Why I Came, Why I Stayed: Darcie Consbruck took a chance on Methodist 22 years ago. She’s honored and proud to still be part of the team

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.

Darcie Consbruck, MSN, RN
Progressive Care Unit Service Leader
Methodist Hospital

Tell us more about yourself and your background.

I’m the service leader for Progressive Care (6 North) at Methodist Hospital. I’ve been in my current role since 2021, and I’m honored to continue working with this team that I’ve been part of for the last 22 years. 

My career at Methodist started shortly after I graduated from high school and moved to Omaha. I always knew I wanted to work in health care but wasn’t sure which field. I hoped that getting my foot in the door would present some wonderful opportunities – and it did! I’ve been very fortunate and lucky to be on my current career path. I started working in the access center 22 years ago, then as a unit secretary on Progressive Care, which eventually led me to going to nursing school – one of the best choices I could have made. 

Working at Methodist allows you to experience different types of nursing while staying within the health system. I’m grateful to have started my nursing career on the Progressive Care Unit (which was then on 8 South), transitioned to Methodist Women’s Hospital in the OB/GYN Unit and come back to Methodist Hospital as a bed coordinator while working PRN IV team, PRN Progressive Care and at a private practice clinic. In 2019, a great opportunity opened, and I became the night team leader for Progressive Care and Med/Surg before I moved into my current role.   

I grew up in a small farming community in central Nebraska. I visit my family often and still enjoy the fun small-town events. I love to travel, go to concerts, take walks outside and spend time with my family and friends. 

Why Methodist? What attracted you to the organization?

I’d been living in Omaha about a year when I realized it was time to try to figure out what my career path might be. I was always interested in health care, so I decided to apply for any job at a hospital. When asking friends about hospitals in town, one of them mentioned Methodist. That was all it took for me to apply. I applied for a medical records job and received a call saying that job was no longer available, but they asked me if I’d be interested in the access center. I’m so glad they offered that to me because I wouldn’t be where am today without that start. I knew starting my career at Methodist would lead me in directions I never thought of, and it’s been a fun ride. I knew immediately that this would be a place I would stay for a long time. The culture at Methodist is welcoming and really encourages you to do your best for yourself and your patients. Everyone is so friendly and kind. Even when I first started, I knew I could call any unit or the house supervisor for help. 

What is it about Methodist that keeps you coming back?

I’m proud to be part of the team at Methodist. We’re patient-driven and give our best care from evidence-based practice. We teach and educate. We support one another. We really are The Meaning of Care. 

Over the years, I’ve built solid relationships with peers and colleagues who have helped me continue to learn and grow in my own career, and I hope I’m doing that for others. I truly love being nurse. It’s an honor to care for patients and their loved ones, and it’s an even bigger honor to work alongside those here at Methodist, but especially on the Progressive Care Unit.

Methodist does a great job encouraging us to further our education and careers. I was fortunate to have received the sponsorship for the ACE Nurse Program at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) in 2009. In 2018, I graduated with my MSN nurse executive degree through the program at NMC. There are so many opportunities that Methodist offers to further your knowledge and your career. We are a Magnet hospital, which really sets the standards high. We’re able to meet and exceed those standards, and that sets us apart from other hospitals. 

I stay because of the people and the care we provide our patients. The teamwork at Methodist is astonishing. Someone is always willing to help you and encourage you.

What’s a favorite memory of your time at Methodist?

My favorite moments in my current role are when we get to celebrate our team through team or individual awards. I also love when patients and/or their families reach out to tell us what a difference we made in their lives. It really reinforces why we do what we do and the true difference we make for another person and their life. 

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

I would have to say that those I worked with years ago who encouraged me to go to nursing school made the most impact on me. I needed that confidence boost, and my coworkers were right there for me. I thank them for that. With being able to experience different jobs here at Methodist, I’ve been able to find a mentor and role model in each place, whether it was a charge nurse, house supervisor, service leader, service executive, CNO, my peers, my preceptors or colleagues working in other departments. We all bring something special to the table that helps us give the best care we can give to patients, their families and to each other. 

There is something magical about this team I’ve been a part of in one way or another for past 22 years. The care that this team provides, not only to the patients but also to each other, is impactful and a lot of fun. I admire this team, and I’m so proud to be here.