Jill Arp Makes Community-Wide Impact

Jill Arp

At MRHC, one healthcare professional stands out for her dedication, versatility, and commitment to the well-being of both patients and the community. Jill Arp is a nurse whose journey into healthcare began with a passion for caring for others during college as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Today, she wears multiple hats at MRHC, demonstrating resilience and adaptability, especially during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I worked as a CNA in college, I enjoyed taking care of people and getting to know them. At that point, I changed my college major from elementary education to nursing,” shared Arp, RN, BSN. A pivotal decision that would set the stage for a fulfilling career dedicated to serving others’ health needs.

As the Infection Preventionist, Employee Health Nurse, Disaster Preparedness Coordinator, and Safety and Security Officer, Arp has no shortage of responsibilities at MRHC. Additionally, being a nurse allows her to contribute directly to patient care in different departments as needed. Her work in these pivotal roles not only makes a difference in ensuring patient and staff health and safety, but she also makes a difference community-wide.

“Jill is a compassionate nurse who views patient care on a community level, offering important services to our local businesses to help keep their employees well,” said Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Andersen, RN, BSN. “Jill’s community leadership in her infection control role was especially instrumental throughout the recent pandemic.”

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for healthcare institutions worldwide, and MRHC was no exception. Arp played a crucial role in guiding MRHC’s response to the pandemic, collaborating with state and local authorities, and ensuring the safety of both patients and staff. Her efforts included extensive education, coordination of vaccination clinics, and participation in regional healthcare coalitions, highlighting her leadership and dedication during times of crisis.

“The pandemic was very challenging; it was like nothing I’ve ever had to deal with before,” Arp reflected. “There was a lot of collaboration with many different people. We experienced so much change, and our staff accepted it all with grace. They were all willing to help other departments, do different jobs, and step out of their comfort zones. Not only during the pandemic, but on a daily basis. I am proud of our staff and how they took care of our patients and found ways to make it all work.”

Collaborative efforts among Arp and other healthcare partners have continued to be instrumental in addressing community health needs. Arp works with Carroll County Public Health on various initiatives to address public health challenges, particularly in promoting preventive measures like flu vaccinations and regular health check-ups.

Arp attributes her ability to thrive in such a busy and demanding role to the supportive and flexibile work environment of MRHC. This allows her to balance her professional responsibilities with her family commitments, showcasing MRHC’s commitment to employee well-being.

“MRHC is a fun and great place to work, especially because of who is part of our team. From the environmental services staff to the doctors, everyone works well together for the best care of the patient,” said Arp. “MRHC is also flexible, and that’s what I need for my family.”

Through collaboration, flexibility, and a shared commitment to excellence, Arp and her colleagues at MRHC continue to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of Manning and its surrounding communities. If you are interested in joining this team of healthcare professionals and helping make a difference in the community, visit www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

MRHC Inspires Ertz to Become a Nurse

Mya Ertz

Mya Ertz“I always knew that I wanted to help people,” shared Mya Ertz, RN at MRHC. “I found that nursing had many different avenues to care for others, so my junior year of high school I met with Jill Arp about the tuition assistance program through MRHC and I was sold. My passion to help others, in addition to the tuition assistance and flexibility in roles at MRHC, encouraged me to pursue nursing.”

The tuition assistance program at MRHC has helped many employees like Ertz advance in their nursing careers by paying for their tuition and books. Once an employee passes their boards, they return to work at MRHC and “work off” their tuition assistance. For every hour of work, $1.00 of the tuition assistance is “paid back.” The employee never actually pays MRHC. They simply go to work, use their education to properly care for patients, and then, over time, their tuition is paid back.

“The tuition assistance program is an amazing opportunity for people to gain experience in the field and complete school without the financial burden of student debt,” said Ertz. “I worked at MRHC as a CNA and LPN through school and gained valuable experience as I completed my RN.”

Ertz has now completed her schooling and has established a rewarding career at MRHC that she enjoys.

“I like working at MRHC for many reasons,” said Ertz. “Not only is MRHC close to home, but it also employs many of my close friends. The atmosphere is amazing, even in passing people say hi with a smile. The hospital is my home away from home.”

As Ertz looks toward the future of her career, she is excited to continue to learn and grow and is grateful for all the opportunities she will have at MRHC.

“I want to gain experience in a diversity of roles to determine how I can best care for patients and my family,” Ertz shared. “Another reason MRHC is a great place to work, I can help in different departments and roles!”

Because of Ertz’s passion for healthcare and eagerness to grow in her career, she has become a valuable asset to MRHC.

“Mya is a very determined individual and takes pride in all her work. If she sets her mind to something she accomplishes it,” said MRHC Clinic Director, Shelby Dickson, RN. “She is a great team player and always provides the best care possible to our patients. She goes above and beyond for her team and our patients. Mya has a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and has been a great addition to our team.”

For anyone who may be considering a career in healthcare, specifically in nursing, Ertz shares this advice.

“Nursing is a field with vastly different roles. The options are endless, and opportunities are bountiful.”To join the MRHC team or learn more about the tuition assistance program, visit www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information on current job openings.

Blazek Finds Opportunity to Grow Nursing Career at MRHC

Crisentia Blazek

Crisentia BlazekAfter making her way to the United States from Indonesia, Crisentia Blazek eventually made Iowa her home and began her career as a nurse at MRHC.

Blazek was born and raised in Indonesia, and after graduating high school, she moved to Kansas to study nursing at Hesston College. She obtained associate degrees in arts and nursing, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She later moved to Iowa after marrying a local resident.

“My husband encouraged me to apply at MRHC because of its connection to the Manning community which is known for being forward-thinking,” Blazek shared. “MRHC has been a welcoming place for me to start my career as a nurse. My co-workers try to help whenever I need it. The providers are willing to answer questions I have about diseases or treatments. The community is there for you during the good times in life, such as welcoming a new baby or an achievement at work, as well as the challenging times, like grieving the loss of a loved one.”

Blazek started her career as a full-time nurse in the acute/ER department at MRHC in 2018. In 2022, she transitioned to the Specialty Clinic. She works with and assists different specialty providers, including a general surgeon, podiatrist, cardiologist, orthopedic surgeon, ENT specialist, dermatologist, wound care provider, gynecologist, urologist, and mental health professional. Blazek also provides outpatient services including, but not limited to, infusions, injections, and dressing changes.

“Crisentia has been a great addition to our specialty clinic here at MRHC,” shared Specialty Clinic Manager, Elaine Macumber, RN. “She is a fast learner and has taken on multiple training courses to provide expertise in infusion nursing, cardiac stress testing, and caring for patients who need outpatient nurse visits for various reasons. She also brings kindness to her patient care, something that our patients notice right away.”

While MRHC is thankful to have a talented and considerate nurse like Blazek, she is mutually grateful for the opportunities she has had to grow her nursing career in a rural community.

“MRHC has supported and helped me by providing feedback during my annual evaluations, offering continuing education inside and outside the facility, and giving me an opportunity to work in different departments,” said Blazek.

Not only has Blazek directly benefited from the resources and support MRHC offers, but her sisters are also among many others who have been able to take advantage of the hospital’s dedication to help current and prospective employees continue their education and grow in their careers.

“MRHC shows that they value their employees by providing financial assistance for college education, offering shift choices for employees who are taking college classes, and giving opportunities to learn new skills through job shadowing,” Blazek shared. “My family and I are appreciative of MRHC’s focus on bettering the skills of its workforce.”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.

Macumber Makes Career Strides at MRHC

Elaine Macumber

When Elaine Macumber and her husband, Jeremia, moved back to Manning, there weren’t any dental assistant jobs available in the Manning community. Having previously worked as a dental assistant, she was interested in continuing her career in the medical field without having to travel out of town, so she took a job at MRHC as a medical records/admissions staff for about a year until moving into materials management. One day, MRHC Chief Nursing Officer, Michelle Andersen, called Macumber and ultimately changed the trajectory of her career. Elaine Macumber

“I told Elaine, ‘I think you would make a great nurse and we’ll even pay for you to go to school’, and she did! She is not the only one. We try to mentor and help our employees with leadership development both externally and internally,” shared Andersen, RN, BSN.

Macumber went on to utilize the tuition program at MRHC to complete her LPN and RN education at Western Iowa Tech Community College.

“MRHC has provided me with a lot of career advancement,” Macumber said. “With the tuition assistance, the decision to go to school was easier on me. We didn’t have to worry about the financial obligation that school has with it, and I could focus on learning. Nursing school is a tough schedule anyways and with flexible hours at MRHC I was able to work full-time while in school and it really helped me get through. There are also a lot of great nurses at MRHC who helped me learn quickly.”

Macumber started her nursing career at MRHC working in ER/acute care before moving to the specialty clinic as a staff nurse. She took on additional training in the specialty clinic to be able to mix and administer chemotherapy and perform cardiac stress tests.

“The experience working in acute care and ER was great. I got to see a lot of good teamwork and you get to see a lot and learn from the house supervisors who guide you,” Macumber shared.

Now serving as the Specialty Clinic Manager, Macumber manages staffing and takes care of all specialty clinic provider needs. She will also continue as a clinical nurse in the specialty clinic performing infusions, assisting patients in consultations with the specialty doctors, and educating patients prior to surgical procedures.

“I really enjoy the specialty clinic,” Macumber said. “We have ten different clinics that we assist with, so every day is something different. I enjoy talking with the providers and learning as much as I can from them. I plan to work in the specialty clinic for a long time and we hope to expand our services when the need in the community presents.”

Not only does Macumber enjoy her role in the specialty clinic because of the variety of her work and the ability to continually learn something new, the people also make a big impact.

“I love the team environment here at MRHC, every employee has the patient’s interests at heart,” shared Macumber. “We work together to make our patients’ experience as pleasant as possible and still have fun while we do it.”

Specialty Clinic Services

The MRHC specialty clinic has several specialty doctors that see patients in Manning on a regular basis. Services include cardiology; dermatology; ear, nose, and throat (ENT); infusions; mental health; OB-GYN; orthopedics; pain clinic, podiatry; surgery; urology; and wound care. Visit www.mrhcia.com/events to learn more about the specialty area, the specialist or doctor(s) who provide the clinic, and what day they are available. For more information or to set up a consultation with any of the doctors, please call (712) 655-8100.

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.

Blom Advances in Her Healthcare Career at MRHC

Joy Blom

MRHC’s, Joy Blom, has held several different roles throughout her career in healthcare. What started out as working as an LPN on a med/surg and OB/nursery unit, eventually led to Blom finding a home at MRHC and to her current role as Director of Surgical Services. Joy Blom

“While working as a nurse, I utilized the tuition assistance program and went back to school to obtain my RN,” said Blom. “I worked as a charge nurse after I obtained my RN and then took a job as the MDS coordinator.”

Blom worked for the Manning Plaza for 16 years before transitioning over to the hospital.

“I took the Nursing IT Coordinator position but also cross trained to the ER and surgery departments, helping in those areas when the need arose. Then, in 2020, I took the job as Director of Surgical Services,” said Blom.

Not only has Blom been able to advance in her healthcare career, but she is able to do so ‘close to home’, something she is grateful for.

“I enjoy having a job close to home so I can spend time with my family and attend my kids’ events,” shared Blom. “I really like the people I work with too. They are like a second family to me.”

Blom attributes her career growth and success largely to her fellow employees and MRHC in general.

“MRHC has an encouraging, supportive, and excellent team environment.” Blom shared. “Everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand to ensure the best outcome for our patients.”

As Blom continues to advance in her career, she has big goals, not only for her future but Manning Regional as well.

“I hope to continue to gain knowledge in the surgery area and continue to expand the surgical services we offer,” Blom said.

In addition to general surgeries, MRHC has expanded their surgical offerings throughout the past few years. Total knee replacements and ear, nose, and throat procedures, in addition to outpatient surgeries in the areas of hand and microvascular, gynecology, urology, podiatry are performed in Manning.

“We are proud of our surgery department and have had an increased focus on providing a wider variety of procedures at MRHC,” said CEO Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “Attracting specialists to rural Iowa is often difficult, however we continue to be strategic in recruiting providers who can perform the services our patients need. Our patients appreciate having their outpatient procedures performed closer to home.”

To learn more about the outpatient procedures offered at MRHC or for a current list of job openings, visit www.mrhcia.com or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

Andersen Fulfills Her Passion for Rural Healthcare at MRHC

Michelle AndersenMRHC Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) Michelle Andersen has always wanted to help people, making her career choice of going into healthcare an easy one.

“I was a CNA in high school and college, went to nursing school, and obtained my associate degree in nursing right out of high school,” said Andersen, RN, BSN, “I was armed with my RN degree at the ripe age of 22, ready to begin making a difference in the lives of patients.”

Andersen began her nursing career in Manning at MRHC. After having children, she switched to PRN status, worked in long-term care as a resource nurse, did travel nursing, and served as the nursing adjunct clinical instructor for nursing students. Once her children were in school, she returned to MRHC full-time and continued to teach clinicals.

“I enjoyed clinical instruction with the next generation of nurses,” Andersen said. “I have had many great mentors over the years who have helped me become the nurse I am today. I understand the importance of leadership roles and their impact not only on employees but also the patients we serve.”

With a desire to grow into a leadership role and help future nurses, Andersen went back for her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree in 2008. After completing it in 2011, she became the Inpatient Director of Nursing at MRHC. She eventually took on outpatient nursing services as well and became the Director of Nursing. Finally, in 2019, Andersen accepted her current role as Chief Nursing Officer.

“I was always encouraged to seek education and advancement at MRHC. Through our tuition reimbursement program, I was able to take health coach courses and become certified to better understand transitions in care as well as obtain my BSN,” said Andersen.

Andersen continues to ensure that new nurses at MRHC receive additional training and have a mentor to turn to as they transition from nursing school to the frontlines of nursing.

“Rural healthcare has always been my passion,” Andersen shared. “Here at MRHC, it is important for us to develop our leaders, encourage professional growth, mentor our young employees, and pay for schooling with our tuition reimbursement program.”

Not only is Andersen continuing to help all employees grow and advance in their careers at MRHC, but she is also working to position rural healthcare to have a successful future.

“Michelle was recently accepted into the nationally recognized Rural Hospital CNO Certification Program,” shared MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA. “She will have the opportunity to build on her many years of hospital leadership experience and help prepare MRHC for the continuing challenges we face in rural healthcare.”

For a list of current openings or to apply at MRHC, visit our Join Our Team page or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.

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.