Shelly Pavlu’s background in rural healthcare was the forerunner to her new position at Heart of Kansas Family Health Care in Larned where she cares for patients as a nurse practitioner.

Pavlu recently started seeing patients of all ages in her family-medicine practice at 522 Broadway.

“When I was first introduced to Heart of Kansas, I noticed right away that several staff members have been here for quite some time,” Pavlu said. “Longevity of service is something that I value.

“In addition, the Heart of Kansas mission is in sync with my personal goals. I always tell my patients that I am their partner in making a plan to empower them to seek their own personal health goals. Heart of Kansas gives me the opportunity to do this by offering the full range of nurse-practitioner services, along with recommendations about preventive healthcare.”

Pavlu also noted that she is impressed with the Heart of Kansas behavioral-health services, which include counseling and medication treatment.

“Another plus is that everyone I have met here has been welcoming,” Pavlu commented. “Since I am not originally from this area of Kansas, they have been gracious enough to acquaint me with the local area and its residents.”

Pavlu graduated from Santa Fe Trail High School at Carbondale. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1999 at Fort Hays State University where she also earned a doctor of nursing practice in 2021.

Prior to her college days, Pavlu was a certified nurse’s aide and certified medication aide. She also became an EMT and volunteers for the local Emergency Medical Services.

“Throughout my nursing career, I worked mainly in rural healthcare as a floor nurse but was in public health for a decade,” Pavlu said. “I have truly worked in all aspects of nursing.”

She was previously employed by The University of Kansas Health System St. Rose Campus as a provider in family medicine and Convenient Care.

Pavlu grew up in Hanover and later lived in Overbrook; she currently lives in Ness City. Her family includes three children – Audrey, Kaleb and Jaiden, who is married to Chance.

Brett Middleton, Heart of Kansas chief executive officer, said Larned clinic patients are “very fortunate to have Shelly as their provider. Her experience spans a lifetime of treating and caring for her patients. Shelly is another example of how Heart of Kansas strives to bring professional, compassionate providers to our team.”

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.