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.

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.