Family Practice Clinic Receives Patient Experience Award

clinic staff

Manning Regional Healthcare Center is proud to announce that their Family Practice Clinic has received The Guardian of Excellence-Patient Experience Award. This award honors healthcare facilities who have consistently reached the top (95th to 99th percentile) of their respective database for patient experience, employee engagement, physician engagement, consumer experience, or clinical quality performance.

“It is an honor to receive the Guardian of Excellence for Patient Experience Award from Press Ganey,” said MRHC Clinic Director, Shelby Dickson, RN. “Our team works hard to provide exceptional care by going above and beyond for our patients. They truly love what they do and who they work with.”

MRHC’s Family Practice Clinic is staffed by four providers, Dr. Douglas McLaws, DO; Dr. Thang Luong, MD; Courtney Rupiper, PA-C; and Sara Powers, ARNP; Clinic Director Shelby Dickson, RN; Health Coach, Amber Croghan; clinic nurses, Katelyn Namanny; Amanda Blum; Casey Quandt; and Roxi Doyel; medical records, Sharon Odendahl; and scheduler, Janey Stoelk.

Clinic staff were recognized for their dedication and hard work and presented with the award on Friday, February 16th with a hospital-wide reception.

The clinic offers extended hours Monday through Thursday 7am-6:30pm and Friday 7am-5pm and Saturday morning 8am-10am to accommodate busy schedules. Same day appointments for minor injuries or illnesses are also available for minor injuries and illnesses. Appointments can be made by calling (712) 655-8100.

clinic staff

Vitito Thrives as Nurse Practitioner at MRHC

Sara Vitito

Sara VititoManning Regional Healthcare Center’s Family Practice Clinic provider, Sara Vitito, ARNP, knew she wanted to work in healthcare for as long as she can remember. When a position became available at MRHC, Vitito jumped at the opportunity to practice in the community she lives in.

“My mom is a nurse practitioner and inspired me to be the provider I am today,” Vitito shared. “Practicing close to home gives me the ability to care for those in the community and establish relationships. And MRHC provides a sense of community. Patients are not just a number here; they are our friends, family, and neighbors.”

After receiving her BSN from the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in 2017, Vitito worked as a nurse with CHI-Lakeside, caring for patients in an inpatient setting and ER. She went back to school for her DNP in 2018 at UNMC. During graduate school, Vitito worked at Methodist Health Systems as an ER nurse. When she finished her Doctorate in Family Practice in May 2021, she then took a position at CHI- Bergan as an ER provider. Vitito joined the MRHC team in March of 2022, providing coverage in the ER and offering same-day appointments in the Family Practice Clinic.

“I love seeing different patients every day with a variety of conditions,” said Vitito. “The ER coverage fulfills my love for the ER and the same-day appointments help improve access to care for patients in the community.”

This new clinic appointment structure (launched in early 2022) provides same-day appointments for both established and new patients who need to be seen for a minor injury or illness.

“This model allows patients to be seen in a clinic instead of being hit with an ER or urgent care cost,” Vitito explained. “I have heard from patients, ‘Wow, I was so happy I could be seen so quickly here in Manning’ and ‘I really appreciate the flexibility in availability to have my children be seen before and after the workday.’ And it has been extremely useful, especially during the cold/flu season.”

Vitito is one of four providers in the Family Practice Clinic who sees patients on a regular basis. The clinic also includes Dr. McLaws, DO, Dr. Luong M.D., and Courtney Rupiper, PA-C.

“Sara has been such a great addition to our clinic team,” said MRHC Clinic Director, Shelby Dickson, RN. “She is always positive and upbeat, and she delivers great care. Plus, her ability to provide same-day access for our patients has really helped improve the care we provide to the community.”

Not only does Vitito enjoy the variety of work she does on a daily basis, but she is also grateful for a supportive team and positive work environment at MRHC.

“We have a fantastic facility to practice in, and I love my coworkers and the team we have here! The providers I work with are all willing to help whenever needed, and the work environment is positive and friendly,” said Vitito. “MRHC has anniversary lunches to celebrate milestones, gifts for nurse practitioner week, provider meals at Christmas, and gifts hospital-wide during the holidays. MRHC also has a Christmas party for all staff to build relationships outside of work. And I have a great work life balance with a flexible schedule.”

For anyone interested in pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner or something similar, Vitito shared this encouraging advice.

“Being a nurse practitioner has endless opportunities. You can work in a big city, rural community, or even teach,” said Vitito. “Take as many clinic or shadowing opportunities as possible to learn what you enjoy, and never be afraid to ask questions because it allows for growth in knowledge. And do not let the amount of schooling deter you! It goes faster than you think.”

If you are in need of a same-day appointment due to a minor injury or illness, call (712) 655-8100. To join the MRHC team, visit www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information on current job openings.

MRHC Makes Changes to Enhance Patient Experience

Sara Vitito, ARNP at MRHC who offers same day appointments

Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) has made recent changes to improve patient accessibility to providers and convenience of care. Sara Vitito, ARNP, joined the Family Practice Clinic on March 8th with the intention to offer more same-day appointments.  Sara Vitito, ARNP at MRHC who offers same day appointments

“We have seen an increase of the need for same day appointments, so we are changing the model of our Family Practice Clinic to accommodate these demands,” shared MRHC Clinic Director, Shelby Dickson, RN. “This new structure will allow our primary care providers to focus on their patients, provide more convenient and accessible appointment options with Sara, and improve the overall patient experience.”

Originally from Omaha and now residing in Defiance, Iowa, Vitito is excited to begin meeting patients. She looks forward to caring for local families and providing a continuum of care from birth until the elderly years.

“We are committed to offering the best health care in the region and we hope that these changes happening in our Family Practice Clinic will improve patient care for locals so they may be seen on the same day as making an appointment,” shared MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA.

New Designated Phone Number for Appointments

MRHC has also designated a new phone number for patients to call when scheduling appointments. Patients can now dial (712) 655-8100 to schedule an appointment in the Family Practice Clinic and Specialty Clinics.

This designated phone line provides ease for patients wishing to schedule appointments for regular well-child visits, annual exams, health concerns, or common sicknesses in the Family Practice Clinic, and services including OB-GYN, Orthopedics, ENT, Podiatry, Urology, Pain Clinic, Wound Care, wellness clinics, and general surgery in the Specialty Clinic.

Appointments for rehabilitation services including physical, occupational and speech therapy should still be scheduled by calling (712) 655-2072. Senior Life Solutions can be reached by calling (712) 655-8262. The number for the Recovery Center at Manning Regional Healthcare Center will remain (712) 655-2300.
If you have any questions or concerns about your health or need to speak directly with someone at MRHC, do not hesitate to call the main line at (712) 655-2072.