Career Profiles
If you’re considering a career in health care, you’ve probably asked yourself a few big questions: Will I make a difference? Will I have job stability? Will I enjoy the day-to-day work? For Katie Vannoy, a Missouri nurse serving in a rural county health department, the answer to all three is a clear yes.
“I am a people person. I love being around people, helping people and making a difference,” Katie shares.
That passion for connection — paired with the desire for a reliable, meaningful career — led her to nursing. Health care offers something many professions can’t: the ability to build a lifelong career no matter where life takes you.
Today, Katie serves as both a home health coordinator and maternal child health coordinator.
“There is no typical day for me,” she explains — and she means it.
On any given day, she might have the following responsibilities.
Her work extends far beyond clinical care. Through partnerships with schools, programs like Parents as Teachers and local organizations, she brings health education to life in creative ways — from summer “Smoothie-Cise” bike events to community bike rodeos and youth cross country teams.
If you’re someone who craves variety, this might be where health care really shines.
What does she love most about her job?
“I love that not every day looks the same. I get to practice a very wide variety of skills.”
Health care careers — especially in community settings — allow professionals to wear many hats, continuously learn, and directly see the impact of their work on individuals and families.
Like many in health care, the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges.
Working in public health meant being on the front lines of education, prevention and response — often navigating frustration and misinformation from the public.
“Not everyone was so nice … everyone was frustrated,” she recalls.
But through perseverance and a commitment to protecting the community, she and her colleagues continued showing up. It’s a reminder that health care isn’t always easy — but it is deeply meaningful.
Her message to anyone considering this path is simple — and enthusiastic:
“Do it! We need you!”
Health care offers a wide range of career options, including in the following settings.
“It will be hard,” Katie says, “but so worth it.”
As health care continues to evolve, education and access will be key — especially in rural communities.
From addressing misconceptions about vaccines to helping patients navigate complex insurance systems, the role of health care professionals is expanding beyond treatment to include advocacy, guidance and community leadership.
“We will need to find ways to help patients navigate all the changes and challenges,” she explains.
If you’re someone who:
… a career in health care might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Because at its core, health care isn’t just about medicine — it’s about people, connections and making a difference every single day.
