Health Care Heroes 2025 S7
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2025 Kearney Hub www.kearneyhub.com
More Than Medicine: Brandi Larson’s Lifelong Commitment to Caring
BRANDI LARSON | KEARNEY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
Brandi Larson has dedicated 15 years to the healthcare field, growing into her cur- rent role as Director of Clinic Operations and Nursing at Bryan Health’s Kearney Regional Medical Center and Platte Valley Medical Clinic. Her career has been shaped by a deep sense of com-
that guides everything she does. The emotional toll of healthcare work is real, and Brandi knows the importance of having a support system. She advises new nurses to “find a person”—a peer or mentor they can talk to about the hard stuff. This kind of con - nection is vital to protecting mental and emotional health. Brandi also encourages healthcare professionals to stay engaged not just in their duties, but in their organization, emphasizing that supportive and trustworthy coworkers can make even the most difficult days manageable. At home, her husband plays a key role in helping her maintain balance. Healthcare can be unpredictable, and she’s incredibly grateful to have a partner who keeps everything running smoothly while she’s focused on her work. Over the years, Brandi has found many moments of fulfillment, but one experience stands out above the rest. She cared for a patient several times over a number of years, helping her recover from a disabling car accident. Their relationship grew into a mean- ingful friendship, and they continue to stay
in touch today through social media. Brandi has watched this patient’s family grow, and takes pride in the fact that her daughter chose to become a nurse—something Brandi hopes she may have inspired. Her path into healthcare began early. She discovered her “why” when she helped her older sister deliver her first child. That pow - erful experience sparked a lifelong dedication to helping people during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. While Brandi no longer provides direct patient care, she finds deep purpose in supporting the professionals who do. She hopes her work positively impacts their lives and, by extension, the lives of the patients they serve. One of her proudest moments came not in a clinical setting, but in her personal life, as she advocated for her parents during their healthcare journeys. Even though they are not elderly, Brandi enjoys coordinating their care and ensuring they receive the highest quality treatment. Her experience and relationships within Kearney Regional
have helped her family access exceptional care close to home. She is proud of the nursing profession, her colleagues who cared for her loved ones, and her own ability to speak up on their behalf. For anyone considering a career in healthcare, Brandi’s advice is rooted in honesty and experience. She believes that a genuine passion for helping others is essential. Healthcare professionals must be lifelong learners, willing to grow and adapt with changing technology and evolving best practices. Just as importantly, they need to take care of themselves—building resilience and developing strategies to manage stress. When caregivers take care of their own well-being, they are better equipped to take care of others. Brandi Larson’s story is a testament to the enduring power of compassion, leadership, and meaningful connection in the world of healthcare.
Brandi Larson
passion, a commitment to leadership, and a focus on improving the experience for both patients and healthcare staff. One of the most emotionally challenging aspects of Brandi’s role is the ongoing effort to be “enough” for her team. As a leader, she takes on the responsibility of supporting staff emotionally and mentally, striving to meet them wherever they are in their lives. She believes that when healthcare professionals are at their best, they are able to provide the highest quality care to their patients—a goal
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