Kara S. Garner, DNP, APRN, PPCNP-BC, RN-BC, has dedicated more than four decades to the nursing field, establishing herself as a leader in pediatrics and organizational leadership. Currently, she serves as the director of nursing services at the Southwest Idaho Treatment Center, where her expertise in pediatrics and leadership continues to make a significant impact. Dr. Garner is also the director of nursing services at Grand Canyon University, a role she has held for several years. Her dual roles underscore her commitment to advancing nursing education and practice while fostering the next generation of health care professionals. Before her current position, Dr. Garner was the hemophilia department director at St. Luke’s Health System. She achieved one of her most notable career milestones during her tenure when the Hemophilia International Federation selected her paper as one of the top five globally. This recognition led to her nomination for tphe prestigious Presidential Award from St. Luke’s, highlighting her contributions to hemophilia care and her dedication to improving patient outcomes in specialized health care fields.
Dr. Garner’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Phoenix, followed by a Master of Science in nursing from California State University, Long Beach. She furthered her education with a Doctor of Nursing Practice in organizational leadership from the University of Utah. These academic achievements have been instrumental in shaping her career, providing a strong foundation for her leadership roles and contributions to nursing education. Her commitment to lifelong learning has allowed her to stay at the forefront of advancements in patient care, education, and health care policy. Her professional credentials include board certification as a hemostasis nurse through ANCC Studio and certifications as a pediatric primary care nurse practitioner from California and Florida State Boards of Nursing. Additionally, she holds a public health nurse certification and is an advanced practice registered nurse. These certifications reflect her dedication to maintaining high patient care and professional development standards, ensuring she remains a trusted authority.
Dr. Garner’s passion for nursing is evident in her professional achievements and her involvement with industry-related organizations such as Phi Delta Gamma, Sigma Theta, and Phi Lambda Theta. Her commitment to excellence has been recognized through awards like the Data Quality Counts Grant from the American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network and scholarship awards from the Orange County School Nurse Organization and the Pediatric Nurse Practice Association Los Angeles Chapter. She continues contributing to the profession through mentorship, research, and active participation in initiatives to improve health care delivery and education.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Garner is a devoted mother to seven daughters and four sons. She enjoys quilting, which provides a creative outlet amidst her busy career. Beyond her hobbies, she remains actively involved in her community, often volunteering her time to public health education and advocacy initiatives. She believes in the power of community-driven health care and works to bridge gaps in access to medical resources for underserved populations.
Dr. Garner hopes to be remembered for her love for people and dedication to helping others improve their health or become better nurses. Looking ahead, she aims to address the current nursing shortage, advocating for policies that support the education and retention of skilled health care professionals. She seeks to inspire future generations of nurses through her continued efforts, ensuring that quality patient care remains a priority in an evolving health care landscape. Her legacy of service and leadership stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to the nursing profession and the well-being of those she serves.