CentraCare - Willmar

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CentraCare - Willmar CentraCare provides high-quality health care close to home, because health means everything.

Sometimes comfort comes in the soft nudge of a wet nose, the warmth of a furry head resting on your lap, or the gentle w...
23/08/2025

Sometimes comfort comes in the soft nudge of a wet nose, the warmth of a furry head resting on your lap, or the gentle wag of a tail. For hospice patients, these small moments mean everything.

CentraCare Hospice is looking for volunteer pet therapy teams — dogs and their loving owners — to bring companionship, comfort, and unconditional love during life’s final moments.

It’s some of the most meaningful and rewarding volunteer work you’ll ever experience. Your dog doesn’t have to do tricks, they just have to be their friendly, lovable self!

We’re looking for dogs from across west central Minnesota (Ortonville → Montevideo → Benson → Dawson → Madison → Willmar). The first step is a temperament evaluation on September 12 or 13. Call CentraCare Hospice at 320-231-4433 to schedule.

Once trained, you and your dog will be matched with hospice patients, typically visiting once a week, sharing joy, peace, and love that words cannot always provide.

Together, you and your four-legged friend can leave paw prints on hearts that last forever.

This month, we’re celebrating a truly special milestone! Jeanne B., an RN with our cardiac rehab team, is marking her 44...
11/08/2025

This month, we’re celebrating a truly special milestone! Jeanne B., an RN with our cardiac rehab team, is marking her 44th work anniversary with us!

Jeanne cares for cardiac rehab patients, helping them regain strength, confidence, and a sense of normalcy after a heart attack, surgery, or diagnosis. Her steady presence, clinical expertise, and warm approach make a difference every single day, not just in how patients heal, but in how they move forward.

Cardiac rehab is more than exercise and education. It’s about showing people that life after a heart event can still be full, active, and meaningful. Jeanne has helped countless patients get there, and we’re so grateful for all she brings to this important work. ❤️

Intern Spotlight: Taylyn S.Meet Taylyn S., a student in the Ridgewater RN program, who joined us this summer as an inter...
09/08/2025

Intern Spotlight: Taylyn S.

Meet Taylyn S., a student in the Ridgewater RN program, who joined us this summer as an intern to take on new challenges and grow her skills in patient care.

Taylyn was inspired to pursue nursing by her sister, Tiara, someone she’s admired her whole life. “She became one of the most amazing nurses I’ve ever met. Watching her pushed me to become the best version of myself, even if it meant pursuing something that scared me.”

During her internship, Taylyn found her stride in adult health, where the variety of cases and fast-paced learning kept every shift interesting. She especially appreciated her preceptor, who led by example:

“She gave me a great foundation. The way she handles potentially overwhelming situations with such grace and organization really stuck with me.”

One of Taylyn’s biggest takeaways from her internship was a shift in perspective:

“Being a good nurse doesn’t mean staying on top of your checklist, it means showing up for patients, looking at them holistically, and doing what’s truly best for them and their families.”

Though she was initially nervous about facing new experiences she hadn’t yet encountered in school, she credits her preceptors and team for helping her embrace those moments with confidence.

Taylyn plans to begin her nursing career in adult health, with hopes of exploring labor and delivery in the future.

We’re so grateful Taylyn spent her summer with us, and we’re excited to see the amazing nurse she continues to become!

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning for Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Connection, hosted b...
08/08/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us this morning for Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Connection, hosted by CentraCare Foundation!

We were proud to have Dr. Wehseler, Dr. Bruhn, and Dr. Haggenjos share insights on the new Willmar Rural Family Medicine Residency program and the vital role rural graduate medical education plays in strengthening health care for our communities.

We hope you enjoyed kicking off your Friday with a coffee and treats — and maybe even learned something new along the way!

Intern Spotlight: Mackenzie K. This summer, Mackenzie K. joined us from St. Benedict’s University, pursuing her BSN and ...
08/08/2025

Intern Spotlight: Mackenzie K.

This summer, Mackenzie K. joined us from St. Benedict’s University, pursuing her BSN and growing closer to her dream of becoming a nurse. Mackenzie discovered her passion for nursing during a visit to St. Ben’s, where she fell in love with their nursing program and knew this was the path for her.

She spent her internship in the Emergency Room, where she thrived in the fast-paced environment and valued the supportive team around her. “I was able to be myself, and it was easy to fit in with everyone, including the PCAs, nurses, and doctors,” Mackenzie shared.

Mackenzie’s biggest influence was her preceptor, Chala, who was a constant source of encouragement. “On days when I made mistakes, felt discouraged, or faced challenges, she was there with reassurance and support. Chala genuinely made such an impact on my confidence, and my overall journey of becoming a nurse, and I will always remember that.”

One lesson Mackenzie will carry forward:

“Every nurse starts somewhere. Confidence and knowledge grow with time, practice, and experience. This perspective has helped me recognize that I will get there.”

Skills she gained confidence in include medication administration, patient interaction, and IV starts.

Looking ahead, Mackenzie plans to work for a few years to gain experience, potentially in the ER or behavioral health, before returning to school to pursue her master’s degree and become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

We’re proud of Mackenzie’s nursing journey this summer and can’t wait to see her future impact on patient care!

Intern Spotlight: Marin E.This summer, we were thrilled to welcome nursing intern Marin E. to the Women & Children’s flo...
07/08/2025

Intern Spotlight: Marin E.

This summer, we were thrilled to welcome nursing intern Marin E. to the Women & Children’s floor at Rice Memorial Hospital! Marin is currently attending South Dakota State University and will graduate this December with plans to pursue her dream of becoming a labor and delivery nurse.

Marin was inspired to go into nursing by her dad, a Nurse Practitioner who instilled in her a passion for medicine and making meaningful connections with patients. “I’ve heard so many stories about how he’s impacted others’ lives, and I knew I wanted to do the same,” she shared.

Throughout her internship, Marin embraced every opportunity to learn — from fetal monitoring strips and IV starts to assisting with labor inductions and placing various catheters. She credits her incredible preceptors, Jen and Skylar, for guiding her every step of the way. “They shared their love for labor and delivery nursing with me and helped me grow in so many ways! They gave me the confidence to trust my own judgment when it came to patient care and assessments.”

When reflecting on her time at CentraCare, Marin said:

“The nurses on the Women and Children’s floor love what they do. They were always willing to help and made me feel so supported. This experience has made me want to come back to Rice as a nurse in the future!”

Her biggest takeaway? “Jump into any experience you’re offered — even if you don’t fully understand it yet. You can learn so much from being a part of what might be happening around you.”

We can’t wait to see Marin continue making a difference in the lives of moms and babies in the future!

Great to see so many out at Rockin’ Robbins in Willmar this evening! Thanks to our EMS crew for their support & making c...
06/08/2025

Great to see so many out at Rockin’ Robbins in Willmar this evening! Thanks to our EMS crew for their support & making certain our community is cared for during the concert series all summer long!

We’re soaking up the sunshine at Farmfest (near Redwood Falls) this week, and you’re invited to join the fun at CentraCa...
05/08/2025

We’re soaking up the sunshine at Farmfest (near Redwood Falls) this week, and you’re invited to join the fun at CentraCare’s booth by the Wick Building!

Swing by anytime through Thursday this week for:
→ Free eyeglass cleaning
→ Trivia with prizes
→ Relaxing bubble breathing fun

Plus, each day offers something informative and special:
→ Today (Tuesday) - Get your blood sugar checked & pick up healthy eating tips!
→ Wednesday - Explore surgical services and what's available at CentraCare - Redwood
→ Thursday - Discover the benefits of sleep studies

And a big shout out to our awesome EMS crew who are providing emergency services coverage throughout the week at Farmfest!

Stop by and learn how CentraCare is shaping health and wellness in central and Southwest Minnesota. We look forward to connecting with you!

Congratulations to Renee Johnson, Licensed Dental Hygienist at the CentraCare Dental Clinic, on being named one of only ...
05/08/2025

Congratulations to Renee Johnson, Licensed Dental Hygienist at the CentraCare Dental Clinic, on being named one of only four recipients across the U.S. and Canada of the prestigious RDH Clinical Recognition Award.

This award honors clinical dental hygienists who demonstrate exceptional patient care, impactful community outreach, and professional leadership. Renee’s passion for oral health and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of her patients and students truly set her apart.

With 44 years of experience, she has served patients across all life stages and, for the past 14 years, has trained dental, dental hygiene, and dental therapy students from the University of Minnesota at our dental clinic — while also leading numerous outreach initiatives and chairing the annual Give Kids a Smile event.

We’re proud to have her on our team!

When wounds don’t heal properly, specialized care makes all the difference. At our Wound Care Center, Nurse Practitioner...
03/08/2025

When wounds don’t heal properly, specialized care makes all the difference. At our Wound Care Center, Nurse Practitioner Angela provides expert treatment for chronic and hard-to-heal wounds. Her compassion and attentiveness help patients feel truly cared for.

♥ “Angela was very thorough explaining the stoma and bag I will be getting and the care it will require.”
♥ “Angie and her staff are AWESOME. Always the best care.”
♥ “I was a little apprehensive... what a great place! So kind and thoughtful.”
♥ “The wound care team operates like a well-oiled machine, very efficient, caring, and friendly.”
♥ “Sweet, compassionate ladies. A wonderful experience.”

With advanced therapies and a team-based approach, we help patients heal and feel supported every step of the way. Thank you, Angela, for making a meaningful difference with every wound care patient you see!

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), one in four school-age children has a vision disorder that, if g...
02/08/2025

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), one in four school-age children has a vision disorder that, if gone untreated, can affect their learning, behavior, and overall school adjustment. If you notice your child or teenager squinting, reading too close, covering one eye, rubbing their eyes, complaining of headaches, or exhibiting a short attention span, it's time to see an eye doctor. The good news is, when caught early, most eye problems can be treated.

The first step is to set up a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist for your child or teen. These eye exams go into much more depth than the annual vision screening your child receives at their annual physical.

CentraCare Optometrists, Dr. Jessica Wentzell and Dr. Greg Macik, are available to see patients at our Willmar Skylark Clinic. Call to schedule an appointment early before school begins.

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Carris Health

Serving the Communities of West Central and Southwest Minnesota

Carris Health is a health care system that is driven by its purpose, which is to serve rural communities and address the health care needs of people at all stages of life. Carris Health serves people throughout West Central and Southwest Minnesota and is part of CentraCare Health, one of Minnesota’s largest health systems. Formed in January 2018, Carris Health is a wholly owned subsidiary of CentraCare Health. Visit carrishealth.com for more information.

Better access to health care

Carris Health has more than 2,000 physicians, advanced practice professionals and support staff members who serve thousands of patients and family members in 16 convenient locations throughout West Central and Southwest Minnesota. We provide the care you need, from surgery and rehabilitation to basic wellness check-ups.