EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. — Excelsior Springs Hospital has welcomed a familiar face to its medical team with the addition of Family Nurse Practitioner Kirstyn LaFrenz, soon to be serving patients at the Express Care Clinic.
A lifelong Excelsior Springs resident, LaFrenz says returning to care for neighbors in her hometown feels like a full-circle moment.
“I grew up here, graduated from Excelsior Springs High School, and my husband and I now live here with our two young children,” she said. “After years of commuting to Raymore and Blue Springs, I knew I wanted to work closer to home and be part of a team that truly feels like family.”
Before joining the hospital, LaFrenz worked for major health systems including the University of Kansas and a cardiovascular clinic in Blue Springs. But it was Excelsior Springs Hospital’s small-town spirit that drew her back.
“When I interviewed here, everything just felt different,” she said. “You see your supervisor every day, you know your coworkers personally, and everyone is committed to helping patients in this community. It really feels like home.”
A Career Guided by Compassion and Family
LaFrenz’s path to healthcare was inspired in part by her grandmother.
“She always told me I’d make a good nurse,” she said with a smile. “She saw the compassion in me before I did. Once I started nursing school, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.”
After earning her nursing degree, LaFrenz spent six years in bedside nursing before completing her master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner. “It’s a different pace, but it still allows me to use those same listening skills and compassion,” she explained. “My goal is to connect with patients, really hear their concerns, and help them feel empowered in their health.”
Helping Patients Take Control of Their Health
At the Express Care Clinic, LaFrenz hopes to be both a provider and a resource.
“I want patients to know they have more control over their health than they might think,” she said. “Sometimes all it takes is education and encouragement. If someone comes in for an acute issue, I also want to help them get established with a primary care provider, schedule routine checkups, and stay on top of preventative care.”
The Express Care Clinic offers convenient, same-day visits for non-emergency concerns and serves as a bridge between urgent needs and ongoing primary care. LaFrenz says she wants residents to feel welcome to visit for anything, from a blood pressure check to advice on managing chronic symptoms.
“Even if it’s just a question, I want people to know they can come in,” she said. “If I don’t have the answer, I’ll help them find the right person who does.”
A Balancing Act: Family, Career, and Community
Outside of work, LaFrenz is first and foremost a mom to her two young children, ages three and one. “They keep me busy,” she laughed. “Being a mom definitely helps me relate to parents who bring their kids in. I know that feeling of worrying if you’re doing the right thing. I always tell parents, if you’re unsure, bring them in. I’d rather check and tell you everything’s okay.”
As she settles into her new role, LaFrenz says her first-year goal is simple: “To become a trusted, reliable resource for this community. I want people to feel confident walking through our doors knowing they’ll be cared for.”
The Express Care Clinic, located at McKeever’s Price Chopper, 1645 Kearney Rd., will be open again on Monday, October 20, 2025 for walk-in visits and appointments for minor illnesses, injuries, and routine health needs.
Hours will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 10:00am-6:00pm (Closed 2:00pm-3:00pm) and Wednesday at 10:00am-2:00pm.
Before October 20th, patients of acute care appointments may be available at our Excelsior Springs Hospital and Lawson Primary Care Clinics. Please call 816-630-6722.
For more information, visit eshospital.org.
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