Newsworthy

Happy International Women’s Day!

On March 8, we are celebrating the achievements and contributions of women around the world.

To celebrate, meet a trailblazing leader at Stormont Vail Health Flint Hills – Tracy Duran. Tracy is the Acute Care Director at Flint Hills and the Regional Director of Nursing. Having role models can be incredibly motivating and can help shape values and goals. Tracy is an excellent example of being a strong role model to others, but how she ended up as a nursing leader is thanks to role models in her own life.

“My sister initially inspired me to be a nurse,” said Tracy. “She is 12 years older than me and I remember helping her study for her nursing school exams and thinking she was so smart!”

Tracy started at Stormont Vail as a patient care technician in 2004 while she was working toward her nursing degree, which she later earned and joined the organization as a Registered Nurse in 2008. She then achieved her first leadership role in Risk Management at Stormont Vail, has held other leadership roles since, and has also earned her Master’s degree.

“My mom has been my inspiration [for leadership]. When I was growing up, I admired my mom’s leadership and work ethic. Even though she would work long hours and traveled a lot, she always found time to serve others. She would volunteer at Church and school events and is the treasurer for a non-profit in town. She always wants to give back and help where she could. That is why she inspired me to be a leader. She is a servant leader to her core and I hope one day others can see me in that same light.”

Tracy strives to live everyday like it’s International Women’s Day; celebrating the achievements of women and all the actions taken for equality.

“Be bold and brave in pursuing what you want in life. You have great ideas that need to be shared with this world. Always ask for what you want or need in life…the worst they can say is no. Not asking the question – the answer will always be no.”

Tracy cherishes the experiences that healthcare and nursing have given her – from meeting people, to serving her community, being present at the start of life, and comforting others at the end of life. Her dream for the future of nursing is to reinvigorate the desire to enter healthcare. She is committed to doing everything she can to also provide the environment that makes healthcare workers feel passionate about the work they do.

“My team are my friends, my peers, and people I care very deeply for. Lead with love and you’ll never go wrong!”

In 2019, Tracy was honored as an Ingram’s Magazine Heroes in Health in Nursing and was also named one of Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40.

Here’s to women everywhere – may we continue to empower and inspire each other!

In celebration of International Women’s Day, meet another Tracy (Bredow) at Stormont Vail who is paving the way to excellence!