Prior to coming to NRMC, Branstetter was the Long-Term Care Chief Administrative Officer of Moore-Few Care Center/Barone Care Center in Nevada, a 100-bed skilled nursing facility and 40-bed Alzheimer’s disease treatment facility owned by the city of Nevada. “I have had a lot of success in my tenure in helping organizations and employees succeed,” says Branstetter. “One of my goals is to take NRMC to the next level from a good hospital to a great hospital. We have the staff, physicians and technology to do just that. In terms of revenue and the bottom line, I will lead NRMC from its current situation to breaking even, and then start making a profit.”
Additionally, Branstetter will help ensure that high-quality healthcare continues to be delivered and that each patient is treated with respect. He starts this new journey ahead of the game because he knows the doctors and providers in Nevada, and knows a lot of the people here as well. “This is a small town with a lot of nice people and the hospital is a critical part of this community in helping people get and stay healthy,” says Branstetter. “I’m not sure that everyone knows everything that NRMC offers, which means they don’t have to leave town for general healthcare, pre-surgery testing or specialty care – it’s all right here. And part of my job, and all of our jobs at NRMC, is to let people know everything we have to offer.”
Branstetter has built a reputation of and is known for taking on challenges and flourishing, as well as being a strong leader. He took Moore-Few Care Center and Barone Center from three-star facilities to five-star facilities for the last five years in a row in delivering high-quality healthcare to patients. “Plus, I live one mile from the hospital and am very committed to this organization and the community,” says Branstetter. “There is boundless opportunity here, and I don’t plan on slowing down any time soon, so this challenge is greatly welcomed. And working with Freeman and its people is a valuable asset in providing vision and direction.”
Branstetter is realistic in helping to turn things around, coming with the knowledge that the success of NRMC will not be accomplished in a day. He is methodical in his approach, and welcomes ideas and suggestions of his staff and providers. Additionally, Branstetter is known as a caring person who enjoys mentoring people and considers that giving back to the healthcare field and community.
“Throughout his many years in healthcare, Steve has proven himself to be an effective and capable leader, most recently overseeing a staff of more than a hundred,” said Paula Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Health System, the management organization for NRMC. “He is as devoted to caring for his patients as he is to inspiring his employees. Freeman Nevada Regional Medical Center should thrive under his guidance. I believe he is the right person at the right time with the right opportunity.”
Branstetter earned a Master of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation in 1992 from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Ks., and a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies in 1982 from Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. He is licensed by the State of Missouri Board of Nursing Home Administrators.
Branstetter has been married to his wife for 37 years and the couple have two grown children, one an eye doctor and one a lawyer. He is preparing to become a new grandfather and is very excited about the prospects. In his spare time, he enjoys walking his dogs and spending time with his family.
About Nevada Regional Medical Center
Serving a six-county area since 1927, Nevada Regional Medical Center is a 71-bed acute, intensive and skilled care hospital. Nevada Regional Medical Center has earned recognition as a respected regional medical center for its comprehensive health care services, skilled and caring employees and state-of-the-art medical technology. Staff represent more than a dozen medical specialties, including family practice, women’s services, neurology, urology, psychiatry, orthopaedics, wound care services, and general, vascular, thoracic and oncological surgery. Additionally, consultation clinics are held regularly by specialists in oncology, pulmonology, podiatry, ear, nose, and throat and cardiology.
About Freeman Health System
Locally owned, not-for-profit and nationally recognized, Freeman Health System includes Freeman Hospital West, Freeman Hospital East, Freeman Neosho Hospital and Ozark Center – the area’s largest provider of behavioral health services – as well as two urgent care clinics, dozens of physician clinics and a variety of specialty services. In 2019, Freeman earned dozens of individual awards for medical excellence and patient safety from CareChex®, a quality rating system that helps consumers evaluate healthcare providers. The Leapfrog Group awarded Freeman the highest grade possible in the Fall 2018 Hospital Patient Safety Score. With more than 300 physicians on staff representing more than 70 specialties, Freeman provides cancer care, heart care, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopaedics, children’s services and women’s services. Additionally, Freeman is the only Children’s Miracle Network Hospital in a 70-mile radius. For more information, visit freemanhealth.com.