I no longer make myself available 24/7 or on days off. It is a boundary I feel is violated when setting the precedent and allowing that access.
Karen Stevens, BSHA · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Karen
Karen Stevens, BSHA, serves as Manager of Education Systems for Lifepoint Health®, a role in which she oversees the technology platforms that power professional development across the organization. Her path into healthcare education began in 2012, when she worked with a nursing educator in a Trauma One operating room and eventually moved hospital's nursing education in a support role. Since then, she has built a career centered on the belief that education is one of the most valuable investments a healthcare organization can make—not only for the professionals who receive it, but for the patients whose care depends on it. In her current position, she manages key learning systems such as HealthStream and SuccessFactors, working closely with instructional designers, educators, and technology partners to keep training content accurate, accessible, and aligned with regulatory standards set by bodies like The Joint Commission and state agencies. Beyond the technical side of her work, Karen is known for her thoughtful, steady approach to leadership. She often speaks about the value of prioritization, having carried forward a piece of advice from a former nursing director: that not everything needs to be accomplished in a single day. This philosophy, along with an organizational method she calls "power tagging," has shaped how she approaches competing demands and helped her maintain balance across a demanding career. She is also a vocal advocate for the educators who keep healthcare systems running, pointing to the retention of experienced nursing educators as one of the field's most pressing challenges, particularly when training departments are among the first to face budget cuts during periods of financial strain. Karen's personal story adds depth to her professional achievements. At 59, she completed a dual-specialization master's degree through the University of Phoenix, earning both an MBA and a Master of Science in Health/Health Care Administration and Management—a milestone she credits in large part to her husband's steady encouragement. Her drive to keep growing took on new meaning after the loss of her daughter two years ago, when she took on the role of raising her three granddaughters. Through that grief, she has remained committed to modeling resilience and possibility for the next generation, showing them that setbacks don't have to define what comes next. In recognition of this blend of professional dedication and personal strength, Karen has been selected to be featured among Louisville, Kentucky's Influential Women for 2026.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Karen
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the strength of my personal and professional network — surrounding myself with knowledgeable, supportive colleagues has always pushed me to grow. Just as important has been the unwavering support of my family, especially my husband, whose encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my education while balancing career and family responsibilities. My perseverance through personal loss has also shaped who I am; continuing to move forward and invest in my own growth, even during the hardest moments, has been central to everything I've achieved.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I ever received was that everything doesn't have to be done in a day. A nursing director once told me to prioritize what truly needs to get done and let the rest wait until tomorrow. That lesson has stayed with me throughout my career, and it's advice I've since passed along to many others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd encourage young women to first educate themselves on what they truly enjoy doing and to pursue it with genuine passion. It's important to understand that this field carries a political dimension, since you're ultimately accountable to bodies like The Joint Commission and state regulatory agencies, so being well versed in those expectations is essential. I'd also remind them to build a strong network of smart, supportive people around them, maintain their financial independence, and never place limits on what they're capable of achieving.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges we face is the retention of nursing educators. Education departments are often the first to face cuts because we aren't seen as revenue generators, but this creates a trickle-down effect — when we lose experienced educators and reduce training, employees don't stay, and patient care ultimately suffers. Alongside this, navigating regulatory compliance with organizations like The Joint Commission and state agencies remains an ongoing pressure in our field.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Supporting and empowering others, especially women, is central to who I am both at work and at home. I place great value on resilience, lifelong learning, and family — my husband's support and my role in raising my granddaughters have deeply shaped my perspective. I also believe strongly in financial independence and in leading by example, showing the people around me, including the next generation, that perseverance and education can carry you through even the most difficult chapters of life.
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