Karolyn Harker, NP

About Kara Harker

From a young age, Kara Harker, FNP, said she loved medicine and helping people. “After college I spent a year caring for a young boy with disabilities and became passionate as a caregiver,” she says. “This is what inspired me to become a nurse.” Her desire to learn more and provide more directly for patients led her to continue her education.

Kara earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, and her Master of Science in Biology at Purdue’s Indianapolis location. She graduated from Rush University, Chicago, with her Master of Science in Nursing and earned her Post-Masters Certificate in Family Nurse Practitioner at Indiana University South Bend.

Kara enjoys her chosen specialty. “I love the comprehensive care that family practice entails and the ability to form long, trusting relationships with patients,” she says.

She always does her best to show patients she cares about their well-being. “I hope patients know that I am …determined to provide the best care for them and am not afraid to ask questions and collaborate with other providers to do so,” Kara says.

In her own words…

Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? I was a caregiver, before becoming a nurse, for a young boy named Ben who had complex disabilities. Ben taught me how to embrace life, see the best in strangers, and how to advocate for one another.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? I worked at my local Martin’s Supermarket in high school. I remember how difficult it was pushing carts across a snowy parking lot.

What is your favorite food? have a major sweet tooth and can never say no to brownies and ice cream!

What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? My best subject in school growing up was Math – I loved Algebra and calculus. My least favorite subject was probably English – I don’t enjoy writing essays.

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I would love to sit down with my great grandmother. Her life was not easy by any means, but she always had a positive outlook and friendly, calm demeanor.

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I’m passionate about embracing life through new experiences. This could be as small as trying a new recipe for dinner, to as big as traveling the world learning other cultures.

What are your hobbies, interests? I love to travel with my husband. We like to seek out once-in-a-lifetime-opportunities and aren’t afraid of a little adrenaline! I also enjoy going on walks with my dog, cooking new recipes, and spending time with family.

Do you have pets? I have an adorable 1-year-old Golden Retriever, Winnie.