MRHC 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.
