Nurse Practitioner Makes Personal and Professional Strides at Bailey

Tracy Foster, nurse practitioner at Bailey Medical Center, has been working as a nurse for more than 28 years. Throughout her career, she has held numerous positions, with her current role at The Center for Bariatrics having the most profound impact on her.

Prior to working within the Hillcrest system, Foster worked in homecare and hospice. She later became the program director for Bailey Bariatrics while the program was still fairly new.

After eight years, Foster decided to pursue her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner and worked at Bailey and Hillcrest Claremore during this time. Once she graduated and passed her state boards, Foster learned that there was a nurse practitioner position open at The Center for Bariatrics, which she gladly accepted.

In her role as nurse practitioner in the bariatric program, Foster sees patients on a more individual basis.

“My role is very patient-care driven,” said Foster. “I really enjoy it because I get to welcome the patients into the program. I try to make them feel as comfortable as possible and find out everything that is going on with their health. Undergoing bariatric surgery is very much based on the individual, so I love working with our patients to find out what they need the most. That one-on-one care is what makes our program so successful. Working in bariatrics is truly my passion and such a rewarding experience. I’m so glad there was an opening here when I finished school. This is an incredible program and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

The welcoming family atmosphere at Bailey is what Foster appreciates the most.

“There is a team approach to everything and I’ve always felt very comfortable here,” said Foster. “Everyone treats their coworkers like family. Whether it’s someone that you work closely with every day or it’s someone you’re passing in the halls, there’s always a friendly face around.”