Nissen Celebrates Over 50 Years at MRHC

Linnet Nissen

Linnet NissenAfter 51.5 years of dedication to Manning Regional Healthcare Center, Linnet Nissen, a recognizable name and face for many current and past MRHC patients, employees, and providers, has made the decision to retire. Nissen was hired at Manning General Hospital in September of 1971 and she recalls how things were quite different back then.

“When I first started, I did switchboard, admissions, and all other office duties,” Nissen shared. “I was hired to do medical transcription for all the doctors and surgeons which was interesting since I didn’t have any medical background or transcription experience. I took typing in high school which consisted of the first semester on a manual typewriter and the second semester electric. I was told to leave blanks on the words I didn’t know, which ended up being a lot. So, I relied on the nurses quite a bit. I would put the tape back in the Dictaphone, run it up to the nurse’s station, and they would tell me what the word was. They later hired a transcriptionist to do that, and I moved into other shifts.”

Since starting her career at Manning General Hospital in the early 70s, Nissen has held a variety of roles and worn several hats throughout the years.

“I have done billing for all insurances, home health care insurance billing, reconciled Medicare, XIX and BC logs for fiscal year end, admissions with scheduling, transcription, and helped with the control center for fire, ambulance, and police when Manning General Hospital had the control center in their business office. We also did rural water and lifeline for a few years,” Nissen recalled. “I liked working with all the departments, but when we moved into our new building in 2014, I wanted to be up front as I enjoy taking care of and talking with our patients. I have known a lot of them for many, many years.”

Throughout her 50+ years at MRHC, Nissen has seen healthcare change and evolve before her eyes. She recalls that the installation of their first computer system was one of the biggest advancements at the hospital during her career.

“I think that was in the middle 80s, and we have probably gone through at least four or five different systems since then throughout my time at the hospital,” Nissen said. “With the upcoming changes for the new computer system and after working for 51 years, I decided it was time to retire.”

As Nissen looks forward to retirement, she reflects on all the relationships she has built with all the people she has met through MRHC.

“I have had a lot of memorable moments throughout the years. All my supervisors have been great, and I have been through it all with several personnel, weddings, graduations, deaths, and many laughs over the years,” Nissen shared.

“Linnet is the epitome of dedication having worked a majority of her life at MRHC,” said MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “She will be missed by so many of our patients and staff and leaves a legacy of kindness, compassion, and empathy for all those she encounters. We wish her health, happiness, and fun in her retirement.”

It’s no surprise that after 51 years, Nissen has grown close to many patients, employees, and providers and finds retirement somewhat bittersweet.

“I think my longevity with working at MRHC has to do with the people and patients and the fact that I really didn’t want to travel to go to work. I raised my three children from the age of three months until they all graduated from high school while working here,” Nissen shared. “I feel I will leave a lot of my heart and soul at MRHC because they have also been a family to me. I will truly miss the patients, families, and employees who have made my job so complete and fulfilling. This isn’t goodbye, it is see you all later. Thanks for the memories…”

To join the MRHC team, visit www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information on current job openings.

MRHC to Focus on Patient Experience in 2023

patient portal

The new year has come with some new opportunities on the horizon for MRHC patients. Throughout the past year, a team of MRHC staff have been working diligently to learn and implement a new electronic health record (EHR) system that will vastly improve patients’ access to care and the overall patient experience.

MRHC has partnered with St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll to implement this electronic record system as St. Anthony has utilized the Meditech My eChart system for a few years now.

“At MRHC, we recognize that our patients’ time is valuable. The new patient portal allows patients to easily access their personal health information online wherever and whenever they want,” said MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “Patients will eventually be able to request appointments, pre-register for scheduled appointments, request prescription renewals, and pay bills online.”

This new system allows MRHC to coordinate care across providers, colleagues, and partners; reduce time lost from data transfers between departments or clinics; and communicate more effectively with patients.

“Our theme for the past few weeks has been ‘pardon our progress’ as we realize that this transition is stressful for staff, and we know that once it is launched it might also be overwhelming for patients at first. However, we know that progress is happening, and the end results will be valuable for everyone,” said Block. “Our goal is to continue improving the patient experience while also encouraging our staff to spend more time with the patient and less time in recordkeeping.”

Oftentimes, hospitals can become siloed, but MRHC recognizes that patients deserve to have one point of access, especially for the services accessed under one roof. MRHC benefits from one integrated record across the hospital, emergency department, and clinics as it eliminates gaps in information when patients are transferred from affiliate hospitals and clinics.

“When we first began the research process to determine which patient portal system to transition to, we were attracted to the Meditech EHR,” said Block. “The fact that St. Anthony was already using this system, their staff could help train our team, and ultimately our systems could talk to each other, was very beneficial for our patients and staff. Plus, if a patient wants to receive care at MRHC but is typically seen at St. Anthony, we will now be able to access those records upon the patient’s request, and vice versa. This improves our regional healthcare system and enhances the patient’s healthcare experiences close to home.”

Some of the additional features patients will have access to include requesting appointments; checking in for upcoming appointments; communicating with providers; paying bills online; and viewing visit history, discharge instructions, lab results, radiology reports, their health summary, allergy and medication listings, immunization records, and outstanding balances.

This system also allows patients to keep the most important people in the loop by connecting with providers and giving authorized family members access to their important health information within the online portal.

The go-live date for the online portal is planned for February 15, 2023. To register for the portal, patients are encouraged to set-up an appointment and be seen by their provider. Login credentials will be given to patients at this visit. An app is available for the portal and can be accessed from the Apple or Google Play stores where users can search for and download the Meditech MHealth app.

For any appointment after February 1st, patients will need to bring their driver’s license, insurance card, and medication list. Patients are also asked to arrive early for their next appointment as there will be new forms to fill out for the portal.

Is it a cold, the flu or COVID? How to Combat Seasonal Illnesses

seasonal illness

While many people may think seasonal illnesses are worse around the holidays, flu season actually peaks in February. Since we are not quite in the clear yet, here is some important information from Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) to educate you about and prepare you for seasonal illnesses as well as some tips to help prevent illness.

According to MRHC Infection Preventionist, Jill Arp, influenza numbers are continuing at a steady pace. Common symptoms of the flu usually come on suddenly and include some or all of the following:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills are common and typically last three to four days
  • Aches are common and often severe
  • Chest discomfort and cough are common and can be severe
  • Sneezing, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose can sometimes occur
  • Muscle or body aches are common and can be severe
  • Headaches are common
  • Fatigue and weakness are common
  • Some people experience vomiting and diarrhea, but it is more common in children than adults

“To help protect yourself, it isn’t too late to get your flu shot,” says Arp, RN, BSN. “Doses are available at MRHC until the end of March, we just ask that you call ahead so we can be prepared.”

Complications from the flu are possible and can range in severity. According to the CDC, moderate complications can include sinus and ear infections, while serious complications such as pneumonia can result from either the flu virus infection alone or from co-infection of flu virus and bacteria. Other possible serious complications can include inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissues and multi-organ failure, including respiratory and kidney failure. Flu virus infection of the respiratory tract can trigger an extreme inflammatory response in the body and can lead to sepsis.

The flu also can make chronic medical problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic heart disease may experience a worsening of this condition.

People at Higher Risk from Flu

Anyone can get sick with the flu, but some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick. Those 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and children younger than five years old are at the highest risk, according to the CDC.

Warning Signs for Flu Complications in Children

When we’re sick, it can be difficult to know when a visit to the doctor is necessary, especially if it’s a child. Be aware of these warning signs and if your child displays any of the following, seek medical attention as soon as possible:

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish lips or face
  • Ribs pulling in with each breath
  • Chest pain
  • Severe muscle pain (child refuses to walk)
  • Dehydration (no urine for eight hours, dry mouth, no tears when crying)
  • Not alert or interacting when awake
  • Seizures
  • Fever above 104 degrees that is not controlled by fever-reducing medicine or any fever in children younger than 12 weeks
  • Fever or cough that improves but returns or worsens
  • Worsening of chronic medical conditions
Warning Signs for Flu Complications in Adults
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  • Persistent dizziness, confusion, and inability to arouse
  • Seizures
  • Not urinating
  • Severe muscle pain
  • Severe weakness or unsteadiness
  • Fever or cough that improves but returns or worsens
  • Worsening of chronic medical conditions

“It’s important to remember that if you or your child has a chronic health condition, are experiencing a persistent high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, or the inability to keep any food or fluids down, it is more important to see your doctor sooner rather than letting it run its course,” advised Arp.

Common Cold Vs Flu or COVID-19

Especially at the beginning of an illness, it can hard to tell whether it’s just a common cold, the flu, or COVID. Here are some key differences to look for.

Common Cold Symptoms
  • Symptom onset is gradual
  • Fevers and headache are rare
  • Slight aches are possible
  • Chills are uncommon
  • Sometimes people experience fatigue and weakness
  • Sneezing is common
  • Mild to moderate chest discomfort and hacking cough
  • Stuffy nose and sore throat are common
COVID symptoms
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

If you or a loved one test positive for COVID-19, it is important to watch for these emergency warning signs and seek medical attention if these symptoms are present:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
People at Higher Risk from COVID-19

While anyone is at risk of getting COVID, older adults, people with certain underlying medical conditions (including infants and children), and people who are pregnant are at higher risk.

Like the flu, COVID-19 can also lead to a variety of health complications including:

  • Pneumonia
  • Respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome (fluid in the lungs)
  • Sepsis
  • Cardiac injury (for example, heart attacks and stroke)
  • Multiple-organ failure (respiratory failure, kidney failure, shock)
  • Worsening of chronic medical conditions (involving the lungs, heart, or nervous system or diabetes)
  • Inflammation of the heart, brain, or muscle tissues
  • Secondary infections (bacterial or fungal infections that can occur in people with flu or COVID-19)

“To help protect yourself and others from sickness this winter, wash your hands often, get your immunizations, get enough sleep/rest, eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids, and stay away from those who are not feeling well,” shares Arp.

If you are not feeling well, MRHC offers convenient clinic hours and same-day appointments for minor illnesses. Call (712) 655-8100 to schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

Vitito Thrives as Nurse Practitioner at MRHC

Sara Vitito

Sara VititoManning Regional Healthcare Center’s Family Practice Clinic provider, Sara Vitito, ARNP, knew she wanted to work in healthcare for as long as she can remember. When a position became available at MRHC, Vitito jumped at the opportunity to practice in the community she lives in.

“My mom is a nurse practitioner and inspired me to be the provider I am today,” Vitito shared. “Practicing close to home gives me the ability to care for those in the community and establish relationships. And MRHC provides a sense of community. Patients are not just a number here; they are our friends, family, and neighbors.”

After receiving her BSN from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in 2017, Vitito worked as a nurse with CHI-Lakeside, caring for patients in an inpatient setting and ER. She went back to school for her DNP in 2018 at UNMC. During graduate school, Vitito worked at Methodist Health Systems as an ER nurse. When she finished her Doctorate in Family Practice in May 2021, she then took a position at CHI- Bergan as an ER provider. Vitito joined the MRHC team in March of 2022, providing coverage in the ER and offering same-day appointments in the Family Practice Clinic.

“I love seeing different patients every day with a variety of conditions,” said Vitito. “The ER coverage fulfills my love for the ER and the same-day appointments help improve access to care for patients in the community.”

This new clinic appointment structure (launched in early 2022) provides same-day appointments for both established and new patients who need to be seen for a minor injury or illness.

“This model allows patients to be seen in a clinic instead of being hit with an ER or urgent care cost,” Vitito explained. “I have heard from patients, ‘Wow, I was so happy I could be seen so quickly here in Manning’ and ‘I really appreciate the flexibility in availability to have my children be seen before and after the workday.’ And it has been extremely useful, especially during the cold/flu season.”

Vitito is one of four providers in the Family Practice Clinic who sees patients on a regular basis. The clinic also includes Dr. McLaws, DO, Dr. Luong M.D., and Courtney Rupiper, PA-C.

“Sara has been such a great addition to our clinic team,” said MRHC Clinic Director, Shelby Dickson, RN. “She is always positive and upbeat, and she delivers great care. Plus, her ability to provide same-day access for our patients has really helped improve the care we provide to the community.”

Not only does Vitito enjoy the variety of work she does on a daily basis, but she is also grateful for a supportive team and positive work environment at MRHC.

“We have a fantastic facility to practice in, and I love my coworkers and the team we have here! The providers I work with are all willing to help whenever needed, and the work environment is positive and friendly,” said Vitito. “MRHC has anniversary lunches to celebrate milestones, gifts for nurse practitioner week, provider meals at Christmas, and gifts hospital-wide during the holidays. MRHC also has a Christmas party for all staff to build relationships outside of work. And I have a great work life balance with a flexible schedule.”

For anyone interested in pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner or something similar, Vitito shared this encouraging advice.

“Being a nurse practitioner has endless opportunities. You can work in a big city, rural community, or even teach,” said Vitito. “Take as many clinic or shadowing opportunities as possible to learn what you enjoy, and never be afraid to ask questions because it allows for growth in knowledge. And do not let the amount of schooling deter you! It goes faster than you think.”

If you are in need of a same-day appointment due to a minor injury or illness, call (712) 655-8100. To join the MRHC team, visit www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information on current job openings.