In a field such as nursing, one is required to have the patience of a saint, the stamina of a marathon runner, and a love for the practice that transcends monetary concerns and is seated directly at the heart of every decision. For all these qualities and more, Karen Hill, associate professor of nursing at Southeastern has recently been honored as one of the Great 100 Nurses of Louisiana.

Recipients are nominated by peers, and recognized for their outstanding achievements both in the field and for the community.  

Hill, a member of the Southeastern School of Nursing faculty since 1987, was nominated by a peer with whom she attended the LSUMC master’s program.

“I was truly surprised when I received the letter,” said Hill.

The award has previously honored another of the Southeastern family, former dean Dr. Donnie Booth, before her retirement.  

“I can remember thinking, ‘Wow, that must feel great,’ never thinking I would someday receive the same title,” said Hill. “I am very grateful that the committee felt I was an appropriate candidate for the award.”

For Hill, the decision to go into nursing wasn’t a career choice, but a calling.

“Since I was 15 years old I have known I have wanted to be a nurse,” said Hill. A knowledge which she attributes to her mother, and father who is currently battling with Alzheimer’s, as well as from a higher power. “I truly consider my decision to be a calling from God. There is not one day in my nursing career that I regret my decision to be a nurse or teach nursing, it is all about caring and enjoying the job.”

The nursing profession, as many students are aware, is a long dedicated process. Hills advises other who wish to follow in her footsteps to go into the field, but not for the money. “I would encourage students who want to help others and give more than they receive to be in this profession,” said Hill. “Nursing is about helping hope and loving humanity. It’s a hard profession with long hours, but when someone gets better or you see them improve, it replaces all the fatigue and aching legs.”

Through her determination, Hill has been named “Mentor of the Senior class” in Nursing in 1998, 2008 and 2010, and recognized by the College of Nursing and Health Sciences in 1997-1998 for her excellence in teaching.  Hill has also been recognized by the Louisiana State Nurses Association with the Nightingale Award as Nurse Educator of the Year, as well as received the outstanding Nurse Award by the Tangipahoa District Nurses’ Association.

For the teacher of 25 years, the award she is most proud of has been the Excellence Award in 2004 for Excellence in Teaching from the University.

“I feel this was the most tremendous award I could ever receive, it was so exciting to be recognized before all my peers,” said Hill. “It just makes me want to continue what I love to do.”

With all the awards and recognitions as well as two published books, Hill hopes to retire soon, but until then she still has one main accomplishment to add to her repertoire to write her own Pathopharmacology book. Until then Hill plans to continue doing what she enjoys most: to impart her knowledge and skill the to future generations of caretakers and healthcare professionals.