New Surgery Director at Ludington Hospital

Visniski earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Spring Arbor University, and an associate’s degree from Muskegon Community College.

Visniski comes to Ludington from North Ottawa Community Hospital, where he was a registered nurse first assistant (RNFA) during his eight years on the staff. An RN first assistant is the director of the team assisting each surgeon, responsible for producing optimal patient outcomes.

He has focused much of his work in orthopedic and general surgery, two of the mainstays of the surgery department in Ludington. He is also experienced in advanced surgical procedures, important because endoscopy and related techniques are also a key and growing aspect of the work of local surgeons. While at North Ottawa, for example, Visniski helped start that hospital’s robotic surgery team.

He was recruited to his new leadership position by Helen Johnson, VP of patient services and chief nursing officer at the Ludington Hospital. Johnson and Visniski previously were colleagues when both worked in Manistee.

“I have an immensely high regard for Bruce’s skill, knowledge and organizational ability,” said Johnson. “He has a passion for surgery work; we were looking for that strong commitment to carry forward the excellent work this staff has performed over the years. He has a very interesting and varied career that also includes missionary work in Africa.”

“He has established excellent rapport with both surgeons and support staff in his previous roles. We’re very fortunate to be able to attract him to our hospital and I’m confident he’ll be a great team leader for our surgery department.”

Visniski ‘s 30 year career in surgery began with more than six years service as a surgical technologist in the Army. While pursuing his nursing education, the Lapeer, Michigan native expanded his skills as a traveling surgical technologist. In addition to work in Manistee and North Ottawa, he has experience at both Mercy and Hackley hospitals in Muskegon.

Visniski fills the role that opened when Kelly Larr, RN, chose to return to emergency nursing.

Bruce and Mary Beth Visniski have two daughters and two grandchildren. Bruce is an outdoorsman who has hunted throughout the region, including Mason County. He is also an experienced hunting dog trainer, an interest he learned from his father.