(bio.line) |
Issue 15 Dec 2011 |
Tracey Stark, ARNP
Tracey Stark, ARNP
What first attracted you to DWC?
Both the people and the flexible schedule. It has been years since I first met Dr. Gary Morsch and worked with Dr. Stanley Johnson, who staffed the hospital where I worked. Dr. Johnson spent an evening in our home during his time in Oakley. Fast forward to two years ago and this time I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Morsch and other physicians from DWC. My experience was the same — compassionate, caring individuals, who came to meet a need in my community. I knew that I would enjoy being part of an organization like that.
What were you doing prior to joining DWC?
I’ve had a varied career since obtaining my Family Nurse Practitioner certificate 15 years ago. I have worked in administration, taught nursing school, and flown with a critical care flight service, many of these concurrently. My current “full-time” job involves two weekends a month covering an ER in a rural area. I continue in this capacity, as well as a few other part time assignments, but DWC offers me an opportunity to round out my schedule with additional shifts.
What personal and/or professional advantages do you enjoy as a result of your association with DWC?
Personally, the flexible schedule gives me the opportunity to travel with my husband on business trips, have grandchildren over for days at a time (Nana camp), and continue to fill in at my part-time jobs.
On the professional side, I find that DWC brings out the “best” in me. As with most of us, sometimes I get tired, and sometimes I am less than I should be. Perhaps I complain when the day gets long or people didn’t meet my expectations. I may not be very compassionate with the 2:00 a.m. ER patient with a three-week-old sprained ankle. As a guest representing DWC, I am more acutely aware of my reactions. I have internalized this and try much harder to curb the critical comments and to offer more grace, even at 2:00 a.m. It also has exposed me to an even greater variety of practice styles. I am always analyzing my own practice and borrowing aspects from others to become a better practitioner.
How has your view of medicine changed because of your work with DWC in small, rural hospitals?
I have always worked in rural areas as an NP, so this really hasn’t changed. What I do notice is the “open arms” that staff in these hospitals show me. How difficult it must be to have to frequently “orient” new people and get “used to” them. Yet, consistently I find that they greet me with enthusiasm and help me to assimilate into their hospital/clinic.
What makes DWC unique to you?
The people. Everyone I have met has been great. The providers seem to have an instant connection with you and are very willing to help with whatever you need. Office staff members are as servant-hearted as the providers. Whether it is on the phone or in person, the staff gives you their full attention and acts like they have just been waiting for you. I know how busy they really are, but you would never know it by the way they assist with your needs. The culture of DWC is definitely to have a “servant’s heart,” and they all seem to.
The highlight(s) and/or most memorable experience(s) of my association with DWC thus far is/are…
Although there are many experiences, the highlight so far has been the shifts back in Oakley, KS. This is where I started my career as a Nurse Practitioner and where I spent 14 years. During my time in clinic I had “old-home week.” I was so blessed by seeing people that I used to care for regularly and also caring for the children of those I cared for when they were children! But the most memorable of all was having the honor of seeing in clinic my physician mentor. His words to describe our journey together — “from student to taking care of me.” What a gift DWC gave to me when they sent me back to Oakley.
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