Karen Ritchie, RN, Registered Nurse & Diabetic Limb Salvage Nurse Navigator with Norman Regional – Oklahoma Wound Center
Get to know Registered Nurse & Diabetic Limb Salvage Nurse Navigator Karen Ritchie, who serves patients in Norman, Oklahoma.
Karen is a registered nurse and a diabetic limb salvage nurse navigator who is currently serving patients at Norman Regional – Oklahoma Wound Center in Norman, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Wound Center is dedicated to the support and treatment of patients with chronic, non-healing wounds. There, Karen coordinates the treatment plan for patients suffering from a diabetic ulcer, serves as their key contact, and is responsible for monitoring and guiding them through the recovery process. She also provides emotional support and assurance of continuity of care for the patient and their family, educating them on the healing process, ulcer prevention, and healthy living.
Karen began her position at Norman Regional – Oklahoma Wound Center in October of 2013. Since then, she has become an integral member of the Norman Regional’s Diabetic Limb Salvage Program (DLS) – a comprehensive approach to improved healing of diabetic ulcers and decreased amputation rates. The program encompasses inpatient and outpatient services and involves multiple specialists working as a team to address the many needs of the diabetic patient.
Karen began her career at the Oklahoma Wound Center as a wound care technician before becoming a registered nurse. Prior to her current position, she worked as a home health aide for eleven years. In 2012, Karen was awarded the Employee of the Year award from the Oklahoma Wound Center.
In 1993, Karen attended Oklahoma City Community College where she earned her nursing degree. In order to remain up to date in her field, she is a member of the Save a Leg, Save a Life Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, the American Nurses Association, and the Oklahoma Nurses Association.
In addition, Karen is active in outreach programs and health fairs in the community. She attends conferences regarding diabetes healthcare and limb salvaging. She also provides diabetic limb salvage education to Norman Regional Health System nurses and caregivers.
A registered nurse is a nurse who has graduated from a nursing program and met the requirements outlined by a country, state, province or similar licensing body to obtain a nursing license. In addition to the primary role in treating and caring for patients, their responsibilities also include educating patients and the public about a variety of medical conditions, as well as providing emotional support and advice to the families of their patients. Other job functions include performing diagnostic tests and analyzing results, operating medical equipment,
administering medications, recording patients’ symptoms and medical histories, and assisting with patient rehabilitation and follow-up.
Nurse navigators are a team of registered nurses who provide a service for patients who have complex health conditions and require a high degree of comprehensive clinical care. These nurses are highly experienced and have an in-depth understanding of the health system.
Learn More about Karen Ritchie:
Through her online profile, https://todaysnurse.org/network/index.php?do=/4143853/info/ or through Norman Regional – Oklahoma Wound Center, https://www.okwoundcare.com/our_team_detail.html?provider=49
