Title: Associate Director of Patient Care Services and Nurse Executive
Company: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Location: Fort Meade, South Dakota, United States
Karen Simms, DNP, MSN, NE-BC, associate director of patient care services and nurse executive at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Nurses for dedication, achievements, and leadership in health care.
With nearly a decade and a half of experience, Dr. Simms has established a successful career in health care and nursing. Since 2022, she has excelled as the associate director of patient care services and nurse executive at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, where she oversees and leads a team dedicated to providing top-notch care for veterans. Her prior experience includes serving as deputy nurse executive at the El Paso VA Medical Center from 2020 to 2022, associate chief of nursing services at the Lebanon VA Medical Center from 2019 to 2020, and patient safety manager at the Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center from 2015 to 2019. She is also an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, and Sigma Theta Tau. Additionally, she serves as chairperson for the VA Black Hills Health Care System.
Laying a solid educational foundation, Dr. Simms earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Misericordia University, a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Leadership and Healthcare Systems Management from Loyola University New Orleans, and a Doctor of Nurse Practitioner in Executive Leadership, also from Loyola University New Orleans. She is Nurse Executive Board Certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, holds certifications in Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association, and is a registered nurse in the state of Pennsylvania. Reflecting on her path, she was inspired to pursue nursing due to her family’s personal experiences with health care, particularly the need for compassionate care. Her father, who had stage IV cancer and was in hospice care, received exceptional treatment at the Department of Veterans Affairs and was cared for at home, further motivating her to dedicate her career to the profession.
Dr. Simms attributes her success to her unwavering passion for nursing and her relentless dedication to providing exceptional care. In the coming years, she aspires to become a chief nursing officer, overseeing operations across multiple health care facilities. She is committed to guiding the Department of Veterans Affairs toward excellence and ultimately achieving Magnet status for the hospital. When advising aspiring health care professionals, she emphasizes the importance of volunteering at a nursing home or long-term care facility before making a career decision. She believes this experience allows individuals to gauge their emotional connection with patients, and if they feel a strong desire to help and improve the lives of others, they are likely on the right path and should consider pursuing nursing.
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