Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) didn’t have to look far to find a qualified registered nurse to fill a new position in the Family Medicine clinic.

Melissa Hagerman, who has cared for patients and families at PVCH for almost a decade, is now filling the role of Family Medicine nurse lead.

“This nurse-lead position is essential to provide clinical expertise and deliver high-quality patient care, while we collaborate as a team to create a positive work environment,” Hagerman said.

Responsibilities in her new role include: leading all clinical nursing processes; providing clinical care and support to patients; creating positive leadership by establishing an environment of teamwork; fostering a culture of safety and continuous learning; and adhering to policies and procedures.

Hagerman is eager to fulfill these responsibilities because at PVCH “we provide compassionate patient care, as we build a rapport and trustworthy relationships within our community.”

Previously, Hagerman served PVCH in the roles of health coach for chronic-care management and clinic nurse.

Originally from Colby, Hagerman earned her associate’s degree in nursing at North Central Kansas Technical College in Hays and a bachelor’s in nursing at Fort Hays State University.

Hagerman and her husband, Lance, have 17-year-old twins, Jillian and Landis, and an adult daughter, Justine.

Jewel Davis, PVCH director of clinic operations, said “Melissa brings compassion and dedication to our clinic. I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome her into this leadership position, which is an exciting step forward for our patient-care team.

“Having worked closely with Melissa for nearly five years, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the level of professionalism she brings to our clinic every single day.”

Hagerman deserved this promotion because of her “clinical excellence and deep commitment to the well-being of every patient,” Davis added. “She is thorough and attentive, and consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our patients feel cared for and heard. Her kindness and empathy continue to touch the lives of countless individuals and families.”

The new position is vital to the clinic’s leadership structure, Davis noted.

“It plays a key role in maintaining high standards of patient care, while supporting the nursing team and helping to lead quality-improvement initiatives. Melissa’s ability to lead with both heart and skill makes her an ideal fit. Her leadership strengthens the connection between our clinic and the community we serve.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) is proud to announce that Sheila Jones, RN, has been named the latest recipient of the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This national honor recognizes the exceptional, compassionate care nurses provide to patients and families every day.

Sheila, an Acute Nurse for over five years, was nominated by both patients and colleagues for going above and beyond in her commitment to patient care. Her calm demeanor, clinical excellence, and heartfelt compassion have left a lasting impression on those she serves.

“Sheila exemplifies everything the DAISY Award stands for,” said Kendra Hagerman, Director of Nursing at PVCH, “Her dedication, kindness, and tireless efforts make a real difference in the lives of our patients and their families. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team.”

The DAISY Foundation established the DAISY Award (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) to honor the memory of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at age 33 from an autoimmune disease. The award is now an international recognition program that celebrates the skillful, compassionate care nurses provide every day.

When presented with the award, Sheila was surprised and humbled. “I’m truly honored,” she said. “It means the world to know that the work I do matters to my patients and my colleagues. I love being a nurse—it’s a privilege to care for people during some of their most vulnerable moments.”

As part of the award presentation, Sheila received a DAISY pin, a certificate of recognition, and the award’s signature hand-carved “Healer’s Touch” sculpture.

Please join us in congratulating Sheila Jones on this well-deserved recognition. Her compassion, skill, and unwavering commitment to care inspire us all.

When help was needed, Cody Thacker stepped up and assisted with the front office duties in the PVCH Rehabilitation Department. He assisted with phone calls and other clerical duties to maintain high-quality customer service and patient communication. Cody even stayed late to assist the team. We appreciate everything he does for PVCH to keep it running smoothly.

Each quarter, our Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) determines the recipient based on the many amazing peer nominations received.

The new family nurse practitioner at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH) is back in familiar surroundings as she “combines clinical expertise with a holistic approach to improve her patients’ overall well-being.”

Lacy Bowman completed most of her clinicals at PVCH in the Family Medicine Clinic where she is now caring for patients of all ages. The hospital was her initial nursing job in Kansas after relocating from Arkansas, and she has also cared for patients working as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department.

“I have a special place in my heart for Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and Larned,” Bowman said. “My husband is a fifth-generation farmer and all our children currently attend and will attend school here.

“Since we are so thoroughly invested in this community, there is no place I would rather provide care. I look forward to giving back to the place I call home.”

Bowman’s family-medicine services include preventive healthcare, chronic-care management, acute care, women’s health, pediatric care and well-child visits.

“While I enjoy the diversity of family medicine, I have a special interest in diabetes management and prevention, as well as women’s health and postpartum mental health. My goal is to provide patient-centered care, while encouraging patients to be actively involved in making decisions about their health management.”

The nurse practitioner has worked in facilities of all sizes and believes that “sometimes there are misconceptions about smaller hospitals. PVCH is an incredibly nice facility with spacious patient rooms and high-quality equipment. PVCH is an organization that offers needed services locally, which is a benefit often missing in rural healthcare.

“What makes PVCH truly special is the deep bond we share with our community, patients and staff. We are caring for people we know and genuinely care about – those we see at ballgames, the grocery store and community events. That connection is something you won’t find everywhere, and it is what sets us apart. Our patients are also our neighbors, friends and family.”

Melanie Urban, administrator at PVCH, expressed her enthusiasm about Bowman joining the Pawnee Valley team, saying “family-medicine providers play a crucial role in delivering comprehensive healthcare to our community. Lacy’s interest in diabetes management and women’s health, along with her passion for caring for her community, make her a great addition to our team.”

Bowman was born and raised in Russellville, Ark., and earned an associate’s degree in nursing in 2018 at Baptist Health College Little Rock. She received her bachelor’s in nursing in 2022 from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and was awarded her master’s in nursing, with a specialization in family nurse practitioner, from Chamberlain University last year.

The foundation for her career developed at Baptist Health Little Rock; other employers include HaysMed and The University of Kansas Health System Great Bend campus.

Bowman and her husband, Duskin, have three daughters. She enjoys reading, volunteering at her children’s school and lending a hand on the family farm.