Blending Science and Service: How Jen Morris Found Her Calling in Pharmacy

Jen Morris

Jen MorrisFrom an early age, Jen Morris didn’t see herself in healthcare. After exploring several majors and taking career assessment tests, she was encouraged by local pharmacist, Bob Stessman, to consider pharmacy. The blend of science, math, and helping others felt like a natural fit, and Morris hasn’t looked back since.

After graduating from Drake University, Morris worked at the Manning Pharmacy and as a contract employee at MRHC for 12 years. Her dual role in retail and hospital pharmacy gave her a unique perspective on patient care, bridging the gap between inpatient treatment and home medication management. The field of hospital pharmacy evolved rapidly during her tenure, and by 2018, the increasing demands brought her fully into MRHC, where she assumed the role of Director of Pharmacy. In her current role, Morris wears many hats, engaging in both clinical and administrative work.

“As a pharmacist, I want to provide great care for our patients,” shared Morris, PharmD. “That goal motivates me to keep learning and see how a pharmacist can be a piece of the team and an asset in a variety of settings in the hospital.”

As the Director of Pharmacy, Morris is busy reviewing patient charts, collaborating with medical providers, verifying medication orders, purchasing meds, and maintaining the pharmacy computer system, among other responsibilities. With the help of MRHC’s Certified Pharmacy Technician, Kala Chapman, the pharmacy department provides medications to all the clinical departments of the hospital and mixes medications, including chemotherapy at MRHC.

Working at MRHC has been a fulfilling experience for Morris. This is largely due to the positive environment fostered by MRHC’s leadership and being able to work closely with colleagues who share her commitment to patient care

“While I feel like I would join many of my coworkers in saying that MRHC offers a great team environment, a fun atmosphere, and an emphasis on work/life balance, one of the things I love about MRHC is their commitment to patient and medication safety,” Morris shared. “Administration also works to listen and think outside the box to make ideas happen. We have a culture that supports growth and problem-solving.”

For Morris, the supportive environment and team-oriented culture at MRHC make coming to work each day meaningful.

“I appreciate that when I come to work, I am a valued member of the team, and my coworkers are working to provide the best possible care for our patients. It is the expectation in working at MRHC that we put the care and safety of our patients as a priority,” Morris emphasized.

Morris also values the flexibility she has in her role as well as the opportunity to get involved in and serve her hometown community, which brings an added layer of fulfillment.

“I love that I get to do a job that I love, in a hospital that resides within the community that I live in and grew up in,” she shared. “I get to provide care for people I have known my entire life, and there is a lot of fulfillment in that.”

Passionate about advocating for healthcare access in rural areas like Manning, Morris is grateful for the community support and feels a strong sense of purpose in her work to maintain accessible healthcare in a rural area.

“In an economic environment where hospitals and retail pharmacies are being forced to close due to many economic factors, rural areas will continue to fight to have access to healthcare,” she explained. “Not only is healthcare close to home convenient, but it’s also linked to timely care and improved outcomes for patients. I’m grateful for our community and the support they show for the healthcare workers and locations here.”

By blending her pharmacy expertise with a strong sense of community, Morris continues to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care close to home. With her goals rooted in patient-centered care and safety, Morris remains steadfast in her vision to strengthen MRHC’s role in rural healthcare.

If you are interested in joining the MRHC team, click here or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

Kala Chapman’s Journey to the Pharmacy Field

Kala Chapman

Kala Chapman“I started not knowing anything about being a pharmacy tech and was brought into the pharmacy setting just by chance. It turned out to be something I loved to do!” – Kala Chapman, CPhT

With no prior knowledge of pharmacy work, it was a chance encounter that led Kala Chapman to discover her passion. She is now building her career as a pharmacy technician at MRHC.

“I did have a lot of interest in healthcare as my mom and sister are/were both in healthcare and thought it would be the right fit for me as well,” Chapman said. “But I actually went to college to become an administrative assistant. When I moved to Audubon, I took a job as a ward clerk at the hospital. About five years later, the pharmacist was looking for a technician, so I took the test, and here I am!”

Without hesitation, Chapman took the leap, paving the way for her current role at MRHC where her experience has been one of continuous growth and support. Her sights are set on becoming an Advanced Certified Pharmacy Technician, a goal she pursues diligently through continuous education and training. Recognizing her potential, MRHC has empowered Chapman to expand her skill set.

“MRHC has allowed me to broaden my horizons as a pharmacy technician,” Chapman said. “They have sent me to classes to learn how to mix chemo and antibiotics safely for our patients. They’ve also provided training on obtaining medication histories from newly admitted patients. There are other classes that I plan on taking as well.”

The work environment is another factor that Chapman appreciates about working at MRHC. She enjoys the camaraderie and the opportunity to learn from others. Most importantly, she finds the work fulfilling and is eager to develop her abilities even further.

“MRHC is positive and supportive,” shared Chapman. “I get along with all my coworkers and we work well as a team. I just love what I do here and am excited to grow in my career.”

Pharmacy Director, Jen Morris, PharmD, praises Chapman’s contributions to the hospital, saying, “Kala does fantastic work as a pharmacy technician. She is detail-oriented and her highly reliable and accurate work ensures that patients have access to the meds they need. Her strong technician skills and willingness to help make her a valuable team member at MRHC.”

For students considering a career like hers, Chapman offers valuable advice. “I would tell a student pursuing a pharmacy career to job shadow or get a job just working in a pharmacy first to see if it will be something you like. If so, just study hard and the test should be a piece of cake!”

If you are interested in joining the MRHC team, click here or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.