Board members are also the fiduciaries who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.
We are fortunate to have so many skilled and caring individuals who serve as our Board Members. Each month we will share with you a regular feature to introduce these individuals to you.
This month we will feature Board Member, Karen Hicks.
Karen Hicks, in her second term on the Community Care Peterborough Board of Directors, is an Advanced Practice Nurse at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) with a wealth of experience working with older adults. Her current role as the Geriatric Emergency Management (GEM) Nurse allows her to work closely with clients, caregivers, the interdisciplinary team and community organizations.
By identifying risk and gaps in service, she understands that it’s not enough to observe a challenging situation.
“It’s important to listen, ascertain the needs and goals of the individual and family members, and work with them to develop a plan of care to meet their needs,” said Hicks.
Karen has been a member of Age-Friendly Peterborough (AFP) for many years and sits on the Basic Needs Committee. She contributed to the AFP 2017 Action Plan for Peterborough and has been an active member of the planning committee for annual Senior’s events.
“I was chosen as a member of the Health Quality Ontario Delirium Quality Standard Advisory Committee in 2019,” added Hicks. “I proudly serve as the current GEM Nurse spokesperson to the Joint Services Operating Committee for the Seniors Care Network.”
Instrumental in developing and implementing a Geriatric Fellowship in the Emergency Department, Karen has successfully supported 8 Registered Nurses to understand more about senior friendly approaches and assessments.
Why would an Advanced Practice Nurse be interested in Community Care?
“I appreciate the incredible work that Community Care does in our community. I learned more about the organization through my employment at PRHC and I felt the need to give back to my community by serving on this Board,” said Hicks. “The programs, services and supports are timely and necessary for a variety of people.”
Karen pursued her post RN BScN from Lakehead University in 2007 and completed a Master of Nursing in 2017 from Athabasca University.
“Being involved as a Board member has allowed me to learn from an amazing team while sharing my healthcare experience,” added Hicks.
Having lived in Peterborough, and now residing in Lakefield, with her husband of 35 years, Karen has 2 grown children and 2 beautiful grandchildren. She loves watching football, spending time at their cottage in Apsley, and walking her chocolate lab.
For more information about Community Care Peterborough’s governance, please visit https://www.commcareptbo.org/about%20us/Board%20Members.
