ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT PAGE 9
Dr . Kara Bragg ' 12 /' 15 , DNP , APRN can ’ t imagine a world where she isn ’ t treating patients in the emergency room and sharing her nursing knowledge with the next generation .
As a nurse practitioner in the Mayo Clinic Jacksonville ER and assistant professor at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science , she gets to do just that , along with leading a team of advanced practice providers in the ER .
“ I love the pace , the adrenaline , and the fact that I am learning every single day on the job ,” Bragg said .
As a dedicated bedside healthcare provider , Bragg has been able to innovate using her experiences with patients each day . A patient who accessed their own IV to administer their own drugs led her to create a device to keep patients from using IV lines .
It ’ s a common issue in hospitals , especially with patients who struggle with drug addiction . The IV Safe Lock allows medical staff to keep patients from using their IVs without having to constantly monitor them .
I cannot emphasize enough how significant the faculty were in helping me , encouraging me and supporting me through my endeavors .
Dr . Kara Bragg ' 12 /' 15
"
She and her partner , Dr . Mike Albus , won the national Mayo Clinic innovation competition with the IV Safe Lock , which Bragg said has opened numerous doors for her , including an opportunity to obtain a patent and work on a proof of concept for the product .
“ This has been an amazing journey and partnership with Mayo to help everyday providers to bring their ideas to practice ,” she said .
Bragg completed both the Emergency Nurse Practitioner program and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at JU . The program left such a lasting impression on her and her career that she decided to teach in the program .
ON THE RISE
“ I cannot emphasize enough how significant the faculty were in helping me , encouraging me and supporting me through my endeavors ,” she said . “ I never miss an opportunity to precept a JU student in the ER .”
In addition to practicing and teaching , Bragg said ultimately , her goals go beyond that .
“ I want to advocate for proper training for nurse practitioners in their clinical fields , promote independent practice in the primary care setting , and my biggest passion is advancing and promoting the role of the emergency nurse practitioner ,” she said . “ I hope to promote my profession through educating the next generation , clinical leadership , and demonstrating the clinical competence of the job .”