Meet Laura Steele, RN, the Executive Director at Traditions Health’s (Traditionshealth.com) hospice branch in Lincoln, NE.

Tell us a little about your business. – At Traditions Health, we embrace life’s journey with comfort and compassion as we deliver superior customized hospice care in the place you call home. You receive an individualized care plan that meets your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs promoting the best possible quality of life. You experience open communication that keeps you and your loved ones informed and allows you to make your own decisions to enhance your quality of life. Traditions Health’s high standard of clinical care can lower your risk of emergency department visits and rehospitalizations, allowing you to remain comfortably at home.

How did you get started in the business? – I began my healthcare career in 1993 as a certified nursing assistant in a long-term care facility during summer and holiday breaks while I was in college. After graduating college and graduate school, I worked as an athletic trainer prior to going back to school to become a nurse. Since becoming a registered nurse, I have worked in a variety of clinical settings including hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Each role has brought additional insight into how to provide the best care to our hospice patients.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – The biggest professional challenge I face has been to try and change the stigma of hospice. For many, hospice means their loved one is going to pass away within a week – but hospice care is about living! Comfort and dignity are the anchors of hospice care. Whether the need is physical, spiritual or emotional, we’re here to provide the critical support patients – and their loved ones – need throughout their end-of-life journey.

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – The most important professional achievements are the relationships created with our patients and their families I have worked with over the years.

Tell us a little about your family. – I am the oldest of three. I have two younger brothers, Jason and Jeremy. My mother lives in my hometown of Alexandria, NE, and my father passed away in May 2024. My significant other, Tony, and I have been together for nearly three years. We’re a blended family. I have two children, my daughter Grace, who is in college, and my son Donovan, who is in middle school. Tony has four children – Becky, Chase, Drake and Averie. We also have three dogs – Macy, Sammy and Nellie Jo.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I love to spend time with family and friends. I enjoy spending time at the lake during the summer and finding small-town restaurants to eat at with Tony. When it is cold outside, I enjoy being cozy and sitting in front of a fire.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I have multiple degrees, including a master’s degree in Exercise Science and a Doctor of Education in Adult and Higher Education. I was an athletic trainer and taught athletic training classes prior to going back to school to be a nurse.

Who inspires you? – My parents have always been an inspiration. They instilled positive values, provided support and guidance and a strong work ethic. The team I work with are some of the most inspiring people I have ever met, going above and beyond to take great care of our patients.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Laura.steele@traditionshealth.com | (402) 328-2350 | Traditionshealth.com