Christensen Helps Make an Impact Behind-the-Scenes at MRHC

LeeAnn Christensen

LeeAnn Christensen“When people think of healthcare, they often think of nurses, doctors, etc. – but there is so much more that goes into our patients having the best experience possible,” shared MRHC Revenue Cycle Director, LeeAnn Christensen, MHA.

Christensen and her team have an integral role at MRHC as the revenue cycle is the first and last encounter for a patient in a healthcare setting, whether it’s walking in the doors to register, calling to schedule an appointment, billing insurance, and everything that comes after patient care is done.

“There are so many talented and knowledgeable staff who are needed in the revenue cycle, and a lot goes into it,” said Christensen. “From registration to coding, billing, and patient billing, having our key players with the right personalities, certifications, and schooling is vital for our patients and MRHC.”

A local to the area, Christensen graduated from IKM, received her associate degree from DMACC in Carroll, and worked as a CNA at the Manilla Manor during college. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix she worked at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan as a Medicaid biller. She then moved to Omaha and held a variety of positions at The Nebraska Medical Center, gaining more revenue cycle experience. Once she completed her Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Clarkson College, she was ready to be back in a rural area.

Christensen moved home after accepting a night ward clerk position at MRHC in 2013. She soon transitioned to an administrative assistant at MRHC and eventually came back to the revenue cycle, working in various positions as Chargemaster Coordinator, PFS Coordinator, Patient Access Manager, and Privacy/Compliance Officer. In 2021, she began her current role as the Revenue Cycle Director.

“MRHC has helped me grow, and I am extremely thankful for all the opportunities I’ve had at MRHC to gain knowledge in a variety of departments. My experience has given me a great, well-rounded base in my journey to get me where I am today,” said Christensen. “MRHC adapts as the industry changes and looks within to see how to utilize the great staff that is here. Having the support and encouragement to keep learning and growing is something that I very much appreciate!”

“LeeAnn’s vast background in healthcare and tremendous work ethic make her an extremely valuable asset to MRHC that we are lucky to have,” shared Chief Financial Officer, Amy McLaughlin, CPA. “She has an eagerness to learn and a desire to make herself and the teams she leads grow and improve daily.”

In addition to gaining experience within various aspects of the healthcare setting and having the opportunity to grow in her career, Christensen also values being able to work close to home.

“MRHC offers flexibility and promotes a work-life balance that is very hard to achieve, especially in management/supervisory roles,” Christensen points out. “We all agree, family comes first, and that message starts at the top of the organization. Being able to work so close to home in this type of role is something I am grateful for. I can take kids to their appointments, events, and be right there for the unexpected. Knowing I’m only a few minutes away from them during the day is great!”

She also recognizes that it is especially important in healthcare to be surrounded by a good group of people in a positive team environment.

“MRHC has taken huge strides in promoting a positive, supportive, and uplifting team environment and we can see it throughout the facility,” shared Christensen.

Christensen also points out that every role in the healthcare setting is equally important and makes an impact.

“I really like knowing that my work at MRHC helps take care of those I love and who mean the most to me,” said Christensen. “Helping my friends, family, and loved ones is priceless. I know I can make an impact on them, even if it’s behind-the-scenes. I want to remind people that there are quite a variety of roles in different areas for those who want to work in healthcare but not on the clinical side.”

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

MRHC Helps Individuals Ease into Retirement

Thrive close to home

As it has become more common for semi-retired or retired individuals to choose to continue working in a part-time or less intensive role, MRHC has taken notice and taken action to accommodate this emerging trend in employment.

“This is a great way for individuals to transition into retirement as well as retain and attract high-quality staff who might want to cut back on working full-time, eliminate travel, or simply remain connected within healthcare. And it has been a win-win for us,” said MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA.

This is the case for Nancy Danner who worked as a registered nurse for 27 years in the Carroll County area, a Certified Physician Assistant for 16 years in Manning, and a Certified Medical Coder at MRHC the last four years. After retiring in August, she has since transitioned to a volunteer position as Senior Health Insurance Information (SHIIP) counselor at MRHC. Nancy Danner drop out

“I will be 70 in October, but I wanted to volunteer for something that was really needed,” Danner shared. “SHIIP helped my husband and I when we had to make Medicare-related decisions and we found the volunteer counselors were very helpful.”

Danner meets with individuals every Wednesday by appointment and provides information to aid in Medicare decision-making.

“I very much like the environment at the hospital, and I feel comfortable with the employees. I am happy to be able to continue to help the people of the Manning area as a SHIIP volunteer counselor,” Danner said.

Three other MRHC employees were able to take advantage of part-time roles as they looked to ease into retirement or take on less demanding jobs but continue to play an important role in healthcare.

Mindi Boyle now works as the Care Coordinator and Discharge Planner at MRHC after working in healthcare for 28 years. Boyle started her career at the Business Office at MRHC and spent 13 years filling a variety of roles at the hospital. After making a career change and receiving her four-year degree, Boyle worked as the Social Services Coordinator at the Manning Plaza for 15 years. Mindi Boyle

“After working for MRHC for 26 years, coming back felt like coming home,” said Boyle. “Working in a hospital setting has allowed me to continue to learn new things, help people, and stay connected in the healthcare arena on a part-time basis. I appreciate MRHC giving me the opportunity to continue working in healthcare and serving patients in a little different capacity than I had previously.”

Even after being away from the hospital setting for 15 years, MRHC staff have helped Boyle’s transition go as smoothly as possible and made it feel like she never left.

“Everyone at MRHC has been so welcoming and helpful. There is a team approach facility-wide to ensure that everyone, employees and staff, are taken care of with the utmost respect and care. We are fortunate to have such a progressive, professional, and compassionate healthcare facility in our community, and I am proud to be a part of that again,” shared Boyle.

Similarly, when Becki Ehlers reached retirement age after working in healthcare for over 30 years, nine of those spent in Admissions at MRHC, two as a receptionist at the Manning dental office, and 18 years as a chiropractic assistant and secretary, she was grateful to find a part-time role at MRHC. After seeing that the hospital needed a screener during the pandemic, she stepped out of retirement. Becki Ehlers

“I wanted to help patients again because I missed being around people.” Ehlers shared. “I liked the options that were presented to me for a retired individual. I enjoy being around people, and I can still help out with my grandchildren and spend time with friends and family.”

Ehlers was able to continue working after her services were not needed as a screener anymore, and she now works part time in the HIM department.

After 48 years in healthcare, Laurie Stein is coming back to work part-time at MRHC as she transitions into retirement. Stein started her career in healthcare in Sac City as a medical assistant before becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) and working in the Manning clinic for 35 years, seven of which she served as a CMA for Nancy Danner. She obtained her RN degree in 2010 and started at MRHC as a surgical and specialty nurse the following year. She obtained her BSN degree in 2013 and has been at the Carroll VA since then, providing primary care and mental health nursing to local veterans.

Laurie Stein drop out photo“I wanted to be closer to home instead of having to drive 20 plus miles one way to work every day,” shared Stein, RN, BSN.  “I thought it would be great to come back full circle to the clinic setting that I originally started at when I first came to Manning.”

Stein will be assisting MRHC transition to their new electronic health record system and working as a nurse as needed in the clinic. Not only is she looking forward to being back at MRHC, she is appreciative of the opportunity to continue working in healthcare with less stress and more time for herself.

“This part-time status will allow flexibility in my schedule so I can enjoy some retirement time such as freedom to travel and more time for volunteer work in the community that I am very passionate about,” Stein said. “I know a lot of the staff at MRHC so I feel that I will fit in well with the team environment, and I am looking forward to working with everyone. I haven’t even started, and I already feel welcome.”

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

Macumber Makes Career Strides at MRHC

Elaine Macumber

When Elaine Macumber and her husband, Jeremia, moved back to Manning, there weren’t any dental assistant jobs available in the Manning community. Having previously worked as a dental assistant, she was interested in continuing her career in the medical field without having to travel out of town, so she took a job at MRHC as a medical records/admissions staff for about a year until moving into materials management. One day, MRHC Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Andersen, called Macumber and ultimately changed the trajectory of her career. Elaine Macumber

“I told Elaine, ‘I think you would make a great nurse and we’ll even pay for you to go to school’, and she did! She is not the only one. We try to mentor and help our employees with leadership development both externally and internally,” shared Andersen, RN, BSN.

Macumber went on to utilize the tuition program at MRHC to complete her LPN and RN education at Western Iowa Tech Community College.

“MRHC has provided me with a lot of career advancement,” Macumber said. “With the tuition assistance, the decision to go to school was easier on me. We didn’t have to worry about the financial obligation that school has with it, and I could focus on learning. Nursing school is a tough schedule anyways and with flexible hours at MRHC I was able to work full-time while in school and it really helped me get through. There are also a lot of great nurses at MRHC who helped me learn quickly.”

Macumber started her nursing career at MRHC working in ER/acute care before moving to the specialty clinic as a staff nurse. She took on additional training in the specialty clinic to be able to mix and administer chemotherapy and perform cardiac stress tests.

“The experience working in acute care and ER was great. I got to see a lot of good teamwork and you get to see a lot and learn from the house supervisors who guide you,” Macumber shared.

Now serving as the Specialty Clinic Manager, Macumber manages staffing and takes care of all specialty clinic provider needs. She will also continue as a clinical nurse in the specialty clinic performing infusions, assisting patients in consultations with the specialty doctors, and educating patients prior to surgical procedures.

“I really enjoy the specialty clinic,” Macumber said. “We have ten different clinics that we assist with, so every day is something different. I enjoy talking with the providers and learning as much as I can from them. I plan to work in the specialty clinic for a long time and we hope to expand our services when the need in the community presents.”

Not only does Macumber enjoy her role in the specialty clinic because of the variety of her work and the ability to continually learn something new, the people also make a big impact.

“I love the team environment here at MRHC, every employee has the patient’s interests at heart,” shared Macumber. “We work together to make our patients’ experience as pleasant as possible and still have fun while we do it.”

Specialty Clinic Services

The MRHC specialty clinic has several specialty doctors that see patients in Manning on a regular basis. Services include cardiology; dermatology; ear, nose, and throat (ENT); infusions; mental health; OB-GYN; orthopedics; pain clinic, podiatry; surgery; urology; and wound care. Visit www.mrhcia.com/events to learn more about the specialty area, the specialist or doctor(s) who provide the clinic, and what day they are available. For more information or to set up a consultation with any of the doctors, please call (712) 655-8100.

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

Tiefenthaler Provides Consistent Specialty Care Across Western Iowa

Kendra Tiefenthaler

When a car accident left a local mother with extensive injuries; significant chemotherapy and radiation treatment resulted in open, non-healing wounds for an area farmer; and non-healing sores on the feet and lower extremities of an elderly gentlemen resulted from the effects of diabetes, the Wound Care team at Manning Regional Health Care Center (MRHC) was able to heal their wounds quickly and effectively.

One integral team member for the Wound Care Clinic at MRHC is Clinical Coordinator, Kendra Tiefenthaler, RN, BSN. Kendra’s role in healthcare has evolved over the years, and she now works as a traveling wound care nurse, providing care throughout Western Iowa clinics, including MRHC. Kendra Tiefenthaler

“My mother had her master’s in health care, and it allowed me to see firsthand how important nursing is and how rewarding health care can be,” said Tiefenthaler. This continues to be true of her healthcare experience as she helps heal numerous patients each year from their open wounds.

Tiefenthaler received her LPN and RN license from Iowa Central Community College. In 2019, she decided to pursue her BSN degree and graduated from Capella University. She has now been a nurse for 12 years and has worked in a variety of healthcare settings including North Central Correctional Facility, St. Anthony Home Health and Hospice, and now serving as the Clinical Coordinator in Wound Care for RestorixHealth.

“Kendra goes above and beyond the call of duty every day, making sure her patients are cared for and that they understand each step of their treatment plan,” said Chelsea Spear, RestorixHealth Physician and Community Liaison. “She is such an essential piece to the wound care clinics, and she prides herself on getting to know each patient within the clinic and community. She always tries to make the day of people around her better.”

Tiefenthaler works at three hospitals regularly, including MRHC, and she fills in at two other clinics as needed.

“Having the opportunity to work at MRHC for three plus years consistently has allowed me to become part of the community,” said Tiefenthaler. “I often feel like I am caring for my own family. Plus, MRHC has a great team environment which allows for good communication and more effective care.”

At the MRHC Wound Care Clinic, Tiefenthaler works alongside Dr. Luong when caring for patients.

“Dr. Luong is an extremely intelligent and caring doctor. Working with him allows our wound care patients to receive excellent and precise care at every visit,” shared Tiefenthaler.

Being a travel wound care nurse allows Tiefenthaler to provide consistent care across multiple locations and help keep care close to home for patients.

“Often times wound care requires multiple visits for positive outcomes,” explained Tiefenthaler. “Having regularly scheduled days in each community has allowed our patients to see a consistent nurse and provider each week while also saving them travel time and expenses.”

“I’m so thankful I was able to go to MRHC for wound care since it’s located in my hometown,” shared a local resident. “I was immediately impressed by Kendra’s genuine concern for my care, her efforts to get answers and help me, along with Dr. Luong’s attention and ongoing wound care treatment. The best thing about the care I received was their genuine care and advocacy.”

As Tiefenthaler reflects on how she has grown in her career, she feels grateful for the role and responsibility she has been trusted with.

“Health care is always evolving and being a clinical coordinator providing a specialty service throughout local western Iowa clinics is motivating and rewarding,” said Tiefenthaler.

MRHC Wound Care Clinic

The MRHC Wound Care Clinic, a recent recipient of RestorixHealth’s Patient Satisfaction Award and Clinical Distinction Award, is dedicated to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in patients with non-healing wounds. The approach to wound care is aggressive and comprehensive, coordinating traditional and advanced therapies and techniques that are proven to reduce healing time and improve healing rates. Since non-healing wounds rarely result from a single cause, the Wound Care Clinic begins with a thorough evaluation and diagnostic testing to determine the underlying cause of the wound. A treatment plan is then developed to give patients the best chance for healing. Most treatments are covered by Medicare/Medicaid, HMOs, and other private insurance.

The MRHC Wound Care Clinic is held every Thursday. For more information about treatment plans, please call 712-655-8100.

About RestorixHealth

RestorixHealth, the nation’s leading wound care solutions company, develops and operates advanced wound healing centers and provides wound healing direct-care services, education, and advanced wound supplies nationwide. Forging strong relationships with their partners, RestorixHealth’s customized wound healing programs and solutions increase the access to care, lower or avoid direct care costs, reduce hospital admissions, improve outcomes, and increase patient and partner satisfaction. For more information, visit www.RestorixHealth.com.

McLaughlin Helps MRHC Thrive

Amy McLaughlin

For Amy McLaughlin, a career in healthcare was never the initial plan. But with the support and resources from Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) and MercyOne, she not only found herself working in healthcare but helping lead a rural hospital, serving as the Chief Financial Officer at MRHC. Amy McLaughlin

“Healthcare is never something I intentionally sought out, it sort of found me instead,” said McLaughlin, CPA, CHFP. “After moving, I was looking for a career in finance closer to my new home rather than commuting to Omaha. This role just so happened to be vacant and turned out to be the perfect fit.”

McLaughlin graduated from Iowa State University where she received her undergraduate degree in accounting and started her career at ConAgra Foods, working in internal audit, consumer-branded finance, and mergers and acquisitions. After moving to Audubon, she found her way to MRHC in 2015.

“Anytime we can recruit a young finance professional to serve at one of our Iowa rural hospitals is a win,” said MercyOne Network Finance Executive, Sandra Christensen, CPA, FHFMA. “Amy has been no exception to this. She works hard every day to grow in knowledge and expertise to ensure the community has access to great healthcare. We feel so fortunate to have her in the CFO role at MRHC.”

Even though McLaughlin did not have a background in healthcare, MRHC saw potential and gave her the support and resources she needed to succeed.

“MRHC took a leap of faith and invested resources in me to help me gain the knowledge and experience that’s shaped me into the healthcare finance leader I am today,” McLaughlin said. “They have always been supportive of me furthering my education in both finance and healthcare. MRHC paid for the courses and exam to help me become a Certified Healthcare Finance Professional (CHFP), funded my tuition in the IHA Advanced Leadership Academy, and they pay for my Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) and Iowa Hospital Association (IHA) memberships.”

Since McLaughlin is technically an employee of MercyOne and represents the affiliate connection between the two organizations, she is able to benefit from additional resources.

“It’s often overwhelming trying to navigate the intricacies of healthcare finance. Being a MercyOne affiliate and employee has allowed me to tap into their pool of resources and vast areas of expertise when we have questions or need help navigating certain situations,” shared McLaughlin. “It has also allowed me to build a network of other rural CFO’s and finance professionals to bounce ideas off of and share best practices.”

Even with the resources and advantages that come with being a MercyOne affiliate, there have been no shortage of challenges in McLaughlin’s time at MRHC. Rural hospital finances are unique in that you can have increased hospital usage, increase your prices for services, and still lose money due to the complexities of both federal and commercial reimbursement.

“The biggest difficulty we run into is when insurance payers reduce their reimbursement rates. As a Critical Access Hospital, we don’t have a lot of control over what we get paid for the services we provide. We are constantly evaluating what our projected reimbursement will be versus the cost to provide the service,” McLaughlin said. “Unfortunately, at times it forces very difficult conversations and decisions about whether it makes sense to continue to offer something that’s unprofitable. We try to stay proactive and use a forward-thinking approach when faced with reimbursement challenges, but it’s certainly a struggle every year.”

McLaughlin recognizes that healthcare finance is constantly evolving, and she will need to continue to find ways to proactively stay ahead of the challenges that rural healthcare facilities are faced with. But she has been able to help MRHC overcome challenges, find success, and achieve several exciting milestones, including starting new service lines.

“We are continually evaluating and expanding service lines based on our communities’ needs, and I’ve been fortunate enough to aid in the startup of a couple in my time here including Senior Life Solutions, Wound Care, and total joint surgeries,” shared McLaughlin. “It’s always exciting when we get to offer a new service to our patients, especially as there is a lot of behind the scenes work that has to be done first.”

In addition to helping MRHC grow and succeed financially, McLaughlin also enjoys her work at MRHC because of the people.

“There is a fun, energetic, and supportive culture at MRHC, second to none. Everyone here matters, no matter what their role is,” shared McLaughlin. “The people here are so selfless and go above and beyond to serve our patients, the community, and each other on a daily basis.”

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

Blom Advances in Her Healthcare Career at MRHC

Joy Blom

MRHC’s, Joy Blom, has held several different roles throughout her career in healthcare. What started out as working as an LPN on a med/surg and OB/nursery unit, eventually led to Blom finding a home at MRHC and to her current role as Director of Surgical Services. Joy Blom

“While working as a nurse, I utilized the tuition assistance program and went back to school to obtain my RN,” said Blom. “I worked as a charge nurse after I obtained my RN and then took a job as the MDS coordinator.”

Blom worked for the Manning Plaza for 16 years before transitioning over to the hospital.

“I took the Nursing IT Coordinator position but also cross trained to the ER and surgery departments, helping in those areas when the need arose. Then, in 2020, I took the job as Director of Surgical Services,” said Blom.

Not only has Blom been able to advance in her healthcare career, but she is able to do so ‘close to home’, something she is grateful for.

“I enjoy having a job close to home so I can spend time with my family and attend my kids’ events,” shared Blom. “I really like the people I work with too. They are like a second family to me.”

Blom attributes her career growth and success largely to her fellow employees and MRHC in general.

“MRHC has an encouraging, supportive, and excellent team environment.” Blom shared. “Everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand to ensure the best outcome for our patients.”

As Blom continues to advance in her career, she has big goals, not only for her future but Manning Regional as well.

“I hope to continue to gain knowledge in the surgery area and continue to expand the surgical services we offer,” Blom said.

In addition to general surgeries, MRHC has expanded their surgical offerings throughout the past few years. Total knee replacements and ear, nose, and throat procedures, in addition to outpatient surgeries in the areas of hand and microvascular, gynecology, urology, podiatry are performed in Manning.

“We are proud of our surgery department and have had an increased focus on providing a wider variety of procedures at MRHC,” said CEO Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “Attracting specialists to rural Iowa is often difficult, however we continue to be strategic in recruiting providers who can perform the services our patients need. Our patients appreciate having their outpatient procedures performed closer to home.”

To learn more about the outpatient procedures offered at MRHC or for a current list of job openings, visit www.mrhcia.com or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

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.

Dickson Takes Advantage of Career Opportunities at MRHC

Shelby Dickson

Shelby DicksonMRHC Registered Nurse, Shelby Dickson, is grateful for the opportunity to thrive in a career close to home and make a difference in healthcare. Even at a young age, Dickson knew she was meant to work in the medical field.

“I went to school for radiology and soon realized that I wanted to be involved in the problem-solving piece of patient care,” said Dickson. “I chose nursing because there are so many areas you can work in as a nurse. After getting my CNA and working as an aid on a Med/Surg/Peds floor, I found out that I loved patient care and that it was where I wanted to be.”

Dickson continued with nursing school at DMACC in Carroll and graduated in 2009. She worked in Med/Surg/Peds at Saint Anthony Regional Hospital until 2014 and then worked at a private clinic in Carroll for a year before accepting the health coach position at MRHC.

“At MRHC, employees can potentially wear a lot of hats, and I always took that as an opportunity to learn more and be helpful,” Dickson said. “As the Health Coach, I was a resource for the clinic nurses, so I continued to learn more about the clinic processes which has brought me to the position I am in today.”

Dickson has continued to advance in her career at MRHC and now works as the Clinic Director.

“MRHC has given me opportunities to learn and advance in my career. When the Clinic Director position opened, I had learned enough about the clinic that I was ready to take on a challenge and move up,” she said.

Dickson attributes her ability to advance and excel in her career partially to the management team at MRHC.

“Linn [Block] is always suggesting leadership classes and workshops to help me learn how to be an effective leader. Many managers have been supportive to me when it comes to new obstacles. There is always someone ready to listen and help guide you,” Dickson said.

Even when the pandemic presented new challenges, Dickson felt supported and empowered to make important decisions for staff and patients.

“Administration is always listening to my ideas, and we talk a lot about empathy here – putting yourself in the patient’s shoes. Keeping patients at the center of every decision we make benefits patients,” said Dickson.

The MRHC management team recognizes Dickson’s value to the hospital as well as how she has made significant changes to benefit patients and make the clinic an overall good place to work.

“Shelby has showed continued growth in her ability to lead our Family Practice Clinic, and she is well respected by the team,” said MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “Shelby sees her role as ensuring our community has convenient access to quality, primary care providers.”

As for the future of her career, Dickson is eager to continue to advance in her education as well as grow in her role at MRHC.

“I love the people that I work with and the mission of the hospital. I hope to get my bachelor’s degree and take on more responsibilities here at MRHC.”

For a list of current openings or to apply at MRHC, go www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

Paul Heiman Finds a Home at MRHC

Paul Heiman, employee at MRHC

Paul Heiman, employee at MRHCAfter serving in the United States Marine Corps for four years, MRHC employee Paul Heiman worked several manual labor jobs before he decided to go to college and get his degree.

“I wanted to either study business or nursing but ultimately chose business and graduated with honors from Western Iowa Tech in 2012,” said Heiman. “After graduating, I accepted a job managing a durable medical equipment store. I worked there for five years and then accepted a position at MRHC as a Revenue Cycle Specialist and Patient Services Representative in December of 2017.”

Heiman has continued to advance in his career at MRHC and now works as the Patient Financial Services Coordinator in addition to helping in Admissions and Health Information Management (HIM).

“I started working in Admissions and the Business office equally. After a few months I asked for more and was given some HIM tasks as well,” said Heiman. “Everyone here is very supportive and wants you to thrive to better yourself. Sarah Lorenzen is my supervisor in Admissions, and she has always wanted what’s best for me and encouraged me to strive for it.”

Paul’s everyday approach is patient-centered and he strives to lead with a team-mentality. This is evident in the ways he is always looking to help patients, connects them to the right resources, and seeks to improve processes across departments.

“Paul is very versatile serving in many different areas of the hospital,” said Sarah Lorenzen, MRHC Patient Access Manager. “He is an excellent employee and sets an example to others.”

Not only is Heiman thankful to work for a supportive healthcare organization but one whose leadership inspires and motivates its employees to better themselves and advance in their careers.

“MRHC has a safe work environment and outstanding leadership. This is the best job I have ever had and the people I work with make it even better,” shared Heiman. “I would love to continue to work at MRHC until I retire.”

For a list of current openings or to apply at MRHC, go www.mrhcia.com or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

Blackwell Advances in Career and Education at MRHC

Jackie Blackwell, employee at MRHC

For Manilla local, Jackie Blackwell, healthcare was always the plan for her career path, but she never quite anticipated where she would be today. Jackie Blackwell, employee at MRHC

At the young age of 14, Blackwell began her career in healthcare as an environmental aide at the Manilla Manor. After she received her CNA in 2006, Blackwell worked at the Manilla Manor for one year and then started working full-time at the Manning Plaza in high school during weekends and evenings.

“I liked getting to know the residents – you become close to a lot of them. I knew I wanted to be a nurse, so it was just kind of learning the routine of healthcare and connecting with the residents,” said Blackwell, RN, BSN, CPHQ, who now serves as the Compliance/Privacy Officer and Director of Quality, Patient Advocacy & Risk Management at Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC).

After receiving her RN degree from Iowa Lakes Community College, Blackwell started at St. Anthony’s on the ortho floor, meanwhile continuing to work for the Manning Plaza as needed. In 2012, she started in the Med/Surg department at MRHC and later accepted the OB Coordinator position, eventually going full-time in UR and Quality. As Blackwell experienced various roles throughout the hospital, she grew to enjoy the management side of healthcare.

“I needed my bachelor’s to keep doing clinicals and advance into a management role, so in 2018, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. The hospital paid for that,” said Blackwell.

Blackwell has now found herself advancing in her career as well as her education once again – an accomplishment she attributes to the generosity and support of MRHC.

“Last summer, Linn [Block, MRHC CEO] asked me if I was interested in pursuing my MBA. I was, however, I planned on waiting until my kids were older. I figured I might as well do it now while my kids are young and not in many activities. Now I am in my first year at Nebraska Methodist and should graduate in December of 2023 with my MBA in healthcare. It’s an online program, and I can do my preceptors with Linn right here at MRHC. It’s been good,” shared Blackwell.

Even though Blackwell is a mom and works full-time on top of taking classes for her MBA, she says that the support she receives from MRHC makes it all possible.

“I probably wouldn’t have pursued my bachelor’s or master’s degrees if MRHC had not paid for it. That’s a lot of money upfront,” said Blackwell. She went on to add that “Linn and Michelle [Andersen, RN, BSN, MRHC Chief Nursing Officer] have been great in helping me advance in my career and helping me become a manager. Michelle mentored me a lot when I was on the floor, and Linn always asks how I’m doing in school. If I have a question, we’ll talk about it. All of the senior team really help – they take the time out of their busy days to sit with me and go through stuff so that’s helpful. I have a lot of support.”

Blackwell also credits some of her success to her co-workers as well as the positive team environment at MRHC.

“Everyone is super supportive of each other, and if we know someone has a busy schedule or a huge project that they’re working on everyone is always asking ‘what can I do, can I help you with anything?’ so there is a lot of support and checking in,” shared Blackwell. “Plus, healthcare is a challenge and changing every day. We all have to be adaptable, work together and trust that everyone is trying to do their best right now with things quickly changing, so supporting each other is huge,” she adds.

While healthcare is everchanging and evolving, one constant for MRHC in the past few years has been their leadership.

“Here at MRHC, not only do we prioritize employee satisfaction, recognition, appreciation, and retention, but we also have an ongoing commitment to training and developing our leaders,” said Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA.

Blackwell is not only grateful to work for a healthcare organization close to home, but also one that prioritizes its patients, employees, and families as well.

“I live just eight miles away so it’s nice not having to drive and waste that time away from my kids,” said Blackwell. “[MRHC] is flexible with things like having a sick kid at home and adjusting your hours to a different day. They are a very family-oriented facility and organization, which is important.”

For a list of current openings or to apply at MRHC, go www.mrhcia.com or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.