Kari Barker, RN, BS

Kari Barker is a dedicated Registered Nurse with over 23 years of experience providing high-quality patient care across a variety of healthcare settings, including hospital, psychiatric, elder care, and correctional facilities. She currently serves as a Registered Nurse at Polk County Jail through NaphCare, where she manages medical emergencies, performs patient assessments, and oversees triage and minor medical procedures. In addition, Kari plays a key role in training and mentoring new nursing staff, ensuring adherence to clinical protocols, and cross-training in multiple nursing roles, including intake booking, detox, and sick call.

Throughout her career, Kari has demonstrated expertise in patient assessment, medication administration (oral, IV, IM), sedation for radiology procedures, emergency response, and interdisciplinary team collaboration. She has held numerous roles at MercyOne Medical Center, including Registered Nurse, RN Program Director, and triage nurse, gaining extensive experience in psychiatric care, pediatric and adult sedation, cardiac stress testing, and outpatient procedure support. Her professional approach emphasizes respect, compassion, and patient-centered care in every clinical interaction.

Kari attributes her success to the people she works with—patients and colleagues alike—and her willingness to continually learn and grow in her profession. She approaches every patient with kindness and respect, recognizing that each individual’s circumstances are unique. Her inspiration to pursue nursing came from her grandfather’s hospital experience, where she saw firsthand the meaningful impact compassionate care can have on patients and families.

Outside of her professional life, Kari enjoys staying active and engaged with her community and family. She is an avid supporter of Iowa State football and Iowa Wild hockey, enjoys walking, cooking, baking, gardening, and canning. Most importantly, she treasures her role as a mom, balancing her dedication to healthcare with nurturing her family and passions outside of work.

• Des Moines Area Community College – ADN, Registered Nurse (May 2005)
• North Iowa Area Community College – LPN, Licensed Practical Nurse (May 2002)
• Iowa State University – BS, Community Health Education
• Waldorf College – AA

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)