Steph Brink Receives DAISY Award at Manning Regional Healthcare Center

Steph Brink

Steph Brink, RN, a dedicated nurse in the Med/Surg and Emergency Departments at Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC), was recently honored with the 2025 DAISY Award for her outstanding compassion, clinical skill, and patient-centered care.

Known for her positivity, vibrant energy, and heartfelt dedication, Steph consistently goes above and beyond for patients and colleagues. Whether supporting individuals in recovery, comforting a parent in the ER, or brightening the hospital halls with her warm smile and glow-in-the-dark scrubs, Steph exemplifies everything the DAISY Award stands for.

“She is compassionate and supportive. Her energy and enthusiasm are an inspiration to all,” shared one patient. Another nomination stated, “She loves us all, even when we can’t love ourselves. All she wants is for us to succeed. Truly loves her job.”

Brink’s care spans across multiple departments, from the Recovery Center to the Emergency Room and Acute Care, and her impact is felt in every corner of MRHC. “Steph makes herself available for all the clients and is wonderful to have in our department,” noted one colleague. “Steph goes above and beyond for any patient,” said a fellow staff member. Another added, “She’s prompt, considerate, and patient to every client she has contact with. She’s a wonderful nurse who is deserving of this honor.”

Steph’s patients frequently mention her kindness, attentiveness, and the genuine joy she brings to her work. Described as “helpful, understanding, and supportive,” and someone with a “big heart” and “great personality,” Steph has earned the deep respect and affection of those she serves. “She is extraordinary. My physical and mental comfort were very important to her. Her skill and knowledge were seamless. I was comforted and confident with being in her presence,” a patient shared.

About the DAISY Award

The DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) Award is an international recognition program established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes to honor nurses who demonstrate extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care. More than 2,500 healthcare facilities worldwide participate in the DAISY Award program. At MRHC, any nurse who exemplifies the organization’s mission and values is eligible to be nominated by patients, families, coworkers, or community members.

MRHC is proud to recognize Steph Brink as the 2025 DAISY Award honoree for the remarkable and compassionate care she provides every day. Her dedication to healing and commitment to uplifting others make her the perfect example of nursing excellence.

MRHC Wound Care Clinic Receives Dual Awards

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is pleased to announce that the Wound Care Clinic has received two outstanding achievement awards from RestorixHealth. They are the recipients of the Clinical Distinction Award and Excellence in Patient Satisfaction Award.

These awards recognize wound centers that have demonstrated exceptional success by meeting or exceeding national healing benchmarks, including a 90% healing rate and 32 median days to heal, and a national patient satisfaction benchmark of 96%. The MRHC Wound Care Clinic has received these awards multiple times in addition to a Center of Excellence award in 2019.

“We are proud to be recognized for the quality of care our wound center provides our patients,” said RestorixHealth’s Area Program Director and MRHC Wound Care nurse, Kendra Tiefenthaler, RN, BSN. “This achievement reaffirms our commitment to patient experience and optimized outcomes, which can only be accomplished with the effort and dedication of our staff and providers and support from the hospital. We look forward to continuing restoring health and improving the quality of life – and access to care – for the patients we serve.”

The Wound Care Clinic 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.

Manning’s clinic is staffed by Dr. Thang Luong, DO, and Kendra Tiefenthaler and supported by Elaine Macumber, RN, Courtney Grabill, RN, and Amanda Blum, RN. Courtney Rupiper, PA-C, covers wound care needs when Dr. Luong is out. Integrating a team of wound care professionals optimizes patient care while offering the most advanced healing options for hard-to-heal wounds.

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

About RestorixHealth
Committed to excellence in wound care, RestorixHealth is the wound care solutions company providing programs, services, products, and education across the care continuum. From developing and operating wound centers in partnership with hospitals, through supporting long-term care facilities with education and supplies, to providing in-home care, RestorixHealth’s solutions increase access to care, reduce hospital admissions, lower or avoid direct care costs, and most importantly, improve patient outcomes and quality of life. For more information, visit www.RestorixHealth.com.

Pelvic Floor Therapy Available at MRHC

MRHC is pleased to announce the addition of pelvic floor therapy services, now available with occupational therapist Amy Osbahr, OTR/L.

This specialized therapy is designed to help individuals of all ages strengthen and improve the function of their pelvic floor muscles, addressing common concerns such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, postpartum recovery, and post-surgical rehabilitation.

“Pelvic floor dysfunction is a common condition that sometimes gets brushed off as being normal for many women,” said Osbahr. “Nearly 50% of women suffer from some sort of pelvic floor dysfunction and 1/3 of women postpartum. Although common for women, it is not normal. However, there are treatment options to improve these issues. Pelvic floor therapy can be up to 80% effective in improving the quality of life for these conditions.”

Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial for men and women who struggle with pain, incontinence, or other pelvic health issues. Women often seek therapy for pregnancy-related changes, menopause symptoms, or recovery after surgery, while men may need treatment for bladder control issues or post-prostate surgery rehabilitation. Through guided exercises, relaxation techniques, and personalized care, patients can regain strength and control over their bladder, bowel, and core strength, improving daily function and reducing pain.pelvic floor

Osbahr is certified in many areas, from neurological rehabilitation (for conditions like strokes, cerebral palsy, and multiple sclerosis) to orthopedics (managing joint replacements, wrist pain, sprains, fractures, arthritis, and more). She is also trained in pediatric therapy, ASTYM treatment, blood flow restriction Therapy (BFR), LSVT-BIG Parkinson’s management, lymphedema treatment, and vestibular rehabilitation. Osbahr can perform workstation and ergonomics assessments as well as custom wheelchair assessments.

To schedule an appointment with Osbahr, call (712) 655-8298. Most insurance companies do not require a referral for pelvic floor treatment, but it is recommended that patients check with their insurance provider to verify coverage.

 

MRHC Announces Online Bill Pay

online bill pay

MRHC is excited to announce a new digital billing system. Patients with outstanding balances will now receive a text message and/or email notification with a secure link to make payments online, providing a convenient and efficient way to manage healthcare expenses.

“We are always looking for ways to improve the patient experience, and this new digital payment option offers a fast and easy way for individuals to pay their bills,” said MRHC’s Revenue Cycle Director, LeeAnn Christensen, MHA. “We want to reassure patients who receive a request for payment through text or email that it is legitimate, but we encourage anyone to contact MRHC directly for verification if they are unsure.”

This system will only function if MRHC has an up-to-date cell phone number or email address on file in Meditech, the online patient portal. If no payment is made or a payment plan is not set up within five days of receiving the digital notification, a paper statement will be mailed to the patient as a follow-up. Patients also have the option to opt out of digital notifications if they prefer to receive only paper statements.

MRHC remains committed to enhancing patient convenience and security in all aspects of care. For more information or to update your contact information, please call MRHC at (712) 655-2072.

Town Hall at MRHC on March 6th for Community Health Needs Assessment Discussion

family practice clinic

To gauge the community health needs of residents, Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) invites the public to participate in a Community Health Needs Assessment Town Hall roundtable on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, for dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the MRHC Administration Conference Room.

This event is being held to identify and prioritize the community health needs. Findings from this community discussion will also serve to fulfill both federal and state mandates.

To adequately prepare for this event, it is vital for everyone planning to attend to RSVP. Please click here to complete your RSVP.

If you have questions regarding the Community Health Needs Assessment activities, please call MRHC Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN at (712) 655-8220.

MRHC Seeks Community Input on Local Health Needs

CHNA

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is working with local community leaders to update the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). MRHC is seeking input from community members regarding current healthcare delivery and unmet resident needs.

The CHNA uses data and community input from the survey that measures and identifies the health needs of the communities MRHC serves. This information is gathered, and the assets and/or needs are used to develop an implementation plan. The three-year implementation plan will then inspire collective actions from multiple community partners and ensure there is an effective allocation of resources from within the hospital and throughout the community.

The goal of this assessment update is to understand progress from past community health needs assessments conducted in 2022, 2019, and 2016, while collecting up-to-date community health perceptions and ideas. VVV Consultants LLC, an independent research firm from Olathe, KS, has been retained to conduct this countywide research.

A brief community survey has been developed if you would like to participate in providing this important feedback. The CHNA survey link can be accessed by clicking here.

All community residents and business leaders are encouraged to complete the survey by February 3, 2025. In addition, a CHNA Town Hall meeting to discuss the survey findings and identify unmet needs will be held on Thursday, March 6th, 2025, for dinner from 5 – 6:30 pm at the MRHC Administration Conference Room. More information will be shared soon.

If you have questions regarding CHNA activities, please call MRHC Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN at (712) 655-8220.

Caring for Family, Friends, and Community: Amber Croghan’s Story

Amber Croghan’s inspiration to enter healthcare started close to home. From working at the Manning Plaza in high school to her current role as a health coach at Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC), she has continually evolved in her career while staying true to her desire to help others.

 “When growing up, all my grandparents received care at the Manning Plaza,” Amber, RN, shared. “My Grandpa Jahn was in there for a very long time after suffering a stroke, and while visiting him often, the path of wanting to help people started.”  

Seeing the compassion and care her grandfather received motivated Amber to step into the field herself. She began working at the Manning Plaza in 2008 while still in high school, taking on roles as an activity assistant and working in the dietary department. However, Amber soon became motivated to make a greater impact on the patients she worked with.

“I always wanted to be able to do more for the residents, which brought me to obtain my CNA certification and start working as a CNA,” Amber explained.

While Amber initially considered a career in occupational or physical therapy, she discovered a nursing program through the Carroll DMACC and decided to go the nursing route. While earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and Registered Nurse (RN) licenses, she remained committed to patient care, working PRN to stay connected to her passion.

In July 2014, Amber achieved her RN license and began working at MRHC as a nurse on the Acute floor, Emergency Room, and Obstetrics. By 2015, Amber returned to the Manning Plaza as a floor nurse and later took on the role of MDS Coordinator. Her journey came full circle in April 2017 when she rejoined MRHC, this time as a float/triage nurse in the family practice clinic. In 2019, she transitioned into her current role as a Health Coach—a position that aligns perfectly with her goals and strengths.

“MRHC has always been supportive of me growing into different areas of nursing to fit the type of nursing I enjoy best,” Amber shared. “They are open to any ideas you may have for process improvement and make you feel heard with each idea. Each department is willing to help wherever it is needed to serve our patients.”

Amber’s dedication to her patients and her team is evident to those who work alongside her. MRHC Clinic Director Shelby Dickson, RN, shared, “Amber is highly reliable and deeply focused on patient care. She is an invaluable member of our clinic team and shows dedication to her work.”

Amber credits MRHC with helping her grow professionally and creating a workplace environment where she feels valued and heard. It is also important for Amber to work close to home and care for the people she knows and loves.

“I love working at MRHC because I get to work where I live, and I enjoy caring for family and friends to give them the best experience,” Amber shared. “MRHC is also very supportive of a work-life balance, which is important to me for my kids and husband.”

If you are interested in joining the MRHC team, visit www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

LEARN MORE ABOUT Amber Croghan

Seasonal Affective Disorder vs. Holiday Depression

The winter season can bring emotional challenges for many people, with some experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) while others face the stress and emotional toll of the holiday season leading to holiday depression. Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) aims to help individuals recognize the differences between these conditions and offers strategies to manage both.

“Many of us have days that we don’t feel like ourselves, and sometimes the winter months can enhance those feelings,” said Janet Brus, RN, program director for Senior Life Solutions at MRHC. “Be aware of how you are feeling. If you normally get up and perform your daily activities and instead find yourself staying in bed longer, not getting dressed, or avoiding activities, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder.”

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a form of depression triggered by reduced sunlight. According to the American Psychiatric Association, its symptoms closely mirror those of depression, including:

  • Low mood and energy
  • Fatigue
  • Oversleeping or difficulty sleeping
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Cravings for carbohydrates and subsequent weight gain

To combat SAD, Brus recommends staying active, reading, maintaining a healthy diet, and seeking professional support if symptoms persist.

Understanding Holiday Depression

Unlike SAD, holiday depression is tied to stress, expectations, and emotions surrounding the holiday season. This time of year can trigger stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. Some people are excited to share Christmas with loved ones, while others are mourning a loss. Some are shopping for perfect gifts, but others are struggling financially and anxiously checking their bank accounts. Some can’t wait for their yearly Christmas party with friends and family; others may be stressed by the thought of it.

“Not everyone experiences the holidays in the same way,” shared Brus. “It’s important to prioritize mental health and address feelings of distress before they escalate.”

Practical Tips to Manage Holiday Depression

Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid pressure to create a perfect holiday. Focus on meaningful moments rather than perfection.

Maintain Routines: Stick to regular sleep, meals, and exercise routines, especially for children.

Establish Boundaries: Say no when needed to avoid burnout from over-commitment.

Engage in Self-Care: Dedicate time for relaxation and activities you enjoy.

Connect with Others: Combat loneliness by reaching out to friends, family, or support groups.

Manage Finances: Stick to a holiday budget and consider thoughtful, low-cost gifts.

For parents, taking time to engage with children, setting aside time where all devices (including parents’ cell phones) are put away, ensuring they aren’t isolating themselves, sticking to routines like consistent bedtimes, and having open conversations can help foster emotional well-being.

“This is a great time to connect with your children and build a close relationship to let them know that you are a safe person they can talk to,” said MRHC Mental Health Counselor Hollie Schechinger, LMSW. “Talk with your kids about their day during a fun activity where they can open up and not feel like they are being questioned. Most importantly, have fun with your kids!”

When to Seek Help

If feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress persist and interfere with your daily routine, it is important to seek professional help. If you or your child are struggling with depression or anxiety, contact your primary care provider for an evaluation. MRHC also provides mental health services to support individuals of all ages:

Counseling Services: These services are available in person or virtually for individuals 12 and older. Call (712) 655-8100 to schedule an appointment.

Play Therapy: This is an intervention method to support children five and older in navigating traumatic experiences. Call (712) 655-8100 to schedule an appointment.

Senior Life Solutions: Group therapy for individuals 65+ struggling with anxiety, depression, or life transitions is available through this program at MRHC. Call (712) 655-8262 if you need support.

The Recovery Center: If the stress and pressure from the holidays have caused you or a loved one to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope, please call the Recovery Center at (712) 655-2300 for help. Residential and outpatient treatment are available.

If you or someone you know is in immediate distress, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or dial 988 for confidential, 24/7 support.

Learn More Here:

MENTAL HEALTH      SENIOR LIFE SOLUTIONS      RECOVERY CENTER

MRHC Auxiliary Continues to Make Impact

Auxiliary donation

The MRHC Auxiliary continues to make a meaningful impact on patient care and staff support through its dedication and fundraising efforts. Recently, the Auxiliary donated two essential pieces of equipment to enhance the hospital’s services and improve the overall patient experience: a ureteroscope and a fetal monitor.

The ureteroscope is a vital tool for MRHC urology services. It enables specialists to locate and evaluate blockages in the ureters or kidneys and, in some cases, remove kidney stones during the same procedure.

fetal monitorThe fetal monitor is an invaluable addition to MRHC’s obstetrics care. Used by Dr. McLaws in the clinic, this monitor can track a baby’s heart rate and other vital data during pregnancy. With this technology, MRHC is better equipped to provide comprehensive and attentive care to OB patients, maintaining the highest standards of service and ensuring a positive experience for expectant mothers.

“This state-of-the-art equipment ensures our patients receive precise and efficient care close to home,” said MRHC CEO, Shannon Black, MHA. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Auxiliary members for their ongoing support and generosity. Their contributions play a crucial role in helping MRHC provide exceptional healthcare to our community.”

If you are interested in supporting or joining the Auxiliary, please send your name, address, and phone number along with a $10 membership fee to Linda Vinke at 115 3rd Street, Manning, IA 51455.

Auxiliary donation

Antibiotic Awareness Tips

antibiotic tips

During the winter months when people are sick more often, MRHC urges the community to be mindful of antibiotic use and the growing concern of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are powerful tools in fighting bacterial infections but are not effective against viruses like the flu. While it may seem convenient to keep leftover medications “just in case” the next time you or a family member are sick, it can be very dangerous.

Jen Morris

“Resist the temptation to go to your cabinet to take any leftover medication, especially antibiotics,” shared MRHC Pharmacy Director, Jen Morris, PharmD. “If you for some reason have leftover meds, taking that medication for another type of illness could create harm or result in side effects. Another concern with patients not finishing medications as prescribed is a fear of developing antibiotic resistance.”

Antibiotic resistance has become a serious public health threat. It occurs when bacteria evolve to resist the effects of antibiotics, making bacterial infections harder to treat. Morris reminds the public to follow these guidelines for safe and responsible antibiotic use:

  • Use antibiotics only as prescribed.
  • Complete the full course of treatment. Stopping antibiotics early, even if you feel better, can allow bacteria to survive and become resistant.
  • Never self-treat with leftover medication or antibiotics prescribed for someone else.

While antibiotics are not effective against viruses, MRHC encourages flu vaccinations and proper management of symptoms to stay healthy. Over-the-counter remedies and home care can provide relief for viral infections without contributing to antibiotic resistance.

“If you go to the doctor and find out that an antibiotic is not needed for your infection, I encourage you to call your pharmacist to find out what you can take to help treat your symptoms that do not include an antibiotic,” said Morris.

Medication Management

In addition to using antibiotics correctly, proper medication management in general is key to maintaining health and safety. MRHC offers these tips for all medications:

  1. Take medications exactly as prescribed.
  2. Store medicines properly and check expiration dates.
  3. Learn about potential interactions and side effects.
  4. Keep an up-to-date medication list and bring it to all medical appointments.
  5. Ask a pharmacist if you have questions about a medication.
Medication Disposal

Morris also encourages safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs to help prevent medication misuse and opioid addiction. There is a medication drop box located at the MRHC Emergency Department entrance as well as the Manning Pharmacy. Residents can discreetly take leftover medications to these boxes and make sure unused prescriptions are securely destroyed without posing environmental threats.

Both sites can accept small amounts of liquids, pills, patches, creams, and inhalers. However, needles, sharps, and illegal substances are not allowed. Morris notes that common methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—are potential safety and health hazards and are not advised.

For more information about what to do with expired medications, please call MRHC at (712) 655-2072.