When Michaelle Warner walks into work each day at Ray County Hospital and Healthcare, she brings more than two decades of expertise in Nuclear Medicine—she brings a genuine passion for helping people feel comfortable, informed, and cared for during their diagnostic imaging procedures.
“I must admit the time has flown—it doesn’t feel like 20 years!” Michaelle says.
A Family Legacy of Healthcare
Healthcare runs in Michaelle’s family. Her mom and sister were both Registered Nurses, and it was her sister’s work at a cardiology clinic that first sparked Michaelle’s interest in Nuclear Medicine.
“My sister was in charge of stress tests at a cardiology clinic,” Michaelle recalls. “I followed and job-shadowed the Nuclear Medicine Tech around, and I was hooked. Nuclear Medicine is such a fascinating field, and I love how diverse it is. There are tests to check out the functioning of lungs, hearts, kidneys, bones, GI, and so much more.”
That initial fascination has only grown stronger over her 20-year career at Ray Healthcare.
Expertise Meets Compassion
As a Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) and Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), Michaelle holds the specialized credentials and training necessary to perform advanced diagnostic imaging while ensuring the highest safety standards. But credentials alone don’t tell the whole story of what makes Michaelle exceptional at what she does.
“I have a passion for helping people,” she explains. “I realize some people may be nervous about having a test. So I take my time to explain the procedure and what to expect, and I do my best to make sure they are as comfortable as possible.”
For Michaelle, patient care isn’t about rushing through procedures or treating people as numbers on a schedule. It’s about connection, communication, and comfort.
“I enjoy talking and getting to know people,” she shares. “I believe you can get a high-quality exam AND make the patient feel listened to and comfortable!”
The Diversity of Nuclear Medicine
What excites Michaelle most about her work is the incredible variety of diagnostic imaging procedures she performs. Unlike traditional X-rays or CT scans that show anatomical structure, Nuclear Medicine imaging reveals how organs and tissues are actually functioning at a cellular level.
In a typical week, Michaelle might perform:
- Cardiac stress tests to evaluate heart function and blood flow
- Bone scans to detect fractures, infections, or cancer
- Thyroid imaging to assess thyroid function and nodules
- Renal scans to evaluate kidney flow and function
- GI studies to assess gallbladder function or gastric emptying
- Lung scans for respiratory assessment
“The diversity keeps things interesting,” Michaelle notes. “One day I’m in the outpatient clinic, the next I’m working with inpatient care on Med-Surg, or collaborating with radiology, surgery, or the Emergency Department.”
Part of a Caring Community
After more than 20 years at Ray Healthcare, Michaelle has developed a deep appreciation for the hospital’s collaborative culture.
“RCHH is a great community of people who are willing to help each other out,” she says. “With the diversity of tests I perform, I can be working in different departments throughout the hospital, and there is ALWAYS someone willing to help. I’m so appreciative of the caring nature of this hospital.”
This spirit of teamwork isn’t just good for staff. It directly benefits patients. When healthcare providers work together seamlessly, patients receive better coordinated, more comprehensive care.
Advanced Technology, Local Convenience
Under Michaelle’s expert guidance, Ray Healthcare’s Nuclear Medicine department uses a state-of-the-art GE Infinia gamma camera. This dual-detector system offers advanced imaging capabilities, including SPECT (Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography) imaging.
This sophisticated technology, combined with Michaelle’s two decades of experience, means Ray County residents can access world-class diagnostic imaging without traveling to Kansas City or other major medical centers.
“People don’t always realize how advanced our capabilities are,” Michaelle notes. “We offer a comprehensive range of nuclear medicine procedures, all performed right here close to home.”
What to Expect
If your doctor orders a nuclear medicine procedure, here’s what Michaelle wants you to know:
It’s safe. As the Radiation Safety Officer, Michaelle ensures every procedure follows strict safety protocols. The radioactive tracers used are carefully selected and monitored.
It’s comfortable. Most procedures involve a small injection, followed by imaging with a camera that doesn’t touch you. Michaelle takes time to explain everything and answer your questions.
It’s informative. Nuclear medicine provides unique information about how your organs and tissues are functioning, helping your doctor make accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.
It’s local. You don’t need to travel far from home to receive excellent nuclear medicine imaging services.
Have questions about Nuclear Medicine services?
Call our centralized scheduler at 816-470-5432, Ext. 121
Visit us online at rayhealthcare.org
Ray County Hospital and Healthcare is proud to offer comprehensive Nuclear Medicine imaging services Monday through Friday. Our team is dedicated to providing advanced diagnostic imaging in a welcoming, stress-free environment.
