As an oncology nurse navigator at AdventHealth Parker, Karen Wilson, MN, RN, CGRN, CTTS knows the importance of preventive screenings. Yet she noticed a need in the community to make sure firefighters were getting tested.
Cancer is a leading cause of death among firefighters, and while there are screenings available, cost can be a barrier. That’s why Karen worked with multiple people at AdventHealth Parker and within the community to create a free low-dose lung CT scan for firefighters. It can help detect lung cancer in its earliest stage, when it has the best chance of being treated. The free screenings take place every November, during Lung Cancer Awareness Month. In 2023 alone, the program served nearly 150 firefighters.
For her incredible work, Karen won a 2024 Nightingale Award. This prestigious honor recognizes nurses for their leadership, advocacy, and innovation. Karen was recognized with the 2024 Nightingale Award for Exceptional Achievements by a Registered Nurse in Clinical Practice. Karen was one of only 15 nurses in the state to be honored as a Nightingale Award recipient.
As Karen looks to the future, she hopes to serve even more people and wants the program to continue to grow.
