Your Partner in Health: Karen Esquibel
As told by Holly Kitten

Esquibel practices in developmental-behavioral pediatrics.
When Karen Esquibel, R.N., BSN, MSN, CPNP-PC, Ph.D., returned to school after earning her doctorate, she was met with surprise from her colleagues.
"One of my colleagues asked me, 'Why on Earth would you ever go back to school after a Ph.D.?' Well, it’s simple: I knew it would make me feel complete," Esquibel said.
Esquibel loves children. From her first day of nursing school, she knew she only ever wanted to take care of children and their families. Now, she practices in developmental-behavioral pediatrics.
"Pediatrics is the only place I’ve ever practiced in, and I feel like it is my home," Esquibel said. "I love the complexities that come along with pediatric patients and how one age group can drastically differ from the next age group."
Esquibel said it is rewarding to make a difference in peoples' families. That’s why she says nursing students should stick it out when nursing school gets tough.
"The key is, you have to want it, because it is not easy," Esquibel said. "It takes a lot of work to obtain a degree and certification. Then, it takes more work to maintain your skills and grow in your specialty. But in the end, it is so worth the blood, sweat and tears."
As a co-course facilitator for the pediatric primary course, Esquibel spends her time away from the clinic cheering for students as they journey on the road to becoming nurse practitioners.
Related Stories
TTUHSC School of Nursing to Celebrate New YWCA Location
Community members in central Lubbock now have access to health care services and prenatal programs at one location inside the YWCA.
A Rite of Passage for Next Generation of Physicians
Students in TTUHSC's School of Medicine Class of 2028 received their first white coat and pledged their commitment to the medical profession at the White Coat Ceremony Friday (July 26) at the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences.
How Does Your Garden Grow?
As spring approaches, some people’s thoughts turn to gardening. Whether it’s a flower garden they desire or a vegetable garden want to have, they begin planning what they’ll plant and what they need to do to ensure a successful garden.
Recent Stories
Guest Named Abilene Regional Dean of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Nursing
Heather Guest, Ph.D., R.N., has been named the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) School of Nursing regional dean in Abilene. TTUHSC School of Nursing Dean Holly Wei, Ph.D., R.N., made the announcement, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
Researcher Develops Method to Measure Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability Accurately
Quentin R. Smith, Ph.D., from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the TTUHSC Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, sought to reconcile discrepancies in the field and provide accurate methods for measuring permeability over a very broad range.
Your Office Squad: A How to Guide
Lynn Jennings, PhD, LPC-S, LSOTP-S, and Nicole Noble, PhD, LPC-S, joined the TTU Health Check podcast to share their expertise and advice on fostering connections in the workplace.