Faces of Bryan

Nearly 12 years ago, Emily Elliott walked through the doors of Kearney Regional Medical Center (KRMC) for an interview to join the new growing local hospital. It wasn’t to wear scrubs and prep surgical trays, however. She took up the post behind the café counter, brewing coffee and assembling sandwiches.

Today, Emily works in the operating rooms as a certified surgical technologist – the path to which has been anything but linear.

A Passion for Personal Growth

Though her first official role was as a barista, it wasn’t long before her culinary talents came to light. She began catering for doctors, board meetings and special events. She also found herself taking food trays to patients more and more often. She discovered she loved interacting with patients, so when her newfound med-surg manager friend asked her to apply for a secretary job in a new unit, Emily happily agreed.

Once on the unit, many of Emily’s colleagues asked her if she’d ever considered getting her CNA license. A month into her role as secretary, she began attending school Monday through Thursday to become a CNA and working Friday through Sunday at the hospital.

So naturally, with CNA license in hand, she decided to continue her training, getting certified in telemetry. For over four years she monitored heart rhythms as an overnight telemetry tech at KRMC. But her passion for learning drove her to pursue something more.

A New Chapter in the Operating Room

At the age of 40, Emily decided to go back to school to be a surgical tech. Not long after she was accepted into the surgical tech program at Southeast Community College, Bryan Health began its own surgical tech pathways program, which not only puts individuals through the schooling they need, but gets them hands-on experience right away. Emily jumped at the opportunity.

“That’s the best part about the program,” Emily said. “Because while everybody else is learning by clicking slides and getting clinical maybe one or two times a week, we’re here engulfing our students in the job Monday through Friday.”

Emily began working in her current position as surgical tech in December 2023 through the pathways program. She graduated from the program in December 2024 and already has her sights set on her next goal: getting her first assist certification.

Coming Full Circle

The irony of where her career has ended up isn’t lost on her. Despite having graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in youth and family ministry, religion, and philosophy from Midland University, she originally began her college career in their nursing program.

“My dad always gives me a little guff, saying ‘Look where you are now,’” Emily said with a laugh. “But health care just didn’t feel like my calling at the time.”

Instead, Emily discovered her calling was to support those around her. Whether she’s soothing nervous patients, mentoring new staff or simply bringing in homemade cinnamon rolls to lift spirits, Emily’s heart for service is reflected in her actions.

“Emily is one of the hardest working people I know,” Caitlin Jones, surgical services manager, said. “If we need somebody to stay late, we usually don’t even have to ask. She’s one of a kind, and we are so glad we have her.”

Beyond the Scrubs

Emily’s passion for serving others extends beyond the operating room walls. As a devout mother of two and church volunteer, Emily also finds time to pick up some house cleaning gigs on the weekends, bake goodies for family and friends, and even serve as state treasurer for the Nebraska Surgical Tech Association. 
 
Despite her busy schedule, she remains committed to each endeavor, pouring the same passion she brings to work into every role – not without the support of her colleagues, Emily is always quick to add. They rally around her, helping cover shifts so she can be present for her son’s high school senior year milestones.  

“The team helps me have balance,” she said.

Welcoming Change

That same spirit of growth and service has guided Emily through every chapter at KRMC. From its early days to joining Bryan Health, she embraces change as an opportunity to expand care and reach more patients.

“Rather than fear the change, I think you need to embrace it,” she said. “Our outreach is going to be bigger, our services are going to be better. It’s all meant for the patients.”

With a compassionate heart, drive to learn and dedication to patient care, Emily continues to grow and help others grow with her.