Dr. Deirdre Krause has lived a life dedicated to service, marked by her unwavering commitment to nursing and her transformative experiences in the United States Navy. From her early days as a gifted nurse to her leadership roles in health care and academia, Dr. Krause’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and compassion. Initially considering a profession in teaching, Dr. Krause soon found her path in nursing by attending Hunter College for her bachelor’s degree and New York University for her master’s degree in nursing education. After her masters, she dove into various roles within the health care field. One memorable experience occurred during her time at the Veterans Affairs hospital, where she specialized in caring for Vietnam War veterans affected by Agent Orange exposure. It was during this experience that Dr. Krause made a professional pivot and began her doctoral degree at the University of Miami while also using her master’s education to develop the new nursing program at Palm Beach Atlantic University. After joining the Navy Reserve in 1986, she embraced opportunities for professional development and service. Her training encompassed a wide range of skills, from setting up field hospitals to advanced trauma care. Her first mobilization for the Global War on Terror was with Operation Iraqi Freedom which provided firsthand experience in military health care and preparedness. Dr. Krause’s dedication to health care innovation didn’t stop there. During her tenure as the medical director for the mobilization and processing site in Gulfport, Mississippi, she played a pivotal role in screening and caring for Navy personnel before and after deployments. Her leadership ensured that every service member received comprehensive medical evaluations and appropriate care, contributing to the overall readiness and well-being of the force. During this time, Dr. Krause also served as a Blue and Gold Officer for the Naval Academy by interviewing candidates and guiding qualified recruits into the naval academy. Captain (Ret.) Deirdre Krause Ph.D., APRN, FNP-BC In the early 2000s, Dr. Krause utilized her mentoring skills to serve as an officer for the Sea Cadet Corps. During this role, she provided leadership training to young cadets interested in military service. One of her favorite achievements from this time is training two women who subsequently got into the Naval and Coast Guard Academies. Another highlight of Dr. Krause’s naval career was her deployment aboard the United States Naval Ship Comfort during Operation Continuing Promise. Tasked with providing humanitarian aid to Central and South America, she and her team set up clinics, conducted screenings, and performed surgeries for underserved communities. This experience underscored the profound impact that health care practitioners can have on vulnerable populations, reaffirming Dr. Krause’s commitment to service and compassion. Transitioning from active duty to civilian life, after 30 years in the U.S. Navy, Dr. Krause embarked on a new chapter of service in 2016, blending her expertise in nursing with her passion for education and community outreach. As a volunteer with Catholic Charities’ Faith Community Nursing Program, she continues to make a difference in the lives of those in need, providing care and support in her community. Today, Dr. Krause remains actively involved in health care initiatives, serving as a consultant for educational programs and emergency management planning. She also maintains a commitment to her memberships in the Florida Nurses Association and the American Nurses Association. Her tireless dedication to advancing nursing practice and improving health care outcomes reflects a lifelong commitment to service and excellence. In addition to her nursing skills, Dr. Krause’s character built on the values of integrity, honor, and commitment, which she attributes to her time in the military, only further classify her as one of Florida’s valued Veteran Health Heroes. 2024 FLORIDA VETERAN HEALTH HEROES PAGE | 10
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