Last_First_Name: Brady, Karen Bryant
License_degrees: RN, EMT/Paramedic Instructor, Rescue Specialist, Certified Firefighter/Fire Instructor
E-mail: KBBinc@aol.com
City: Campbellsville, KY 42718
Nursing specialty: Intensive Care Nursing/ Emergency Department and nurse entrepreneur
Marital status: Divorced
Professional organizations: AACN, Founder: Business Minded Nurses Network

Would you recommend the field(please explain)? What would the world be without nurses? Of course I'd have to say yes, or I'd be downing my profession. I would definitely present a few things for consideration though. Nursing isn't easy, or always fun, and I think potential nursing students need a little taste of what's it really like before they even start nursing school. A bit of experience as a nursing assistant teaches about the environment before you commit.
Career changes? Three.
Reason for the change? Twice for advancement, and once for a more flexible schedule (so I could concentrate on the businesses I own)!
How easily do you feel you find new employment? This is one I don't worry much about. I feel safe in saying I could easily support myself with the businesses I own (and operate). If not, I'd just start another!

Years to retire? Retire? Is that anything like a vacation? I think I'll always want to work, so I may never officially retire. I am working hard now, to grow my businesses, so that I will always be able to "call the shots" regarding my work. Being a self-employed nurse has it's advantages.
Retirement fund? Yes
Would this travel? Yep. Another advantage of being a self-employed nurse.
School: University of Kentucky
Where do you work? I am primarily self-employed (one medically related business, one non, and working on number three). I also work pool in ICU/ER in a small, rural hospital.
Do you carry a personal malpractice insurance policy, why or why not? Not currently, but have in the past. My current employer provides very nice coverage.

Your most pressing concerns with the profession and healthcare: I could speak to this issue all day. To summarize my concerns, I'd say, "Nurses and patients would be much happier and healthier if we could just take care of our patients". We spend so much time doing everything else that our patients are not our primary concern anymore. Insurance companies dictate the care out patients receive, for-profits worry about their pocketbook, downsizing and computerization has left us shorthanded/understaffed.
I work in a 7 bed ICU that has the best equipment possible. We have a beautiful, modern facility that anyone would be proud of. We have good physicians and support staff, and we all get along great. So what's missing you say? Nurses! Just a few nights ago, I worked the ICU, no empty beds, all critical patients, 2 nurses total. Yes, 2. This is often the norm, and all in the name of profit.

Personal Information, please share a bit about yourself:
What attracted you to the field of Nursing? I truly love helping people, in any way, at any time, anyone.
Favorite TV show and musical artists: Dave Mathews Band
Favorite food: Fettucine Alfredo
Personal or favorite Quote: "Pressure Makes Diamonds"
Qualities you admire in your friends/loved ones: Honesty, dependability, loyalty....
Major turn-offs: Lazy people, rude people, people who don't smile !
Hobbies and activities you enjoy outside of work: Flying my plane, spending time with my daughter Samantha.
Pets, favorite vacation spots: Looking for the perfect puppy right now! I'll vacation anywhere with sun, sand, and beautiful sunsets.
Other areas of interest and expertise: Nurse entrepreneur, Founder: Business Minded Nurses Network, EMT/Paramedic instructor, certified firefighter, fire/rescue instructor, EMS consultant, travel agent....

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