Dual Degree in Nursing (DDN)

Amy M Karch, RN, MS, CNS
Associate Professor of Clinical Nursing

Classes taught:

NUR 370: Pathophysiology/Pharmacology

NUR 419: Advanced Pharmacology

NUR 407A: Advanced Physiology/Pathophysiology for the Nurse Practitioner

NUR 319: Pathophysiology/Pharmacology Review for the Practicing Nurse

Degree(s) and college(s) attended:

BS, University of Rochester; MS, St. Louis University

Related work experience (current or previous):

ICU nurse; nurse educator; CV clinical specialist; clinician II; clinical chief of medical nursing at Strong Memorial Hospital; author and lecturer on nursing pharmacology, applied physiology, and preventing medication errors

What is your favorite UR tradition?

In the School of Nursing, my favorite tradition is the pinning at graduation. I love to see the students who have worked so hard experience the success of their struggle and the joy of now moving on to be a nurse.

What do you love about the City of Rochester?

The variety of arts, sports, and family-centered activities and the changing seasons.

Do you find it necessary to work closely with students in their field of interest?

Yes, working one on one with students is not only a stimulating and exciting experience, but it teaches me a lot about learning. I wrote the textbook that we use in the program after many students complained that there wasn't a book out there that helped them to learn and apply the material. I learn so much from my students.

Aside from teaching, what kind of research or projects have you been involved in?

The impact on teaching on morbidity and mortality. The importance of teaching patients and families and developing evidence of the role that has on recovery.

Favorite accomplishment or most memorable experience at UR so far?

My most memorable experiences at UR have come from the interactions with the students—cookie day, pizza parties, tutoring sessions—when the students and the teacher are just people and can share their experiences and frustrations and joy.

What do you find intriguing about your field of work?

All humans are so different; there is no black and white, and it is exciting to try to figure out what is actually going on in each clinical situation and to come up with an intervention that will help the patient. It is equally exciting to help students make that leap from memorizing information to applying that information to the patient and making it come alive. Those "aha" experiences make teaching so rewarding and exciting.

What courses in college and/or high school most prepared you for the field you are working in today?

Applied anatomy and physiology was the course that changed my whole focus and appreciation for the human body and clinical application of all of the sciences that are the basis for nursing.

What advice can you give prospective and current SON students?

Never stop marveling at the wonder of the human body, and never stop learning and trying to figure out what is going on to cause signs and symptoms. The nurse is the one person on the health care team who really spends time with and gets to know the patient and who can have the greatest impact on that patient's recovery and quality of life. It is an awesome responsibility but one of the most rewarding things that you will ever have the opportunity to do.