Karen Hayter

Karen Hayter, PhD, RN, serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse since August 2022, after previously holding an adjunct faculty position at Viterbo University from September 2017 to May 2022. Over a lengthy career at Gundersen Health System from 1989 to 2022, Karen led the Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice team, functioning as Primary Investigator for various interdisciplinary research studies, and provided mentorship to nursing students. Additional roles included Nurse Researcher, Nurse Educator, Quality Nurse Specialist, and various staff nursing positions, where Karen developed competencies, assessed documentation practices, and enhanced patient care quality. Educational credentials include a PhD in Nursing Research from the University of Arizona, an MS in Nursing Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a BSN from Viterbo University.