Staff writer
Both her love of taking care of people and the diversity of her prior work in nursing contributed to Tracy Grafton’s decision to become a nurse practitioner.
Grafton is the newest nurse practitioner at St. Luke Hospital and St. Luke Medical Clinic. This is her first nurse practitioner assignment, though she has worked for 17 years as a nurse, including her most recent position as a charge nurse at Via-Christi St. Francis, Wichita. In those positions, she has experienced a myriad of different aspects of medical care.
As a child, she wanted to become a nurse so she could help people. Working in the field, she wanted to see people achieve their health goals.
“I just really enjoyed helping people and their families, and that’s what drew me to family practice,” Grafton said.
Grafton’s duties will include seeing patients in the clinic and also the emergency room.
Grafton said she was particularly drawn to rural medicine because of the opportunity to care for entire families and people ranging from babies to geriatric patients.
“I think building a trusting relationship and being able to be honest is most important in providing the best care you can,” Grafton said. “I want to focus on prevention, empowering my patients, and really just being here for them and whatever they need.”
Grafton will see patients Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and other times as needed.
“We are fortunate to welcome Tracy to our team,” Jeremy Ensey, CEO of St. Luke Hospital, said.
Ensey said Grafton is highly motivated and brings enthusiasm and compassion to her work.
Roger Schroeder, marketing director, said the hospital added a third full-time nurse practitioner to fill the gap left when another nurse practitioner switched to part-time.