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