Karen Alford
@karenalford
Licensed Practical Nurse with 20+ years coordinating patient care and leading clinical teams.
What I'm looking for
I’m a compassionate, highly skilled Licensed Practical Nurse with more than 20 years of progressive healthcare experience delivering patient-centered care. I coordinate care across outpatient imaging, emergency medicine, senior living, home health, care management, pediatric neurology, cardiology, primary care, and long-term care settings.
I bring strong clinical judgment and a practical, detail-driven approach—performing patient assessments and triage, initiating and monitoring IV access, administering medications and contrast agents, and maintaining accurate EMR documentation. I’m recognized for educating patients and families clearly, monitoring for adverse reactions, and taking timely interventions to protect outcomes.
Leadership is a core part of my work. As a Wellness Director, I directed daily clinical operations of assisted living and memory care, supervised nursing staff and caregivers, and developed individualized service plans based on resident assessments. I also managed regulatory compliance and led quality improvement initiatives to enhance resident care outcomes.
Across my roles, I’ve coordinated interdisciplinary teams, supported transitions of care, and ensured compliance with FDA/company and state regulations. I’m energized by responsibility, professionalism, and quality—whether I’m supporting emergency care, specialty practices, plasma collections, or complex home health and care management.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Licensed Practical Nurse
UVA Imaging
Dec 2025 - Present (6 months)
Performed patient assessments and pre-procedure screenings for imaging visits. Initiated and monitored IV access, administered ordered medications and contrast agents, and maintained accurate EMR documentation while coordinating with radiology teams.
Wellness Director
Anthology Senior Living
Jan 2023 - Jan 2025 (2 years)
Directed daily clinical operations for assisted living and memory care services. Supervised nursing and caregivers, managed regulatory compliance, coordinated interdisciplinary care, and led quality improvement initiatives.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Octapharma Plasma
Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 (1 year)
Conducted donor health screenings and reviewed medical histories for eligibility. Monitored donors during plasma collection, responded to reactions, provided donor education, and maintained compliance with FDA and company regulations.
Licensed Practical Nurse
University of Virginia Emergency Department
Jan 2021 - Jan 2022 (1 year)
Performed patient intake, assessments, and vital sign monitoring in the emergency department. Assisted with emergency procedures and treatments, collected specimens and performed EKGs, and maintained electronic medical records with discharge education.
Licensed Practical Nurse
UVA Family & Specialty Practice
Jan 2019 - Jan 2022 (3 years)
Provided patient assessments, triage, and clinical documentation in outpatient practice. Administered ordered medications and injections, assisted during examinations, coordinated referrals and follow-up care, and educated patients on treatment plans and chronic disease management.
Home Health Nurse
Encompass Home Health
Jan 2018 - Jan 2019 (1 year)
Delivered skilled nursing care in patients’ homes with a focus on assessment and medication management. Provided wound care and disease-management education, coordinated with physicians and care teams, and documented care plans accurately.
Care Manager
Locus Health
Jan 2016 - Jan 2018 (2 years)
Coordinated care for high-risk patient populations by developing individualized care plans. Facilitated interdisciplinary communication, managed care transitions, supported referrals and community resource use, and monitored outcomes and quality metrics.
Licensed Practical Nurse
UVA Pediatric Neurology
Jan 2013 - Jan 2016 (3 years)
Assisted physicians with charting and documentation in a pediatric neurology setting. Administered medications and injections, drew blood specimens, performed EKGs, and supported pediatric triage and specialty care coordination.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Orange Family Physicians
Jan 2012 - Jan 2013 (1 year)
Assisted with procedures and patient care in an outpatient family practice. Performed X-rays, EKGs, IV insertions, and catheterizations; supported splint application and cast removal; and completed patient triage and clinical documentation.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Cardiovascular Associates of Charlottesville
Jan 2009 - Jan 2012 (3 years)
Supported cardiology patient care by performing EKGs and monitoring vital signs. Managed prescription request documentation and served as an EMR super user and staff trainer.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Autumn Care of Madison
Jan 2009 - Jan 2011 (2 years)
Administered medications and treatments while maintaining patient documentation and care plans. Provided tracheostomy and G-tube care, collected specimens, and monitored patient status.
Licensed Practical Nurse
Orange Family Physicians
Jan 2007 - Jan 2009 (2 years)
Assisted physicians with procedures, imaging, and patient care in an outpatient setting. Performed EKGs, IV insertions, splinting, and cast removal, and handled phone triage with clinical documentation.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Autumn Care of Madison
Jan 2005 - Jan 2006 (1 year)
Provided patient support as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Assisted with basic patient care tasks and supported ongoing resident needs in a long-term care environment.
Home Health Aide
Home Call
Jan 2004 - Jan 2005 (1 year)
Supported home care patients as a Home Health Aide. Assisted with daily living needs and helped maintain a safe, supportive home environment.
Certified Nursing Assistant
North Arundel Hospital
Jan 2002 - Jan 2004 (2 years)
Provided patient support as a Certified Nursing Assistant in a hospital setting. Assisted with routine care tasks and supported clinical staff with patient comfort and safety.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Medical Careers Institute (ECPI College of Technology)
Diploma in Practical Nursing, Practical Nursing
Completed a Diploma in Practical Nursing at Medical Careers Institute/ECPI College of Technology.
Anne Arundel Community College
Attended Anne Arundel Community College.
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Job categories
Skills
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