Karen Purnell

Board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner providing geriatric psychiatric and mental-health care at Magnolia Creek Rehabilitation. Brings over 14 years of RN experience in pediatric oncology, vascular access, and acute care, plus 562 supervised clinical hours in outpatient and inpatient psychiatry. Committed to compassionate, evidence-based mental-health care, with a nursing foundation in therapeutic communication, patient and family advocacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner - Magnolia Creek Rehabilitation

(2026-08)

• Provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing medication management for geriatric residents in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation setting.
• Assess and manage depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, insomnia, behavioral disturbances, and neurocognitive disorders including dementia.
• Conduct initial and follow-up psychiatric assessments evaluating mood, cognition, thought process, thought content, sleep, appetite, behavior, safety, and overall psychiatric functioning.
• Initiate, adjust, continue, and discontinue psychotropic medications as clinically indicated while monitoring treatment response, tolerability, and adverse effects.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings with nursing, social services, therapy, medical providers, administration, and other members of the care team to address psychiatric, behavioral, and psychosocial needs.
• Obtain and incorporate collateral information from nursing staff, family members, caregivers, medical records, and other members of the treatment team when residents are limited historians.
• Review psychotropic medication regimens for continued clinical necessity, monitor for adverse effects and drug interactions, and participate in gradual dose reduction evaluations when appropriate.
• Evaluate residents for suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, psychosis, agitation, behavioral changes, and other acute psychiatric concerns, while coordinating care and escalating treatment when clinically indicated.

PICC / Vascular Access RN - Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital

(2019)

• Serve as a core member of the Vascular Access Team providing PICC line placement and central line management for pediatric patients
• Apply advanced IV therapy skills and critical clinical judgment to ensure safe vascular access procedures
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and execute individualized patient care plans
• Maintain high standards of quality patient care in a fast-paced children’s hospital environment

Registered Nurse - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

(2013 - 2019)

• Administered chemotherapy and oncology treatments in alignment with evidence-based protocols
• Provided comprehensive patient/family-focused care including thorough physical assessment and nursing intervention
• Demonstrated strong clinical judgment in evaluating and responding to complex patient care needs
• Served as patient and family advocate, ensuring clear communication and culturally competent care
• Delivered palliative care support with professional bedside manner and therapeutic communication

Registered Nurse - Methodist South - Whitehaven

(2013 - 2013)

• Developed and implemented individualized nursing care plans including assessments, evaluations, and nursing diagnoses
• Collected and prepared blood, tissue, and laboratory specimens for testing per facility protocols

Registered Nurse / Charge Nurse - Greenwood Leflore Hospital

(2011 - 2012)

• Served as charge nurse on a med-surg floor, overseeing an average of 28 patients per shift
• Closely monitored acute patient conditions and coordinated timely nursing interventions
• Instructed patients and family members on discharge care and health management strategies
• Provided therapeutic communication for patients and families managing long-term illness

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) - PMHNP Track - Union University (2024-08 - 2025-12)

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN) - Mississippi University for Women

Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) - East Central Community College