Kari Nelson, NP

Kari Nelson, NP, is a UW Health Kids pediatric nurse practitioner in cardiothoracic surgery (which involves organs in the chest). Kari works with other specialists to care for patients with heart conditions requiring surgery.

Kari develops close relationships with patients and their families, focusing on family-centered care. She meets with expecting mothers and parents to diagnose and guide care for prenatal congenital heart disorders. She evaluates and treats infants, children and teens who are having one or more operations for heart conditions. Kari also treats adults who have congenital (present from birth) heart disease.

Kari assesses and treats patients while guiding them through heart surgery preparation. She makes sure they understand their condition and care plan, including what to expect before and after the procedure. During their recovery from surgery, Kari provides post-operative care. Before patients and families go home, she informs them about wound care and other home care procedures and reviews their follow-up clinic appointments.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, running and spending time outdoors.

UW Health offers excellent innovation and remarkable care with a willingness to provide what families and parents and children need — it’s not one size fits all.