Paula has been leading our team of clinical staff at the Cancer Center of Kansas (CCK) for over 25 years as our Director of Nursing, and now the Chief Nursing Officer.
Paula received her diploma as a registered nurse (RN) in 1975 from Wesley School of Nursing, Wichita, Kansas. She joined CCK in 1981 as a treatment nurse. Working closely with the physicians, in particular Dr. Hynes, she gained great knowledge and experience in the field of medical oncology and hematology. She went on to earn her certification in oncology nursing (OCN) in 1986 and made a decision to be committed to the field for the remainder of her long career.
Paula was promoted to Director of Nursing at CCK in 1989, where she began overseeing the nursing operations throughout the entire practice. As CCK grew in size and locations, so too did Paula’s role as the Director of Nursing. She continued to adapt, learn and expand her knowledge to be able to lead the clinical staff during so many years of growth until her role changed and she became the Chief Nursing Officer. Through her leadership, she has earned the respect of all who work with her, including the CCK physicians, staff and patients.
Paula has always remained active in the oncology field in our community and beyond, making presentations to cancer support groups, and serving as a Board member of Victory in the Valley, a local non-profit cancer patient support organization here in Wichita, KS. Paula also serves on a number of Nursing Advisory Boards, and enjoys speaking on advances in oncology. She has been a member of Oncology Nursing Society for over thirty years, an organization committed to excellence in oncology nursing and quality cancer care. In 2016 she was honored with the Nursing Health Care Hero award by Wichita Business Journals for her contributions to improving health care in Wichita and surrounding areas while showing commendable performance in her patient care and satisfaction, going above and beyond the normal call of duty. With her unique experience spanning over three decades, Paula’s oversight, leadership and hard work have been an invaluable asset to the growth and success of CCK.
