Cindy Bracht, ADN, RN
Labor and Delivery
I grew up on a small cattle farm in Tipton, Mo., home of the Cardinals, the 5 & 50 Drive-In and the eightball water tower. My summers included giving swim lessons, lifeguarding and sports. After high school, I worked for a local dentist, then an oral surgeon who I assisted in surgeries performed at Boone. The physicians I worked for and my family encouraged me to further my education, so I started night school at Columbia College. I graduated from MACC with my associate’s degree in 1990. My husband Ron, who is a physical therapist, and I moved to Mexico, Mo. and worked at Audrain Medical Center until 1997. I joined Boone Hospital Center after my third child was born. Ron and I live on a farm in Audrain County where we raise meat chickens and South Poll cattle. I have three adult children and two grandsons. I’m a grand-nurse – years ago, I helped deliver the women whose babies I deliver today. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be a great-grand-nurse!
Why did you get into the health care field?
I like helping others during challenging times. My favorite part of maternal health nursing is educating patients and families about the labor process, monitors, medications, and how the body changes, and encouraging and supporting patients during labor and the postpartum period.
What interested you in your particular specialty?
I enjoy the challenge of interpreting the external monitor strips, interventions that will improve the readings, educating parents on newborn physical assessments and assisting with feedings.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
When patients and families are grateful for your help. Patients just need guidance and encouragement. I tell them, “You are so strong, and you’ve got this!” Getting a hug after the delivery is great, notes and cards in the mail affirm your career choice, and a little chocolate never hurts!
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
It can be mentally, physically, and emotionally tiring. We work 12-hour shifts and always need to stay alert and be ready for emergencies.
What has changed in your field since you started practicing?
We have advanced from paper charting to electronic charting. Advanced monitoring systems let us continuously monitor every patient on the floor. We have safety guidelines with medications, devices, and protocols for unit-specific emergencies. But nothing will ever replace the encouragement of your voice, the touch of your hand, sitting with your patient, listening and being their advocate. That will never change.
What do you see changing in the next 5 to 10 years?
Continued advancement in monitoring systems for fetal surveillance will assure fetal well-being. Hopefully, some advancements in AI can improve maternal health by helping us predict complications before they arise.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy getting together with my book club, going to the Lake of the Ozarks, baking cookies with my two grandsons, and watching the Chiefs. I like mowing with my John Deere while listening to country music on my headphones. I volunteer at the American Red Cross Blood Drive. I attend St. Brendan Catholic Church. And once in a while, I assist my husband when one of our cows delivers a calf.
What advice would you give someone looking to become a nurse?
Boone Health has a program where potential employees can shadow a nurse, which is a good way to see what nurses do. Embrace learning on a daily basis – nursing is constantly changing with new procedures, protocols, evidence-based practices, and computer systems. While patient care always comes first, we nurses can sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. Nursing is a physically and mentally challenging career, so we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. On your days off, enjoy family time and dive into hobbies you enjoy.