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Mikasia Jacobsen’s Journey to Becoming a “Great Iowa Nurse”
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Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) is proud to celebrate Mikasia Jacobsen, BSN, RN, for being recognized as a "2025 Great Iowa Nurse." This award recognizes nurses who go above and beyond to ensure safe, compassionate care for their patients, improve the health of their communities, and serve as role models for everyone they work with. With a lifelong passion for healthcare and helping others and an unwavering commitment to her patients, Mikasia has made a significant impact at MRHC.
When asked what makes a "great nurse," Mikasia reflected, "I believe all nurses are great nurses. But for this award, I think it means going above and beyond—not just showing up, completing tasks, and clocking out. It’s about helping wherever I am needed, whether at work or home, not just in my designated role."
Inspired by Family and First Responders
Mikasia's journey into nursing began at a young age, shaped by the influence of her grandmother, an ER nurse, and her first-responder parents.
"I remember doing a project in school about what I wanted to be when I grew up. My grandmother was a big inspiration. She was an ER nurse, and getting to dress up in her scrubs and play with her equipment is something I remember fondly," Mikasia shared. "And growing up with first responder parents definitely changes your perspective when experiencing it firsthand, compared to watching it on TV."
Following in her family’s footsteps, Mikasia joined the Carroll County Ambulance Service as a volunteer EMT in 2016. She completed her EMT in 2017 but then realized she wanted more. Her oldest sister, Taya Vonnahme, the director of the Recovery Center and ARNP at MRHC, encouraged her to pursue nursing. So, in 2018, Jacobsen earned her CNA and began working at MRHC.
“Mikasia has always been a caring person for others. She talked about the medical field when trying to decide what to do and loves the adrenaline and trauma of the ER, which seems to be a family trait,” said Vonnahme, MSN, RN, ARNP, CADC. “As sisters, we work well together, knowing each other's strengths, weaknesses, and how we do things, which makes working in critical situations easier for each of us. We are all so proud of the nurse she has become and can't wait to see what her future brings.”
With the support of her family and MRHC’s tuition assistance program, Mikasia obtained her LPN in 2020, followed by her RN in 2021. In 2022, she was signed off as a Nurse Exempt Paramedic and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). A year later, she stepped into her current role as House Supervisor at MRHC.
Mikasia credits MRHC for playing a pivotal role in her career development. "MRHC is the only reason I became a nurse. Without their constant support, I don't think I would have made it through nursing school, or the continuing education required afterward. If I have any doubts or issues, I know that those at MRHC are behind me, and I can fully rely on them when I need it.”
Thriving in Emergency Medicine
Now serving as an RN and House Supervisor, Mikasia primarily works in the emergency room but also contributes to the Med/Surg unit, Specialty Clinic, and wherever she can help around the hospital. Known among her colleagues as the "ER Queen," Mikasia thrives in the fast-paced environment of emergency medicine.
“I love working in the ER because I can use my education and experience outside of the hospital to help my patients when they come in,” said Mikasia. “Working in an ER can be very scary and unsettling, but I rely on my background, education, and co-workers to make sure we provide the best care in the most unfortunate circumstances. Knowing I am there helping them through these difficult times is more than rewarding.”
A Nurse Who Goes Above and Beyond
Mikasia's adaptability, leadership, and dedication to her job and patients make it easy to see why she was chosen as a “Great Iowa Nurse,” and she expresses immense gratitude for the recognition she has received.
"I can’t put into words what this award means to me. I am truly fortunate to work with our patients and my co-workers at MRHC every day,” Mikasia reflected. “I appreciate more than I can say that I was selected for this award and hope that I continue to make MRHC proud as a great nurse."
For those considering a career in nursing, Mikasia offers honest and heartfelt advice: "Nursing is hard, and it requires dedication. It takes time away from family and friends, and you have to put others before yourself. But if you stick with it, one day, everything clicks. The struggles of nursing school, the extra classes, and the challenge of starting a new job all come together, and you’ll understand why nurses stay in this career. It truly is a rewarding profession."
If you are interested in joining the MRHC team, visit www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information.
