Karen Hernes

Biography

Professor Hernes joined the College of Nursing and Health Professions faculty in 2019, and teaches in the undergraduate nursing program.  She earned her BSN from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, and her MSN in Nursing Education from Valparaiso University.  Her clinical nursing experience is mostly in acute care orthopedic and medical/surgical settings, but she also has experience in outpatient and other community health settings.  Professor Hernes currently serves as a faith community nurse at Trinity Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, and is completing work to be a Lutheran Deaconess.

Teaching experience in both ADN and BSN programs includes didactic, lab, simulation and clinical settings.  Professor Hernes holds a Certified Nurse Educator certification from National League for Nursing.

Professor Hernes enjoys focusing on the holistic care that nurses provide, and has also worked specifically in the area of health literacy. She has given podium presentations at the Wisconsin Health Literacy Summit, and the Institute of Healthcare Advancement’s Annual Health Literacy Conference.  Publications include a journal article in Health Literacy Research and Practice, and an online course for Sigma Theta Tau International, both in 2018.

Education

• BA – Huntington University, 1997
• BSN – Johns Hopkins University, 2001
• MSN – Valparaiso University, 2014

Certifications

Certified Nurse Educator by National League for Nursing

Professional Affiliations

• Sigma Theta Tau
• American Nurses Association/Indiana State Nurses Association
• Faith Community Nursing International