Ozarks Profile: Karma Murr

What is your job?

"I am a staff nurse in the emergency room (north and south) for Cox Health Systems. I also am an independent consultant for IntraAortic Balloon Pumps (IABP), hemodynamics and total quality management for several corporations i.e. Datascope, Siemers and Berrywood Group. I teach classes for Drury University at the Cabool campus; and I also help with the family beef farm in Wright County."

IABPs help circulate blood and reduce the workload of the heart. Hemodynamics is related to blood pressure, heart rate and what affects them, including various medications. Datascope and Siemens are medical product companies, and Berrywood is a health consulting firm.

Tell us about the independent consulting you do.

"I teach seminars at medical facilities and medical schools through the United States and Canada on IABPs, hemodynamics and wellness, primarily for Datascope. I am also involved in a research grant utilizing IABPs on infants and children. I actually get to run the IABP on this."

How did you choose health care as your career field?

"I taught ninth grade physical science for five years in Belton, Mo. During this time I always felt there was something else I should be doing. I like helping people, and with nursing it is a challenge to keep updated on everything new in the medical field. I also had two aunts who encouraged me to go into nursing. The medical profession is challenging and always changing."

What are the biggest challenges you face in your work?

"The biggest challenge in nursing is dealing with individuals who do not choose to take responsibility for their own health care. With our society now, no one is supposed to have pain. So with every bump or bruise, they rush to the emergency room. I have had people come in by ambulance with a paper cut. The nursing shortage and appreciation by the employer are issues that are discussed on a daily basis."

What's your educational background?

Murr has a bachelor's degree in education from Southwest Missouri State University. She earned her bachelor's degree in 1978 with majors in health and physical education, and sports medicine and a minor in general science. In 1986, she became a registered nurse at Burge School of Nursing. The following year she earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Drury University. In 1994, she earned a master of education degree in health and physical education, and quality management from Drury University.

Tell us about your family.

Murr's mother, Louise Murr, is a retired teacher. Her nephew, Justin Sinning, who lives with her, earned a criminology degree from Drury University in December. Her sister Karen Sinning is a teacher; brother-in-law Gary Sinning is a farmer. Brother Keith Murr is a diesel mechanic and farmer; sister-in-law Linda Murr also is a teacher. Murr's family includes Luke, her 12-year-old black Labrador retriever.

If you could choose another career, what would it be?

"If I chose another career, I would probably become a physician instead of a nurse. Physicians have more authority and the final decision in a patient's care. I also have thought of electrical engineering as electricity fascinates me."