Karen Devereux, DNP, FNP-C
Family Medicine
Accepting new patients
“I believe that it is important that my patients know that I am open to any conversation. I have learned many important lessons from listening to my patients.”
Language(s) - English
A native Oregonian, Karen Devereux, DNP, FNP-C, was born and raised in the Willamette Valley. In high school, she moved to the Southern Oregon coast and lived there for most of her life. She met her spouse at the coast, where they both developed a love of the ocean and beautiful Oregon beaches.
Ms. Devereux developed a passion for helping people as a teenager. She enjoyed volunteering, coaching, and providing care for others which led to rewarding work as a case manager for senior and disabled citizens, persons dealing with mental health concerns, and public health. This included improving the health of individuals through prevention and education.
“I became interested in developing clinical skills while working with individuals living with HIV and AIDS. I began my journey to pursue nursing and never looked back.”
Her doctoral program focused on working in rural areas and included developing innovative methods to work with rural populations who find health care resources are scarce or difficult to navigate. Ms. Devereux is interested in working with individuals to identify their optimal health goals and help reduce health disparities. She believes that working collaboratively helps utilize existing resources and expertise and in making these offerings available to patients who may otherwise find themselves without necessary specialty services.
Ms. Devereux approaches patient care on an individual basis. “I learn from my patients- what they want and how they would like to approach their care collaboratively.” Her approach is one of understanding. She wants to understand her patient’s goals and readiness for change. “I believe that flexibility and offering choices to patients is better received than dictating a care plan.”
When asked to describe a patient interaction or outcome that was particularly rewarding, Ms. Devereaux responded, saying:
“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to help address the current opioid crisis by obtaining a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) waiver. The purpose of the MAT program is to help prevent persons from dying needlessly from using very addictive drugs that are often procured from unlicensed sources and contain harmful if not deadly ingredients.
This population is often portrayed as being a burden on society. These individuals are frequently unwilling or unable to come forward for life-saving services that can significantly reduce the threat of harm to their lives and their families. It also prevents them from learning how they can break the cycle of hopelessness and despair that come with addiction.
I have had the experience of meeting individuals in their time of need and seeing how a little compassion can help them find the strength to recover.”
Ms. Devereux enjoys spending time with her retired husband, two dogs, and grandson outside of her practice. She also loves to cook, explore new cuisines, and travel with her husband whenever they can. Their two favorite destinations thus far have been Australia and New Zealand.
Residency
Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians, Siletz, OR, 2014-2015
Education
Doctor of Nursing Practice, University of Portland, 2015; Bachelor of Nursing, Oregon Health and Sciences University, 2009; Master of Science: Health Education, University of Oregon, 1991; Bachelor of Science, Gerontology and Sociology, University of Oregon, 1989
Experience
Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties, Corvallis, OR, 2019-2022; Umpqua Community Health Clinic, Roseburg, OR, 2016-2019
Certification
American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
