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Karen Harris, The Lucky One

By Ruth Augustin '15

Published Tuesday, April 26, 2016

 Karen Harris '05 was a working mother when she decided to enter the Health Care Administration program at Lynn University. “It was run extremely well. It incorporated our work life into what we were learning. As a working mom I really didn’t have the time, but my professors were always available for extra consults when needed,” said Karen. Lynn offered Karen the flexibility that she needed to balance working at an internship, being a student but most importantly, a mother.

 After graduation Karen immediately took her exams and before she knew it, she had her license in hand. Prior to working for Edward J. Healey she worked for HCR Manorcare for 16 years both as an Administrator and a Regional Director of Operations.  “Working at the Healey Center has been amazing. It allows you to have the work life balance that so many people seek, while impacting lives every day. As the administrator you are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility. The facility has 120 beds and is owned and operated by the Healthcare District of Palm Beach County. We work towards the districts vision which is to be the safety net for the residents of Palm Beach County,” Karen commented. Karen also sits on the Executive Team for The Healthcare District as the Vice President/Administrator. The Healthcare District owns and operates not only The Healey Center but C.L. Brumback Clinics and Pharmacies across the County for adults and children, Lakeside Medical Center, the County’s only public hospital, School Health, which have a registered nurse in every public school in the County and Trauma Hawk that operates the County’s Trauma System.

Her job requires knowledge and understanding beyond health care. “When situations occur, I assess as an administrator to determine the best course of action.” For Karen, organization, the ability to bring a team together, work under pressure, and a caring heart, are the most important qualities of an administrator. While working in this particular field, every two years Karen is required to have 40 continued education classes to renew her administrator license.

Karen is one of the lucky ones. “I love what I do. I absolutely love coming to work in the morning. No two days are alike. Outside of work, I love going to the movies, and I love to read. My daughter, who is almost 16 is my greatest joy. When asked if this was what she intend to do, Karen said, “I fell into healthcare by accident; it was not planned. But seeing how what I did could impact someone’s life, is very rewarding.”

 

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