Biography
Karen Urban, DNP APRN FNP-BC, received both a Bachelor and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh, a post-masters certificate in health informatics from the University of Colorado, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Colorado Mesa University.
Urban was an assistant professor of nursing at Colorado Mesa University from 2009 to 2018 teaching in the BSN and RN-BSN programs. She is currently an instructor for the graduate nursing programs. In addition, she is a board-certified family nurse practitioner in a gastroenterology practice.
The strategies she uses to enhance student engagement in learning include communicating clear course objectives, creating innovative learning opportunities that empower students to reach their full potential, and collaborating with other faculty to make sure the courses reflect current practice guidelines and align with graduate nursing learning essentials. Urban believes it is important to create opportunities for increasing knowledge and skills as a basic expectation. In addition, creating activities that will strengthen critical thinking and decision-making skills is essential. Ultimately, Urban believes the student is accountable for their own learning and tries to provide a learning environment that empowers them to succeed.