Her Story
About Katie
Katie Drugacz serves as a Patient Care Technician at ThedaCare in Appleton, Wisconsin, where she is dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care while supporting clinical teams in providing exceptional healthcare services. Her professional background includes previous Patient Care Technician roles with Henry Ford Health in Michigan, as well as experience in memory care, where she coordinated resident activities and fostered meaningful relationships with residents and their families. These diverse experiences have strengthened her clinical knowledge, communication skills, empathy, and ability to thrive in fast-paced healthcare environments. In addition to her healthcare career, Katie is gaining valuable human resources experience through her internship with GAO Tek Inc., allowing her to combine her passion for helping people with a growing interest in employee development, workplace culture, and organizational success.
Committed to continuous learning and professional growth, Katie earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential through the American Red Cross and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Human Resource Management at Southern New Hampshire University, with an anticipated graduation in 2027. Throughout her academic journey, she has maintained outstanding academic performance, earning multiple President's List and Honor Roll distinctions while balancing work, family, and educational responsibilities. She is also an active member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), reflecting her dedication to leadership, academic excellence, and lifelong learning. Her diverse skill set includes healthcare operations, human resources, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud, project management, professional communication, and organizational leadership.
Katie's passion for healthcare was inspired by her grandmother, a nurse whose kindness, compassion, and calm demeanor left a lasting impression on her approach to serving others. That influence continues to shape her commitment to providing respectful, empathetic care and treating every individual with dignity. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Katie actively supports the community by participating in the annual Alzheimer's Walk each October, demonstrating her commitment to raising awareness and supporting families affected by Alzheimer's disease. Guided by the values of family, faith, integrity, and service, she encourages those considering a career in healthcare to pursue it with genuine compassion and a sincere desire to make a difference in the lives of others, emphasizing that a servant's heart and passion for helping people are the true foundations of a rewarding healthcare career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the example set by my grandmother, who was a dedicated hospital nurse and a remarkable Christian woman. She established the highest standard of professionalism, compassion, and integrity that I strive to uphold every day. Her unwavering kindness, calm demeanor, and genuine empathy for every person she encountered continue to guide my approach to both my personal and professional life. In challenging situations, I often ask myself how she would respond, and that perspective reminds me to lead with grace, patience, and respect. Her legacy has inspired my commitment to serving others with compassion and excellence, and it remains the foundation of the values that drive my career.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the healthcare field is to lead with compassion and a genuine passion for serving others. Healthcare is a profession that requires empathy, resilience, and a sincere commitment to making a positive difference in people's lives. While financial stability is important, lasting fulfillment comes from truly caring about those you serve. If you enter the field with a big heart and a passion for helping others, you will find purpose in your work and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are family and faith. My family has always been my greatest source of strength and inspiration, and my faith provides the foundation for how I treat others with compassion, integrity, and respect. My grandmother, a devoted Christian and dedicated nurse, exemplified these values through her kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to serving others. Her example continues to guide my decisions and reminds me that success is measured not only by what we achieve, but by the positive impact we have on the lives of those around us.
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