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.

MRHC Welcomes New Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Stokesbary, orthopedic surgeon

Manning Regional Healthcare Center is excited to welcome Dr. Steven Stokesbary, M.D., FAAOS, a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon to the Specialty Clinic. Dr. Stokesbary will offer orthopedic services in Manning on the second and fourth Tuesday every month beginning February 22nd. Dr. Stokesbary, orthopedic surgeon

Dr. Stokesbary looks forward to, “providing general orthopedic services, local outpatient surgery, local total joint replacements, and access to more specialized orthopedic services when needed,” he shared.

As a General Orthopedist with an emphasis in total knee and hip replacement, sports medicine, and arthroscopic surgery, he will also offer knee ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repairs, treatment for chronic and acute pain, carpal tunnel release, ulnar nerve transposition and trigger finger release.

“We are excited to partner with The Center for Neurosciences, Orthopaedics & Spine (CNOS) so we are able to continue to offer these specialty services for our patients,” said MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “We understand how convenient and important it is to have surgeries and procedures done close to home, so we are eager to welcome Dr. Stokesbary to our wonderful list of specialty providers.”

Dr. Stokesbary attained his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Iowa as well as his doctorate degree in the years following. Dr. Stokesbary, often known as “Stokes”, spent his Residency in Orthopedics at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He started his practice in Sioux City in 1998 and has been with CNOS since.

Dr. Stokesbary and his wife of eight years, Kim, have four kids together. He lives a very active lifestyle with his hobbies including golf, skiing, and scuba diving.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Stokesbary, call (712) 655-8100.

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.

Local Businesses Generously Support Project Forward

check for capital campaign

As the year comes to a close, Manning Regional Healthcare Center is celebrating significant success since the launch of their capital campaign, Project Forward.

Recent year-end gifts have donation totals nearing $700,000. Most recently, two major gifts were received, $35,000 from AGP and $10,000 from Home Mutual Insurance Association of Carroll County. These contributions are representative of the high-level of continued support from the Manning-area business community.

Wayne Johnson, AGP’s Director of Marketing shared, “We have always done annual community donations in the past and have traditionally picked three or four communities to contribute to significant projects. Our new CEO, Chris Schaffer [who succeeded former CEO, Keith Spackler earlier this year] wants to remain focused on areas where our plants are operating and take care of those communities.”

In the past, AGP has made a sizable donation to the new Manning Fire Department facility and last year AGP made a significant contribution to Manning chamber bucks that matched local purchases of chamber bucks.

Additional donations include Warren and Sue Puck’s $50,000 donation and AMVC’s donation of $10,000.

“AMVC has been welcomed in the Manning community for 31 years, and Manning is a large part of our business. We are happy to participate in forward-thinking projects that benefit the families and communities we call home,” shared Bob Blomme, managing partner of AMVC Veterinary Services.

Several families have contributed at the $10,000 level or higher including James and Virginia Rasmussen, the Ohde family, Randy & Jean Behrens, and Marlene Borkowski. More than 75 total donors have contributed to the campaign to date.

Project Update

“We are happy to report that the Senior Life Solutions expansion, Pharmacy renovation and negative pressure isolation room projects have been completed,” said MRHC CEO Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “In the past month, we have started holding group therapy sessions for both the Senior Life Solutions program and the Recovery Center in the new space, have had several patients use the new patient isolation room, and the pharmacy is now in compliance with federal regulations.”

COVID has prevented an in-person open house, however, virtual tours of the newly renovated spaces have been shared on the MRHC Facebook and YouTube pages.

Projects Continue Forward

“The generosity of our supporters has been humbling to say the least,” said Block. “However, as we continue to evolve to meet the needs of our patients and provide care for three of the most common healthcare challenges we face today – mental health, obesity, and cancer, we request the community’s continued financial support.”

As MRHC approaches the new year, there are two major initiatives that staff, administration and board members are embarking on. An enhanced 32-slice CT scan will allow MRHC to provide scans that result in lower radiation, quicker scans, and more detail.

“The improved technology means that patients won’t have to travel to urban areas to receive better imaging,” said Linda Croghan, MRHC Director of Radiology.

The smart metal artifact reduction feature allows for high-quality images even if a patient has metal fillings, joint replacements, or metal hardware. The upgraded machine also allows local imaging for heavier people and will be able to accommodate patients up to 450 pounds. This CT is not only critical for hospital patients but also for specialty providers seeing patients in rural settings.

The other major investment is an Electronic Medical Records System which will enable MRHC to seamlessly access records and provide a system that is broadly accepted industry-wide, making medical record access much easier if a patient has to be seen at another hospital. The new system will allow online check-in for patients, enable patients to see their results online, and offer two-way communication with providers. The new system will improve telehealth capabilities as it is compatible with mobile devices.

Both projects present a significant financial hurdle for the hospital but are necessary to continue providing trusted healthcare close to home.

“Our hope is that our community members will consider supporting these projects with a monetary donation so we can continue to evolve to meet our patients’ needs, provide the best care possible and offer important, necessary services for residents in rural communities,” said Block.

As part of the Project Forward campaign, MRHC is planning a new donor wall located near the Med/Surg waiting room in the hospital that will feature a tree (or series of trees) that recognize the generous contributions from donors.

“We anticipate that donations of $100,000+ will be recognized as tree trunks, donations of $10,000-$99,999 will be branches or stepping stones, and donations of $1,000-$9,999 will be represented by leaves,” shared Block.

MRHC welcomes the support and participation in this campaign by the regional community, as well as individuals and businesses in neighboring counties. Those interested in donating can visit MRHC’s lobby to pick up a donation form, call Amy Benton at (712) 655-2072 to discuss funding needs, or visit www.mrhcia.com/2021-capital-campaign to find out more details.

senior life solutions group room

The new Senior Life Solutions group therapy room is also used for Recovery Center Outpatient group therapy.

check for capital campaign

AGP Director of Marketing, Wayne Johnson, presents a check for $35,000 to co-chairs of the Project Forward capital campaign, Randy Behrens and Virginia Rasmussen, and MRHC CEO, Linn Block.

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.

Vonnahme Thrives in a Career Close to Home at MRHC

Taya Vonnahme, Recovery Center Director at MRHC

Taya Vonnahme has always had extraordinary goals for her career in healthcare. What started out as working as an activity assistant at the Manning Plaza back in 2005, eventually led to her current role as the Director of the Recovery Center at Manning Regional Healthcare Center and several more credentials behind her name. Taya Vonnahme, Recovery Center Director at MRHC

“I knew I wanted to be in healthcare since I was young after watching the impact my family had on people in the community as healthcare providers,” shared Vonnahme, MSN, RN, ARNP, tCDAC.

After becoming a CNA and working at the Plaza throughout high school, Vonnahme received her LPN from Iowa Lakes Community College in 2009. After transitioning to MRHC full time as a discharge planning nurse in 2011, she continued to add jobs to her title until 2015 when she applied to go back to school for her RN. Once she graduated with her associate’s degree in nursing, she transitioned to a house supervisor at MRHC and eventually obtained her BSN from Walden University in 2018. Earlier this year, Vonnahme continued her education at Walden and earned her master’s degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner.

“MRHC has been an amazing support in my financial ability to go to school,” Vonnahme said. “They helped pay for part of my associate’s degree and paid for my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Their financial assistance made for less stress in my life as a full-time student, nurse and mom, among everything else in our busy lives.”

Vonnahme continued to advance in her career at MRHC throughout her education. She transitioned from her role as a house supervisor to the Director of the Recovery Center in October of 2020 and continues to work in the ER. Vonnahme provides all the medical care for recovery center clients, including inpatient and outpatient detox, history and physicals and any other medical needs, with the anticipation that she will become their primary care provider in the future.

“I have set my goal to have my DNP (doctorate in nursing practice), so I have enrolled in a doctorate program with a commitment from MRHC to pay my tuition there as well,” said Vonnahme.

Not only is she grateful for the opportunities and financial support that MRHC has given her, Vonnahme is also thankful to work for a healthcare organization close to home.

“Anyone who knows me knows that I have always made it clear that the reason I work in Manning is being able to take care of those I know,” Vonnahme said. “This community is where I was raised and I’ve been shown how important community support is. This [career] is how I can continue to support my community.”

Vonnahme also shares that she would not be where she is today without her co-workers or the positive team environment at MRHC.

“I work closely with our frontline staff here at MRHC, and we have an amazing team helping each other out from every situation that arises each day,” said Vonnahme.

The team environment at MRHC continues to build despite the many challenges that healthcare has faced in the past 18 months. Although these uncertain times in healthcare are everchanging, the senior leadership team believes that one way they can help motivate and inspire staff is to invest in them as people and in their careers.

“MRHC is supportive of staff who have a desire to grow within the organization,” shared MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “Taya’s progress is truly a testament to her drive for learning and caring for those in her community. Taya is a valued employee who is truly thriving close to home.”

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

Hospitality Care Now Offered at MRHC

Nice, clean, well-lit hospital room in MRHC

Nice, clean, well-lit hospital room in MRHCPatients looking for short-term care in a safe environment now have an option close to home. Manning Regional Healthcare Center’s hospitality care provides convenient accommodations and assistance for patients who do not need to be admitted to the hospital for observation, inpatient or skilled care, but are not quite ready to be on their own.

“We noticed there were many patients in the area with a need for transitional or ‘in-between’ care,” said MRHC Director of Quality and Patient Advocacy, Jackie Blackwell, RN, BSN. “So, for instance, if you are a caregiver and your loved one needs somewhere to stay while you are on vacation, you can have peace of mind knowing they are being cared for.”

Other examples of individuals qualifying for hospitality care include those needing extra care due to exhaustion, patients needing complicated diagnostic workups or substantial pre-admission testing, and individuals who need a place to stay to allow time for their family to make alternate placement arrangements.

Hospitality care provides a stay at MRHC on a fee-for-services rate based on actual care given. The daily rate for hospitality care is $275 with a two-day down payment rate of $550 requested upon admission. Charges are incurred by day, not a 24-hour period, so patients will not be charged for the day they are discharged. Hospitality care can range from one day up to one week, unless other terms are agreed upon between the patient and hospital/facility representatives.

“We anticipate this new service will allow families and caregivers to feel comfortable that their loved one is in a safe place while details of their long-term stay or transitional living are being worked out,” Blackwell adds.

Hospitality care will be offered at MRHC as beds are available and is not paid for by Medicare or any insurance group. Services available during a hospitality care stay include meals, assistance with daily care, regular and as-needed vitals, and outpatient services, such as labs, x-rays, and rehabilitative therapy (outpatient services are billed to insurance).

To learn more about hospitality care at MRHC, contact Jackie Blackwell at (712) 655-2072 or by email at jackie.blackwell@mrhcia.com.

MRHC Welcomes New Physical Therapist

Taylor Nelson, MRHC Physical Therapist

Manning Regional Healthcare Center is excited to welcome new Physical Therapist, Taylor Nelson, PT, DPT. Taylor Nelson, MRHC Physical Therapist

Nelson is an Iowa native, excited to be back working close to home. “My wife and I are originally from Exira. We moved to Maine for about two years and then just recently made our transition back to the area. So, I’m looking forward to starting our family here, getting to know the community and taking the hospital to a new level with PT services,” he shared.

Nelson is a Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist, which uses an exercise-based program to improve balance and reduce dizziness-related problems. He also specializes in orthopedic type conditions, implementing a multifaceted approach, including hands on and exercise treatments to help patients achieve their rehab goals.

After graduating from Central College in 2015 with a degree in Health and Exercise Science, Nelson obtained his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of New England in 2019. He then worked as a physical therapist at Proactive Physical Therapy in Lewiston, Maine for two years.

A knee injury in high school requiring extensive rehab inspired Nelson to pursue a career in physical therapy. “The whole rehab process and having a good experience is what led me to this field. Especially in small towns, we’re kind of limited on how many healthcare professionals we have here. We didn’t really have the option of driving to Omaha or Des Moines for everything, so that’s what made me interested in coming back to this area – just having a place for everyone to receive high-quality, evidence-based care here.”

MRHC Physical therapist helping high school boy exerciseEvidence-based practice includes the integration of best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values and circumstances related to patient and client management, practice management, and health policy decision-making, according to the American Physical Therapy Association.

Physical therapy can help those with back, neck, muscle and joint pain, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, stroke, sprains and strains, orthopedic or sports related injuries, weakness or loss of motion, body misalignments and more.

MRHC also offers additional rehabilitative services such as occupational and speech therapy. Occupational therapy provides services for people of all ages who, because of illness, injury, developmental, or psychological impairment, need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive, and satisfying lives. Speech therapy can address issues with speaking, reading, listening, writing, thinking, and swallowing.

To schedule a physical therapy appointment at Manning Regional Healthcare Center, call (712) 655-8298.