The new family nurse practitioner at Heart of Kansas Family Health Care in Great Bend knew she wanted to care for medically underserved patients. And now she is.
Melanie Emily, who is no stranger to central Kansas, recently joined Heart of Kansas, 1905 19th, and is now seeing patients there.
“I started my nursing career 13 years ago and have always been passionate about rural health and increasing access to care,” Emily said. “This calling was fueled by the mission of Frontier Nursing University and then amplified as I worked on my doctorate.
“I saw first-hand how difficult it is for uninsured patients to receive the treatment they deserve for preventive, primary and chronic care. The mission of Heart of Kansas answers the call to my heart.”
Emily’s responsibilities in her new position include: health promotion and maintenance; disease prevention; diagnosis and treatment; and management of medical plans of care for patients with acute and chronic illnesses.
The family nurse practitioner was born in Wichita but lived, worked and attended school in central Kansas; she moved to the area at age 11. Emily lived in Macksville, Garfield, Pawnee Rock, Larned and now Belpre. She attended school in Macksville and Lewis, and worked in Larned and Dodge City.
Her nursing education began with an associate’s degree in nursing at Barton Community College in 2007. Next came her bachelor’s in nursing in 2011 and her master of professional studies – public health administration - in 2014, both at Fort Hays State University.
In 2018, Emily earned her master’s degree in nursing – family nurse practitioner - and recently was awarded her doctorate in nursing, both from Frontier Nursing University at Hyden Ky.
Emily’s professional background includes positions as family nurse practitioner at Western Plains Physician Practices in Dodge City; assistant director of nursing at Hodgeman County Health Center; registered nurse at Larned Correctional Mental Health Facility; director of nursing at Diversicare in Larned; and RN/shift supervisor at Larned State Hospital.
“I am using this educational and professional background to fulfill my calling to care for the underserved and underinsured,” Emily commented, noting she treats patients of all ages. “I want to empower my patients through education on health promotion and disease prevention.”
Brett Middleton, Heart of Kansas chief executive officer, said “all of us at Heart of Kansas are extremely excited to have Melanie join the family. Her experience, education and patient-centered approach result in high-quality care. Melanie is a great addition to Heart of Kansas, and her patients and their families will benefit.”
