The newest healthcare provider at Heart of Kansas Family Health Care may be a familiar face to some of her patients.

Originally from Great Bend, Maria Villanueva, a nurse practitioner, completed her clinical training at Heart of Kansas, 1905 19th.

“When I was here earlier, I had wonderful teachers,” Villanueva recalled. “I am so pleased to be back at Heart of Kansas with this professional and compassionate team.”

Villanueva, who is fluent in Spanish and English, was also attracted to Heart of Kansas because of its long list of physical- and mental-health services and diversity.

“We offer the whole gamut of family-medicine services for all ages, as well as behavioral-health options,” she noted. “Multiple staff members are bilingual and we take same-day appointments for acute issues.”

The responsibilities of a nurse practitioner include monitoring patients for high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, influenza, Covid, bronchitis, abdominal pain and many other chronic and acute conditions.

“As nurse practitioners, we order tests and medications, and refer to specialists when necessary to achieve the best outcomes,” Villanueva said. “Educating patients also is a major responsibility.

“Education is so important because patients should understand what we are doing, why we are doing it and why certain medications are prescribed. We also offer guidance on the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle.”

Villanueva earned an associate’s degree in nursing at Barton Community College before receiving her bachelor’s and master’s in nursing at Grand Canyon University. Her post-master’s certification as a family nurse practitioner came from Chamberlain University.

“When I was in school, I saw the difference between emergency and primary care,” she said. “I decided to specialize in primary care to help prevent patients from needing an emergency-room visit.”

Villanueva also noted that Heart of Kansas is helping to meet the goals of a national program called Healthy People 2030. It is designed for low-income patients who are uninsured or under-insured.

“The goal is to provide these patients with equal access to quality healthcare,” she explained.

Villanueva’s previous employers include the former Cherry Village, a long-term-care residence in Great Bend, and The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend Campus.

Brett Middleton, Heart of Kansas chief executive officer, said “even though Maria has been here only a short time, she is making a real difference in her patients’ lives. She is a most welcome addition to our staff.”

Heart of Kansas Family Health Care is a Federally Qualified Health Center, which allows it to be a safety net for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Its professional providers also welcome those with insurance at the Great Bend, Larned and Stafford locations. Heart of Kansas is open to everyone.