Why I Came, Why I Stayed: Kathryn Larson believes Methodist is a 'big organization with a small-town feel'

In “Why I Came, Why I Stayed,” you’ll get to know people who are making a difference every day at Methodist and how they contribute to providing The Meaning of Care.

Kathryn Larson
Secretary/Tech/Greeter
Methodist Hospital

Tell us a little about yourself.

I grew up in southwestern Pennsylvania, where most of my family still lives, including my brother Tom. My dad owned a feed store and bought and sold cattle. My mom mostly stayed at home but also helped in the store. After graduation, I went to school to be a legal secretary and started working in the medical industry, where I have remained. I was a stay-at-home mom for many years while raising three sons, Troy, Eric and Brandon. I’m now a grandma to Lindsay, Blair, Erynn and Zeke. Unfortunately, all but Brandon, Blair and Erynn live far away. I do travel often to see them all. Since coming to Omaha, I volunteered at Hospice House for 16 years and now at the NICU at Children's Nebraska. The best part of coming to Omaha has been meeting a very special person in my life, Steve. We enjoy traveling, outdoor concerts and spending time with family and friends.

What brought you to Methodist?

When I came to Omaha in the summer of 1999, I was offered two jobs – one at Clarkson and one at Methodist. Methodist just seemed like the right fit and felt more like home, so that’s where I’ve been ever since. It’s a big organization with a small-town feel. I worked my first year with a group of orthopedic surgeons and then transferred to the physical therapy department in Papillion. I spent eight years there before transferring to the physical therapy department at Methodist Physicians Clinic – HealthWest, where I stayed until I decided to work as a casual instead of full time. Since going casual, I’ve worked in the outpatient and inpatient therapy departments at Methodist Hospital, Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, the geriatrics department, the diabetes clinic and the HealthWest Aquatic Therapy Department. When COVID hit, I screened for three years at five Methodist locations. That was quite the experience! I now continue in inpatient rehab and aquatics, and I’ve spent time as a greeter in the Methodist Hospital Emergency Department and at the information desks.

Why have you stayed?

I thought many times about leaving Methodist, but then I remembered all the wonderful people I have met and all the great people I have worked with. I knew the grass was not greener on the other side. Nothing is ever perfect, but I learned to appreciate all that Methodist does for the community and the care that’s offered.

Do you have any favorite Methodist moments?

I have several memories from Methodist. I have made lifelong friendships. I’m humbled by the patients I have assisted with on the rehab floor, the progress you see in both the outpatient therapy and aquatic centers, and the excitement and great nursing that I have witnessed in the Emergency Department. All the nurses, therapists and other co-workers all care about their jobs and their patients most of all. I have made friends with a speech therapist, who allows me to come to her home about once a month and play with her two beautiful children.

Have you had a mentor or colleague at Methodist who made a difference for you?

The first therapist I worked with, Lin Pu, was not only an amazing physical therapist but also taught me so much in the eight years I was there. I also appreciate all the help from Madonna Klein. She not only teaches but also is kind and very patient. I appreciate Mary in the aquatic department, as well as Mary, Nora and Kathy in fourth-floor inpatient rehab, for all the help they offer when I work there. Nurses, therapists, registration staff, supervisors and all my co-workers have taught me some kind of lesson.

What should people know about Methodist, its mission and its culture?

The community needs to know that the staff at Methodist cares about the patients and their families. I feel as staff, we all care about each other. I don’t believe you will find better nurses, supervisors, doctors and all the other departments at another health care facility. I came and I stayed because Methodist Health System is The Meaning of Care.