one-year, randomized, single-blind, clinic trial of stand-alone indoor air filtration in the homes of U.S. military Veterans with moderate to severe COPD in metropolitan Chicago, 2024
- Presenter, America’s Heroes podcast, hosted by Cliff Kelly on October 21, 2023
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Federal District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. 7/2023
- Merit System Protection Board (MSPB) Settlement, Whistle Blower Protection Act (WPA), global settlement 5/2024
- NNEI Scholarship, Veterans Affairs, 08/01/11, 12/31/13
- National Nurses United (NNU) representative, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 01/01/11, Present
- Jesse Brown VA Research Committee member, Evidence-based practice Poster Presentation accepted, Coralville, IA, 2017, 2018
- Facility Leadership Development Program (FLDP), Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 2016
- Volunteer, Hinsdale Humane Society, R.E.A.D. (Reading Education Assistance Dogs), 01/01/14, 12/31/18
- 1st Lt, USAR, 801st Combat Support Hospital (CSH), Fort Sheridan, IL, 01/01/08, 12/31/11
- Daisy Award, Patient care excellence, award recommendation by patient, 2007
Recommendations
Dr. Carolyn Bevan, Neurologist; Director, JBVAMC Multiple Sclerosis Regional Specialty Program; Site Director, Northwestern University Neurology Resident VA Affiliation Program; 820 S Damen Ave, 9th Floor Damen Building, Chicago, IL 60612 323-804-3811 cell
Jenett Atanga, NP Home-based Primary Care, JBVAMC, 820 S Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60612 312-569-7592 office
Additional references available upon request
Timeline
RN, Neurology Nurse Case Manager
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
01.2021 - Current
Family Nurse Practitioner BC
St Xavier University
09.2015 - 05.2017
RN, Clinical Trial Unit (CTU) Study Nurse (SN)
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
01.2009 - 01.2024
RN, Outpatient Specialty Clinic
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
01.2009 - 12.2021
RN, Cardiac Critical Care & Medical Critical Care
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
01.2004 - 10.2004
RN, Emergency Department
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
01.2004 - 01.2009
RN, Open-heart Recovery & Telemetry Units
Mercy Hospital
07.1999 - 06.2000
RN, Emergency Department
Mt. Sinai Hospital
01.1999 - 01.2004
RN, Orthopedic and General Medicine Units
St. Anthony Central Hospital
08.1998 - 06.1999
RN, Step-down Trauma, Orthopedic, Neuro, & Burn
Parkland Hospital
07.1995 - 08.1998
Sales manager
Data Storage Marketing (DSM)
01.1987 - 01.1992
Archival Data Specialist & Museum Assistant
State Historical Society of Wisconsin
01.1980 - 01.1983
Master of Science - Clinical Nurse Leader
St Xavier University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Lewis University
Associate degree - Nursing
Brookhaven College
- Family Nurse Practitioner, Illinois, Wisconsin
- Registered Nurse, Illinois, Wisconsin
Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner
St Xavier University
No Degree - Biomedical Health Information Systems
University of Illinois At Chicago
No Degree - Chemistry, Math, Physiology
Wright College, City Colleges of Chicago
No Degree - Nursing
University of Phoenix
No Degree - Nursing
University of Texas At Arlington
No Degree - General Undergraduate Studies
University of Wisconsin, Whitewater
No Degree - American Sign Language (ASL)
Gateway Technical College
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology, Major; English, Minor
University of Wisconsin, Madison
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