LARNED — Throughout his almost three-decades-long nursing career, Ron Williams has been drawn to emergency care for patients throughout Kansas and in other states.

That attraction has now led him to the Emergency Department (ED) at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH).

“I have always worked in emergency care,” said the advanced practice registered nurse. “This includes my first ED position at HaysMed, and later serving as a trauma nurse at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita and flight nurse with EagleMed.

“I also worked with Docs Who Care, an opportunity that allowed me to enjoy working in rural hospitals across Kansas. These experiences helped me learn about creative problem-solving, while navigating different health systems, each with their own unique challenges and resources.”

Williams has been at PVCH only a short time, but is already impressed with the staff and the many services the hospital has to offer locally.

“The progress under the hospital’s leadership and the medical staff, along with community support is a testament to professionalism and compassion,” Williams commented. “The atmosphere illustrates that the staff understands that healthcare truly does begin at home and everyone deserves the best possible care.

“In addition, the staff has been welcoming and accommodating, ensuring we have a smooth transition.”

Williams noted he is building strong working relationships with Director of Nursing Kendra Hagerman and other staff members, while enjoying access to “excellent equipment and ancillary services.”

Hagerman noted that “with Ron’s 28 years of healthcare experience, he brings an extensive range of knowledge to our hospital. He is a valuable asset to our team and enhances the level of care we provide our patients and their families.”

Williams grew up in northwest Kansas and graduated from Brewster High School. He earned an associate’s degree in nursing at Colby Community College, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing at The University of Kansas Medical Center.

Other employers include: Weatherby Health Care; Rooks County Health Center; Doctors Without Delay; HaysMed Convenient Care Clinic; and First Care Clinic in Hays.

Williams also served on the adjunct nursing faculty at Fort Hays State University.

“My wife, Tammie, and I are very happy with our decision to be part of the Larned-area community,” he commented. “We look forward to becoming part of the family at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. PVCH Family Medicine provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.