Southeast Missouri Hospital official named Outstanding Missourian by Mo. House

The Missouri House of Representatives has named Dr. Karen Hendrickson of Cape Girardeau as an "Outstanding Missourian."

Hendrickson serves as vice president and chief nursing officer at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

State Rep. Nathan Cooper, R-Cape Girardeau, nominated her for the award.

The House bestowed the award Wednesday.

"I wanted to ensure that she was properly recognized for her lifetime of service," Cooper said.

Hendrickson is one of 14 people recognized by the House so far this session.

The award recognizes Missourians who have proved "outstanding" through their deeds and achievements, Cooper said.

In her nursing career, Hendrickson helped establish the nursing program at the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center and Southeast Missouri Hospital's College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Her interests include international nursing. She has worked with Southeast Missouri State University to develop programs worldwide. In connection with such efforts, she has traveled to Shanghai, China, as well as to France, Germany and the Netherlands.