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.

Rupiper Finds Calling as PA at MRHC’s Family Practice Clinic

Courtney Rupiper

Courtney RupiperAfter debating a career in business or physical therapy, Courtney Rupiper found her calling as a physician assistant and now works in the Family Practice Clinic at Manning Regional Healthcare Center.

“I started working at a local nursing home when I was younger and fell into healthcare,” said Courtney Rupiper, PA-C. “I felt comfortable with healthcare and helping people. When I went to college, I thought I was going to be a physical therapist, but I quickly learned that wasn’t for me. After doing some job shadowing of PAs, I felt like it was something I could do, and here I am.”

Rupiper joined the MRHC Family Practice Clinic as a Certified Physician Assistant in November of 2017. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Northern Iowa and received her PA degree from St. Ambrose University.

“I really enjoy getting to know all the families here at MRHC. And as I grow in my career as a PA, I hope to complete more continuing education so I can be even more help for my patients,” Rupiper said.

In addition to the meaningful work Rupiper does daily, she also values the laid-back feel of working in the clinic, the convenience of working close to home, and the work-life balance MRHC offers.

“MRHC provides a great atmosphere to work in, and I like that you know everyone,” said Rupiper. “It feels like home even when I’m at work.”

Rupiper is one of four providers in the Family Practice Clinic who sees patients on a regular basis. The clinic also includes Dr. McLaws, Dr. Luong, and Sara Vitito who accepts same-day appointments.

“Courtney is a great asset to the MRHC provider team,” said MRHC Clinic Director, Shelby Dickson. “She works hard and always puts a patient’s best interest at the forefront of the care she gives.”

To schedule an appointment with Rupiper, 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.

 

BJ Schreck Celebrates 26 Years in Iowa Air National Guard and Two Years at MRHC

BJ Schreck

BJ SchreckFor life-long Carroll County resident, B.J. Schreck, November 2022 marks 26 years in the Iowa Air National Guard. Schreck held several roles related to F-16 fighter aircraft maintenance early in his career, received his commission to become an officer in 2010, cross-trained in 2015, and has worked in the Communications/IT field over the past eight years. He has been deployed overseas three times, once each to Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq.

While Schreck currently manages a range of responsibilities as the Communications (IT) Flight Commander for the 132nd Wing in Des Moines, he also serves as the Information Technology (IT) Director at Manning Regional Healthcare Center.

“My military experience has provided me with an understanding of the impact teamwork can have in achieving common goals and how each person in an organization can directly impact performance,” Schreck shard. “At MRHC, it’s easy to see how the work we do in our department and the work all our employees do, both medical and non-medical, matters. Much like every role in the military, playing a critical role in National Defense, every position in our hospital plays a part in providing a compassionate, holistic health care experience the community can trust.”

While Schreck has an important role at MRHC as the IT Director, he also has occasional military obligations to fulfill. When he recently had to commit three weeks to his Guard unit in September, MRHC was in the midst of a major project, but he received nothing but support from his team throughout his absence.

“My supervisor, co-workers, and the Senior Leadership Team make it incredibly easy to focus on military obligations while I’m away and provide the resources to get caught back up when I return. They support me and always have,” said Schreck. “And at MRHC, you get to work in an environment where you’re trusted to make important decisions. And you’re supported when the day doesn’t go your way.”

In addition to supporting his military commitments, Schreck also values the flexibility of his job, the convenience of working close to home, and the work-life balance MRHC offers, as he has even more important job titles as a father and a husband.

“MRHC puts family first and allows me to dedicate the time I need to our schedule at home. I’m lucky to work for an employer where I don’t have to miss picking up one of my daughters, miss a game, or not be able to be somewhere,” Schreck said. “I can also leave work at the end of the day and not feel as though I need to take it with me. People here care about the people, not just the position.”

Schreck received a degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) from the University of Northern Iowa and interned in the IT department with American Home Shield after college. After working for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage IT in Des Moines, Schreck returned home to work in a variety of IT positions for American Home Shield for 15 years. He came to work for MRHC as the IT Director in November 2020.

“BJ is a tremendous asset to MRHC and has fit seamlessly into our organization,” said MRHC CFO, Amy McLaughlin, CPA, CHFP. “He is always making patient and staff needs his top priority and is such a reliable and knowledgeable resource for us all.  We are very fortunate to have him leading our IT team.”

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

Carroll Co. Growth Partnership Attends Annual Access Washington Trip

Linn and Dawn in DC
Block and Meyer Voice Area Concerns

By: Pam Kusel

It has been two years since Carroll County Growth Partnership has traveled on their annual Access Washington trip to visit with the Congressional delegation, federal agencies, and others to discuss important issues in Carroll County. COVID-19 and government shut downs kept the group from traveling to Washington DC the past two years. This year, the group brought a full slate of issues to discuss and new faces to experience our nation’s capital.

“I am so thankful for the opportunity to go to Washington DC to advocate for rural healthcare,” said Manning Regional Healthcare Center CEO, Linn Block. “As Iowa saw its first hospital closure this year, the impact of many years of reimbursement pressures will continue to put the future of rural healthcare in jeopardy. MRHC has consistently been a leader in working alongside state and federal policy makers to ensure they understand our challenges as we continue to meet the needs of our community.” Linn and Dawn in DC

Dawn Meyer, Manning City Administrator, said, “We met with all four of the House representatives from Iowa and their staff. We also met with a representative of the Biden administration. We talked about a number of issues specific to Manning. We brought a proposed change for David-Bacon, which is a federal regulation relating to contracts that involve federal money. This is a long-term issue. In the past we have received quick turnarounds, such as the gas line. We also brought up several healthcare concerns; things that are important to MRHC. We felt it was important to support those issues, and Linn (Block) presented very well on that, and we got some good feedback from elected officials.”

Healthcare dominated the trip, being the leading issue brought by private industry. Linn Block, MRHC CEO, asked for continued support and funding of the 340B program, which has a large impact to their bottom line and helping provide healthcare in the Manning area. Both requests were given support from the entire Iowa delegation (four Congressional offices and two Senate offices). Allen Anderson, CEO of St. Anthony Regional Hospital, discussed the importance of the rural demonstration program and the funding support it gives to the Carroll hospital.

Kimberly Tiefenthaler, Executive Director of Carroll County Growth Partnership led the group to DC on her first Access Washington trip. “Access Washington is a phenomenal opportunity for our organization, area businesses, and constituency to bring issues to our nation’s leaders,” stated Tiefenthaler.

The City of Carroll discussed issues regarding the wastewater treatment plant and effluent limitations. This was discussed at all congressional meetings and of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), asking for guidance to solve the problem and help the taxpayers of the city of Carroll. Other issues consisted of volunteer EMS support, transportation infrastructure (four-lane Highway 30), Davis-Bacon, Economic Development Administration reauthorization, and housing rehab. All issues gained the support of the Iowa delegation who were willing to help find solutions.

A highlight of the trip was meeting with Will McIntee, Associate Director of Public Engagement with the Biden Administration. The group met with Will at the Eisenhower Executive Office on the White House Campus, just down the hall from the Vice President’s office.

“We attend this trip looking for help and guidance to solve problems that people and businesses are facing here in Carroll County. Some years, CCGP has accomplished those tasks and some years, we continue to build relationships with the leaders in Washington DC. Either way, this trip is a benefit for the people of Carroll County,” stated Tiefenthaler.

Carroll County Growth Partnership invests in this trip every year and is to be used as a resource and benefit to Carroll County. Any leader or business can bring their issue and attend the trip in the future.

Attendees of the trip were: Kimberly Tiefenthaler, Carroll County Growth Partnership; Rick Hunsaker, Region XII Council of Governments; Dawn Meyer, City of Manning; Gene Meiners, Carroll County Supervisor; LaVern Dirkx, Carroll City Councilman; Mike Pogge-Weaver, City of Carroll; Allen Anderson, St. Anthony Regional Hospital; Linn Block, Manning Regional Healthcare Center; and Matt Meiners, Carroll Co. Growth Partnership.

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.

Danner to Offer Senior Health Insurance Information Services at MRHC

Nancy Danner

Where can I go to find answers about Medicare prescription drug plans? What is a Medicare Advantage plan? My medications have gotten so expensive I just can’t afford to take them all, is there any help?

Answers to these and other Medicare questions can be found by meeting with Nancy Danner, Manning Regional Healthcare Center’s new Senior Health Insurance Information (SHIIP) counselor. Danner is at MRHC to meet with individuals every Wednesday by appointment. Nancy Danner

“We’re so excited to welcome Nancy in her new role as a SHIIP counselor,” said Amy McLaughlin, CPA, Chief Financial Officer at MRHC. “She will be a great resource for individuals turning 65, those who are considering changing Medicare benefits, or for anyone simply wanting to learn more about their current benefits.”

SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa. Danner completed extensive training and shadowing before being certified. In her role at MRHC, Danner will provide information to aid in Medicare decision-making and answer questions related to Medicare itself, benefits, Medicare supplement insurance, Advantage plans, Medicare Part D plans, Medicare insurance claims, and how to guard against becoming a victim of Medicare fraud. She will not provide recommendations for plans or agents but will be able to answer questions and provide impartial information to help residents make informed decisions and assist people who have a limited income.

“The best time to start getting information is before you actually need it, so I recommend at least 6-12 months before someone turns 65 years old,” Danner recommended.

Danner worked as a registered nurse for 27 years in the Carroll County area, a Certified Physician Assistant for 16 years in Manning, and then a Certified Medical Coder at MRHC the last four years prior to retiring in August and transitioning to this volunteer position.

“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 and her husband Rich live on a farm southeast of Templeton and have two grown sons, Chris and Matt.

Anyone interested in making an appointment with Danner can email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com or call MRHC at 712-655-8100. If a client is only wishing to talk on the phone, they may leave their phone number and Danner will return their call.

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.

MRHC Introduces New GE Revolution Maxima CT Scanner

New CT scanner at MRHC

The radiology department at Manning Regional Healthcare Center recently upgraded their CT scanner to the state-of-the-art GE Revolution Maxima. The previous CT scanner was installed in 2010 at the former hospital location and brought to the new facility in 2014. Using new CT scanner

“With the acceleration of technology and the advancement of AI software, our old scanner quickly became outdated making the need for a new CT scanner a top priority,” said Director of Radiology, Linda Croghan, RT (R) (M)(CT)(ARRT). “Upgrading to a new model scanner allows for high resolution imaging, lower radiation exposure, more weight capacity and smart technology to account for specific patient anatomy.”

Previously, some patients had to be referred to other locations to receive CT services due to the aging technology. “With this new machine we have not had to refer anyone to other facilities in order to receive higher-quality scans,” said Croghan.

The new system also improves patient position accuracy and simplifies the entire patient set-up process by providing one-click, hands-free detection and automation.

The new scanner also reduces noise, decreases patient breath hold times, reduces time in the scanner, accelerates exam time from start to finish, reduces patient dose, and decreases contrast quantity. It improves the exam quality on patients where hardware (such as joint replacement) is present with metal artifact reduction software.

One of the unique features the CT scanner offers is the ability to the demonstrate the scan process to those who speak a different language or young children who may not understand directions or what is being asked, making the process more convenient for all who use the services.

“With this new scanner, we are able to deliver more personalized and comfortable care due to hands-free operation,” Croghan said. “Our plan is that once we become fully staffed we will begin to offer early detection cancer screenings.”

MRHC is offering a $10,000 sign-on bonus for a radiology technologist to start immediately. The qualified candidate will have a permit to practice radiography in the state of Iowa, be a graduate of an AMA-approved radiologic technology program, and have a current certification as a radiographer ARRT-R. To learn more about this position visit www.mrhcia.com/careers.

Reverse those Winter Blues

Amy Hull, licensed therapist at MRHC for Senior Life Solutions

By: Amy Hull, LISW (Therapist with Senior Life Solutions) Amy Hull, licensed therapist at MRHC for Senior Life Solutions

As we continue into the long days of winter, I am reminded that so many of us face challenges: some because of the cloudy, cold, and grey days which trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Others because they face depression year-round and find the absence of loved ones difficult while having to pillage through snow, ice and frigid cold to travel. In addition, we are also navigating the protocols and restrictions of COVID, feeling political unrest, and learning how to make socially sensitive changes so that all members of our nation feel that they are accepted and valued. Much of this causes confusion, uncertainty, and isolation (spiritually, emotionally, and physically) for all ages, from our developing youth to the mature members of our community.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of clinical depression is helpful so that you can seek additional help from your primary care physician or contact a therapist/psychiatrist to manage the need for psychotropic medications.

Clinical Depression includes five of the following symptoms:

  • Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating or thinking
  • Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, sadness, or numbness
  • Irritability
  • Reoccurring thoughts of death
  • Diminished interest in once pleasurable activities
  • Significant weight loss or overeating
  • Sleeping too much or too little

It is important to catch these symptoms early. If you are having at least two or three symptoms, ask for help immediately rather than trying to manage it alone and waiting. Seeking assistance early can prevent depression from progressing, and it can resolve the issue much quicker than if you allow the symptoms to become entrenched and multiply.

When faced with symptoms of depression, I encourage my patients to do the opposite of what depression is telling them. Feelings of depression often suggest that you should stay isolated, avoid socializing, eat more or less, sleep more, or avoid activities you once did. However, it is important that we connect with our friends and family using any means available including phone calls, Facetiming, sending care packages, or hand-written cards. One can’t help but feel good by engaging in activities that they once enjoyed, serving others through volunteer work, or simply helping a neighbor.

A few ways to counteract depression and sadness include helping others, exercising, interrupting or stopping negative thoughts, and getting fresh air and sunshine. These options will help you find the joy you once had both in activities and in interacting with others.

MRHC Wound Care Clinic Receives Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Distinction Awards

MRHC Wound Care Clinic Receives Awards

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to announce the Wound Care Clinic is a recipient of RestorixHealth’s Patient Satisfaction Award and Clinical Distinction Award. Recipients of these awards meet or exceed national patient satisfaction and quality benchmarks over a set period. The Clinical Distinction Award also acknowledges exceptional success in wound healing rates and safety goals.

“This achievement reaffirms our commitment to the patient experience and the quality of care that our Wound Care Clinic provides its patients every day,” said MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “We are proud to be a recipient of two awards that recognize the hard work and dedication of our staff.”

RestorixHealth launched its Center Recognition Award for Patient Satisfaction program to recognize those centers that have met or achieved a patient satisfaction score of 96% or higher. The Clinical Distinction recognition program is meant to recognize centers that have demonstrated success by meeting or exceeding patient safety goals along with a 90% healing rate.

One local resident is a testament to the positive patient satisfaction and overall effectiveness of the MRHC Wound Care Clinic.

MRHC Wound Care Clinic Receives Awards“I’m so thankful I was able to go to MRHC for wound care since it’s located in my hometown,” said Manning resident, Jeanne Kerkhoff. “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,” she shared.

The MRHC Wound Care Clinic is dedicated to optimizing outcomes and preventing lower limb loss in those 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.

Manning’s clinic is staffed by Dr. Thang Luong, M.D., Kendra Tiefenthaler, RN and supported by Taylor Potthoff, RN and Elaine Macumber, RN. Integrating a team of wound care professionals optimizes patient care while offering the most advanced healing options.

The MRHC Wound Care Clinic is held every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about our treatment plans, please call 712-655-8112.

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.