Courtney Burger is relying on her extensive nursing background as she takes on her new position at Pawnee Valley Medical Associates (PVMA), 713 W. 11th.

As the new clinic nurse manager, Burger’s responsibilities include “helping the clinic run smoothly, while supporting a great team of medical professionals. One priority is to encourage open communications with nurses and physicians so that we can better serve our patients.”

Even though Burger has been on the job only a short time, she is already impressed with the personnel and services at PVMA, which is part of Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll.

“Pawnee Valley Medical Associates is a trusted medical clinic that I highly recommend,” Burger commented. “The healthcare providers and staff members here are truly knowledgeable, and care for and treat their patients like family.

“I have enjoyed getting to know each of them, and appreciate the opportunity to expand my nursing skills in this management position.”

Burger is originally from Haviland and graduated from high school there in 2005. She then graduated from Barton Community College with an associate’s degree in nursing in 2009.

In May of this year, Burger earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Rasmussen University in Florida.

Previous employment included approximately nine years in a clinic setting. For the past 17 years, Burger worked at the hospital in Great Bend.

“Most recently, I was the House Supervisor and Emergency Department nurse,” she said. “Throughout my tenure there, I cared for patients in Med-Surg, Special Nursing, the Intensive-Care Unit, Pre-op/Post-Anesthesia Care Unit and Pediatrics.

“I will use this varied background to serve our patients and their families. I am so glad to be part of the PVMA clinic.”

Burger now lives in Larned with her husband, Travis, and son, Kenden. She also has two adult stepsons and one adult stepdaughter.

Jewel Davis, PVMA clinic manager, said she and her colleagues “are fortunate to have Courtney join our team. Her nursing skills and caring personality are valuable assets to our clinic.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. The Pawnee Valley Medical Associates clinic, 713 W. 11th, provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.