Andersen Fulfills Her Passion for Rural Healthcare at MRHC

Michelle AndersenMRHC Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Michelle Andersen has always wanted to help people, making her career choice of going into healthcare an easy one.

“I was a CNA in high school and college, went to nursing school, and obtained my associate degree in nursing right out of high school,” said Andersen, RN, BSN, “I was armed with my RN degree at the ripe age of 22, ready to begin making a difference in the lives of patients.”

Andersen began her nursing career in Manning at MRHC. After having children, she switched to PRN status, worked in long-term care as a resource nurse, did travel nursing, and served as the nursing adjunct clinical instructor for nursing students. Once her children were in school, she returned to MRHC full-time and continued to teach clinicals.

“I enjoyed clinical instruction with the next generation of nurses,” Andersen said. “I have had many great mentors over the years who have helped me become the nurse I am today. I understand the importance of leadership roles and their impact not only on employees but also the patients we serve.”

With a desire to grow into a leadership role and help future nurses, Andersen went back for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2008. After completing it in 2011, she became the Inpatient Director of Nursing at MRHC. She eventually took on outpatient nursing services as well and became the Director of Nursing. Finally, in 2019, Andersen accepted her current role as Chief Nursing Officer.

“I was always encouraged to seek education and advancement at MRHC. Through our tuition reimbursement program, I was able to take health coach courses and become certified to better understand transitions in care as well as obtain my BSN,” said Andersen.

Andersen continues to ensure that new nurses at MRHC receive additional training and have a mentor to turn to as they transition from nursing school to the frontlines of nursing.

“Rural healthcare has always been my passion,” Andersen shared. “Here at MRHC, it is important for us to develop our leaders, encourage professional growth, mentor our young employees, and pay for schooling with our tuition reimbursement program.”

Not only is Andersen continuing to help all employees grow and advance in their careers at MRHC, but she is also working to position rural healthcare to have a successful future.

“Michelle was recently accepted into the nationally recognized Rural Hospital CNO Certification Program,” shared MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “She will have the opportunity to build on her many years of hospital leadership experience and help prepare MRHC for the continuing challenges we face in rural healthcare.”

For a list of current openings or to apply at MRHC, visit our Join Our Team page or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

MRHC to Host Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond Event

Pregnancy options at MRHC

Are you a new parent, expecting a baby, or planning a pregnancy? Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) has partnered with St. Anthony Regional Hospital and McFarland Clinic to host a Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond event on Tuesday, April 5th from 4:00-6:00p.m. at MRHC.

The event encourages current, expecting, and future parents to learn more about the partnership between MRHC, St. Anthony, and McFarland Clinic who provide a seamless pregnancy, delivery, and newborn care experience close to home.

“Here at MRHC, we continue to offer prenatal care to those in our rural areas even though we aren’t delivering babies in Manning. It gives our patients an opportunity to stay close to home and still receive quality care,” shared MRHC Clinic Director, Shelby Dickson, RN.

The partnership with St. Anthony’s allows mothers to receive prenatal care at MRHC, deliver at St. Anthony’s with Dr. McLaws, and then continue to receive post-natal and newborn care in Manning following delivery. Thanks to the newly enhanced records systems, the med staff teams at both locations can easily access a patient’s chart as necessary to ensure seamless care.

At the April event, the obstetrics teams from MRHC, St. Anthony’s and McFarland will be on hand to share more about:

  • Pregnancy planning and prenatal care at MRHC
  • Birthing experience at St. Anthony
  • Newborn care, infant safety, and sibling adjustment
  • Infant feeding and nutrition
  • Wellness and specialty care as your child develops
  • Local support resources for new parents

Register in advance for the come-and-go event here and receive a free Halo Sleep Sack. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Pregnancy options at MRHC

MRHC Makes Changes to Enhance Patient Experience

Sara Vitito, ARNP at MRHC who offers same day appointments

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) has made recent changes to improve patient accessibility to providers and convenience of care. Sara Vitito, ARNP, joined the Family Practice Clinic on March 8th with the intention to offer more same-day appointments.  Sara Vitito, ARNP at MRHC who offers same day appointments

“We have seen an increase of the need for same day appointments, so we are changing the model of our Family Practice Clinic to accommodate these demands,” shared MRHC Clinic Director, Shelby Dickson, RN. “This new structure will allow our primary care providers to focus on their patients, provide more convenient and accessible appointment options with Sara, and improve the overall patient experience.”

Originally from Omaha and now residing in Defiance, Iowa, Vitito is excited to begin meeting patients. She looks forward to caring for local families and providing a continuum of care from birth until the elderly years.

“We are committed to offering the best health care in the region and we hope that these changes happening in our Family Practice Clinic will improve patient care for locals so they may be seen on the same day as making an appointment,” shared MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA.

New Designated Phone Number for Appointments

MRHC has also designated a new phone number for patients to call when scheduling appointments. Patients can now dial (712) 655-8100 to schedule an appointment in the Family Practice Clinic and Specialty Clinics.

This designated phone line provides ease for patients wishing to schedule appointments for regular well-child visits, annual exams, health concerns, or common sicknesses in the Family Practice Clinic, and services including OB-GYN, Orthopedics, ENT, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Clinic, Wound Care, wellness clinics, and general surgery in the Specialty Clinic.

Appointments for rehabilitation services including physical, occupational and speech therapy should still be scheduled by calling (712) 655-2072. Senior Life Solutions can be reached by calling (712) 655-8262. The number for the Recovery Center at Manning Regional Healthcare Center will remain (712) 655-2300.
If you have any questions or concerns about your health or need to speak directly with someone at MRHC, do not hesitate to call the main line at (712) 655-2072.

New Colonoscopy Age Guidelines

Dr. Smith

In the past decade, incidence of colorectal cancer has doubled in people under the age of 50. Given this alarming data, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) has updated its guidelines for colorectal cancer (CRC) screenings.

The new recommendations, published by the American Journal of Gastroenterology, state that screening should begin at age 45 for persons of average risk. The risk is higher than originally anticipated for people from age 40 onward. Today, a 45-year-old has the same risk as a 50-year-old had ten years ago. Routine screenings are still recommended up to age 75, and screening beyond age 75 should be individualized to the patient.

“140,000 new cases of CRC are now diagnosed annually in the United States,” said Joy Blom, MRHC surgery coordinator. “This includes an alarming increase in people younger than age 50. The disease is estimated to account for as much as 10% of all cancer deaths.” Joy Blom

Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined in the United States. This type of cancer is, however, one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance notes that the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer found at the early stage is 90%, compared to 14% for colorectal cancer found at late stages.

Dr. McLaws“As with any cancer, early detection is key,” said Family Practice Clinic Provider, Dr. Douglas McLaws, DO. “That’s why screening tests such as colonoscopies are so critical.”

Screening should be seen as either a one-step process such as a colonoscopy, which allows simultaneous diagnosis and treatment, or a two-step process such as stool-based testing followed by a colonoscopy if positive. Colonoscopies can help identify cancer early, allow for more effective treatment, and detect abnormal growths or polyps which, if not removed, can become cancerous. These screenings are vital as colorectal cancer almost always develops from these polyps. Those who have diseases such as Crohn’s or have a family history of colorectal polyps or cancer should talk to their doctor about being tested earlier.

For individuals with a family history of CRC or an advanced polyp in one first-degree relative younger than 60 years old or CRC or an advanced polyp in two or more first-degree relatives at any age, guidelines conditionally suggest initiating a colonoscopy at the earlier age of 40 or 10 years before the youngest age of the affected relative (whichever is earlier).

“At MRHC, we encourage all of our patients to know their family history and participate in screenings as recommended in order to help identify issues as early as possible,” said Blom.

MRHC’s general surgeon, Dr. Josh Smith, regularly provides colonoscopies at MRHC. The procedure lasts about 30 minutes and patients will need someone to drive them home afterward. During a colonoscopy, the physician can identify pre-cancerous or cancerous polyps (abnormal growths) and remove them during the procedure. Meaning a potential diagnosis – and cure – can occur at the same time.Dr. Smith

“We understand the prep for a colonoscopy can be uncomfortable, but the result of the procedure could allow you to prevent the onset of cancer or begin a treatable and beatable regimen if a diagnosis is made,” said Dr. McLaws.

To schedule a colonoscopy at Manning Regional or talk to one of our trusted experts about colorectal cancer and determine which screening is right for you, please call 655-2072.

What are the Symptoms?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of colorectal cancer include:
·       Blood in or on stools (bowel movement)
·       Persistent stomach pains, aches, or cramps
·       Unknown cause of weight loss

It is important to note that symptoms are not always present in those with colorectal cancer. If you do have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor to help determine the cause.