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      • Alondra Lara-Zavala
      • Amanda Saitis
      • Amporn Vasquez
      • Amy Comperatore
      • Ann Camper
      • Ashley Kapes
      • BJ Vanover
      • Begoña Blasco
      • Ben Jones and Jenn Rowan
      • Bernice Edwards
      • Bijou Cox
      • Bill Hayes
      • Brandon Gibbs
      • Brittany Rodriguez
      • Bryan Markiewicz
      • Carmelle Jean-Francois
      • Cassidy Booms
      • Christina Edwards
      • Christopher Otto
      • Cory Atkins
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      • Margarita Krasteva
      • Mariellen Taraboletti
      • Mary Chen
      • Matt Wilson
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      • Michael Henry
      • Morgan Russum
      • Natalie Herring
      • Nate Johnson
      • Nathan Bradford
      • Nicole Toohey
      • Omonsanya “OJ” Cole
      • Patrice Banks
      • Patricia Cooper
      • Paul Egnor
      • Purusha Rivera
      • Randy Miller
      • Rebecca Batson
      • Samantha Hurst
      • Shanon Hope Vella
      • Sharon Mossman
      • Sophia Marx
      • Stacy Mitchell
      • Stephanie Huerta
      • Stephanie Saroukos
      • Stuart Meeks
      • Terry Pepper
      • Tiffany and John Deering
      • Tom Bille
      • Valerie Bradshaw
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      • Veronica McKain
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Home » Alumni » Success Stories
Christiana Care Health System

A Lifelong Dream Fulfilled

Karen Karchner knew she wanted to be a nurse from the time she was four years old. In grade school, she would visit the nurse at school just to watch her work. So when it came time to complete her education, the nursing program at Delaware Tech was an easy choice.

She began working at Christiana Care Health Center in 1986 and began her nursing studies with a promise of a medical-surgical internship upon completion. After this internship, she moved to the oncology floor at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute and fell in love with the field. She has been working in oncology ever since, in various capacities.

Presently, Karchner is a clinical nurse for one of the cancer doctors, as well as the cyber knife coordinator. Karchner says she gets inspiration from her patients and helping them navigate their cancer journey. She keeps a “glass half full” attitude. “You have to allow yourself to feel the feelings and keep your empathy,” she says. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Karchner also has the opportunity to interact with Delaware Tech students who are completing clinical rotations and enjoys mentoring and connecting with these students who are following in her footsteps. Reflecting on her 30-year career, she says that she has made the most of her Delaware Tech education and credits it for helping her realize her dream. “Nursing is not something you do for the money,” she says. “It’s something that you feel in your heart.”

Photo credit: Christiana Care Health System

Karen Karchner
Karen Karchner

Program of Study
Nursing

Graduation Year
1989

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      • Larry Tinnin
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      • Loretta Kilby
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      • Matt Wilson
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      • Purusha Rivera
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      • Shanon Hope Vella
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