Karen Bradley, DNP, RN, PNP-BC, Dean and Professor of Nursing, California Baptist University and CANP President

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Karen Bradley is the President of the California Association for Nurse Practitioners (CANP) and Dean of Nursing at California Baptist University in Riverside, Calif., where she has worked since 2013. She has many years of nursing experience in varied roles, including direct clinical practice, advanced practice nursing leadership, and nursing higher education.

Karen Bradley earned her master ’s degree and postmaster’s PNP certification from Loma Linda University Graduate School of Nursing in 2001 and Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree at the University of San Francisco in 2012. She has been active in many professional and volunteer organizations, including CANP, the California Association of Colleges of Nursing, and local community programs focused on outreach.

Connections:
What one thing do members not know about you that you would like to share with them?

Karen Bradley:
This is fun icebreaker question. The members do not know that I have significant equestrian background and that I have won two reserve world championships, specifically in Western Horsemanship and Hunter Hack. The horse was a beautiful chestnut named IM Almost Famous. 

Connections:
When did you first know you wanted to be a nurse practitioner? Who and/or what guided you?

Karen Bradley:
I was working as a pediatric clinical nurse specialist for an acute care system. The role was rewarding, but over time, I felt called to complete a postmaster’s pediatric nurse practitioner program so I could serve as a primary care provider in the community setting.

Connections:
As the Dean of California Baptist University, you were on the frontline of operating a nurse practitioner program during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. What was that like, what key learnings can you share, and what do you see as the impact on education moving forward?

Karen Bradley:
The unfolding situation was surreal during the first several weeks. Truthfully, my operational S.W.O.T plan did not include a pandemic, and now it does! Within my organization, the goal was to finish strong, which required a quick pivot to remote education and clinical practicum coordination. The faculty and students were amazing, working together to finish the semester well. The pandemic is a colossal disruptor and long-term implications to nursing education is unknown. Of course, there are temporary negative outcomes, but overall, I have focused on positive outcomes that include health care delivery innovation via telehealth, increased use of simulation to meet course objectives, and an enhanced focus on population health.

Connections: 
NPs will continue to play a powerful role in health care in the coming years. What are the most important things that members should know to make sure their voices are heard? 

Karen Bradley:
I would encourage members to continue participating in a more active role in advocacy efforts within the workplace, state, or national level. Nurse practitioners are highly educated and natural advocates. Utilizing our knowledge and skills to influence future health care delivery and implication to practice is powerful.

Connections:
As you near the completion of a two-year term as president of the Association, of what accomplishments are you most proud?

Karen Bradley:
CANP is a comprehensive organization created by like-minded members with common professional goals. Leading the Association and serving the members alongside a diverse board of directors and talented chapter leaders makes me proud. Collectively, we are stronger together and can better advance the strategic plan, ultimately enhancing the profession. I am proud of all the accomplishments that CANP has made.

Connections:
What perspectives do you have today that you did not have prior to serving as president?

Karen Bradley:
As president, you become keenly aware of the stewardship responsibilities and have a unique vantage point of organizational leadership. Of course, the role is demanding, but absolutely a rewarding professional experience. I encourage all chapter leaders to consider running for the state board of directors; it is an opportunity you will not regret.

Connections:
Any advice for your successor?

Karen Bradley:
The health care landscape and political NP conversations are changing; it is a very exciting time to assume the presidency. I would encourage President Elect Patti Gurney to know that the time flies, enjoy the role, and trust that she is prepared for a time such as this!