Derika Garner, RN, RRT/RCP

Derika Garner, RN, RRT/RCP, is a dedicated healthcare professional with more than 18 years of experience serving patients across multiple areas of the medical field. She began her healthcare career in 2008 at the age of 18, working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in the emergency department shortly after graduating from high school. Early exposure to the hospital environment shaped her passion for patient care and provided a strong foundation for her multidisciplinary career. Over the years, Derika has continuously expanded her clinical expertise, driven by a desire to serve patients in diverse and meaningful ways throughout the healthcare system.

In 2014, Derika earned her Registered Respiratory Therapist credential from Florence-Darlington Technical College, where she developed extensive experience managing complex pulmonary and critical care patients. During her 11-year respiratory therapy career, she specialized in mechanical ventilation management, emergency response care, and treatment of patients with acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Her work included participation in rapid response teams, trauma and emergency care, pediatric respiratory treatment, and ventilator management across high-acuity hospital settings. Motivated by a passion for continued growth, she returned to Florence-Darlington Technical College and earned her Registered Nurse degree in 2022, further expanding her clinical scope and leadership capabilities.

Today, Derika serves as a full-time Nurse Case Manager with Gentiva Hospice, where she coordinates comprehensive care for hospice patients across home and hospital environments. She also works part-time at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Florence, providing nursing support across ICU, stepdown, and medical-surgical units. Her areas of expertise include intensive care, trauma nursing, critical care management, and home hospice services. Known for her adaptability and clinical versatility, Derika has experience caring for trauma patients, post-surgical recoveries, neurological emergencies, and individuals requiring complex end-of-life care.

Beyond direct patient care, Derika plays an important educational and leadership role as a preceptor and trainer for Great Faith Home Care LLC. In this position, she oversees training programs for home care aides, ensuring certifications remain current while preparing caregivers to deliver safe, compassionate care. Her commitment to mentorship reflects her belief that strengthening healthcare teams ultimately improves patient outcomes and community health. She is currently continuing her education to further advance her professional knowledge and clinical impact.

Derika’s passion for healthcare is deeply personal, inspired by experiences caring for ill family members and witnessing firsthand the difference compassionate professionals can make during vulnerable moments. Whether serving as a respiratory therapist, ICU nurse, hospice case manager, or educator, she finds fulfillment in helping others navigate complex health journeys with dignity and support. Her career reflects a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning, patient advocacy, and delivering care wherever her expertise is needed most.

• Associate of Science, Registered Nursing – Florence-Darlington Technical College, 2022
• Associate of Science, Respiratory Therapy – Florence-Darlington Technical College, 2014

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Registered Respiratory Therapist / Respiratory Care Practitioner (RRT/RCP)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

• Preceptor / Trainer, Great Faith Home Care LLC