Howard County Public Health

Pros

• The nurses at Cresco hospital are caring and compassionate.
• The OB department is excellent at their jobs.
• Steph Riley is a great midwife.
• The emergency room experience is exceptionally positive.
• The staff are friendly and professional.
• Regional Health Services of Howard County saved lives and provides dedicated care.
• The lab techs, nurses, and pharmacists are rockstars in the medical field.
• The Pain Clinic and same-day hospital services are superb and staffed by knowledgeable professionals.

Cons

• The reviewer described the hospital experience as the worst they've ever had, citing burnt-out and underpaid staff and concerns about possible malpractice.
• They stated that a staff member appeared overwhelmed and unhappy, suggesting the employee was putting on a fake smile and should seek employment elsewhere.
• They warned that malpractice could occur due to low morale and said they would sue for damages.
• They alleged that Dr. Chad Rasmussen assaulted them by pushing them to the ground and recommended charging or firing the physician.
• They claimed the hospital orders unnecessary tests and bills patients' insurance to push for more visits, describing the doctors as fake.
• They asserted that patients were labeled as violent or mental patients and left unattended, with little follow-up from the administration.
• They urged others to go to Decorah because this hospital is poorly run.

Review

Across these voices, the Cresco hospital and the broader Regional Health Services of Howard County system come through as a place of genuine care and skilled medical attention, even as individual experiences vary widely. Several reviewers sing the praises of the nursing staff and the women and men who work in the OB and ER settings, painting a picture of a compassionate, patient-centered team that can rise to the moment in both routine and urgent care. The nurses, in particular, are repeatedly described as gentle, empathetic, and attentive, and the obstetrics department is singled out for its competence and supportive care. In particular, one reviewer highlights Steph Riley as an excellent midwife, praising the overall OB experience as a standout part of the hospital's offerings.

One memorable ER visit left a strong impression for its speed and efficiency. A reviewer who had fallen from a ladder called ahead to check availability and found the process remarkably smooth once they arrived: EMS and a nurse greeted them in the parking lot, imaging was done promptly, a clear diagnosis was provided, and detailed instructions followed, with discharge occurring within about two hours. This experience stands in contrast to the often-you-see-stressful nights in busy emergency departments, and the reviewer concluded that this visit was exceptional and preferable to a larger, crowded hospital where wait times can be long. The overall impression conveyed is that, when the hospital is not overwhelmed, the care given by the staff is friendly, professional, and efficient.

Beyond the ER, other accounts emphasize consistently high-quality care. A number of reviewers describe "top notch care" and commend the breadth of staff who contribute to that standard - from nurses and lab technicians to pharmacists and physicians - who collectively deliver thorough and knowledgeable care. The Pain Clinic and same-day hospital services are highlighted as particularly strong, with the entire team noted for being capable and well-informed. In these accounts, patients feel respected, well-educated about their conditions, and supported by a medical staff that communicates clearly.

Nevertheless, the collection includes pointed criticisms that underscore the pressures and complexities facing a community hospital. One reviewer, unhappy with their overall experience, would assign a negative star rating if possible. They describe a staff environment where burnout feels visible, with at least one employee appearing overwhelmed and underpaid. The reviewer suggests that low morale could pose risks for malpractice or negligence, and they offer a stark critique of compensation and workload, even urging the individual to consider seeking employment elsewhere at better-compensated institutions. While this voice acknowledges that some moments - the care from a particular employee who was kind and helpful - were positive, the overall tone is one of concern about underpayment and overwork contributing to a grim mood among the staff.

A separate, more severe critique centers on a mental-health crisis during which a patient felt they were not treated with appropriate dignity or safety. In this account, the patient describes being labeled "violent" rather than addressed by name, being held on a court order, and feeling that a clinician did not adequately check on them or offer support. The reviewer attributes the situation to systemic failures and a lack of follow-up, noting that they reported the experience to the hospital's CEO through their therapist, but felt ignored after an investigation. They call for accountability, including potential charges or firing for the physician involved, and advise others to seek care elsewhere.

Family experiences add another layer to the hospital's reputation. One caregiver recounts nearly losing their father twice, describing the staff as compassionate, thorough, and clear in their explanations so the family could understand what was happening. This narrative ends on a grateful note, recognizing the staff's effort and expressing blessings on those who helped. There is also a contrary line of advice from another reviewer who urges people to go to Decorah instead, expressing frustration with how the Cresco operation is run. The tension between gratitude for dedicated staff and concern about organizational performance is palpable.

In a broader regional perspective, several reviewers praise Regional Health Services of Howard County as a lifeline for the community. They highlight time-sensitive, life-saving care and a collaborative network that connects patients with specialists when needed. Specific praise is given to clinicians like Dr. Courtney, Dr. Jensen, Dr. Pepito, and Dr. Jeremy Waldo, as well as lab technicians, nurses, and the hospital's pharmacist, Reed. The message from these voices is consistent: Cresco and its affiliated services are the closest, most accessible option when illness strikes, and the staff's compassion and expertise can be genuinely life-changing. The reviewers repeatedly emphasize their gratitude and strongly recommend the hospital for those seeking care in their region.

There are also practical, day-to-day patient experiences that shape overall impressions. A patient seeking care for a leg abscess near Le Roy, MN, notes that the doctors explained what was going on in an educational and patient-friendly way, reinforcing the sense that the medical team values clear communication and patient understanding. A separate account of pediatric care describes a quick and smooth visit for stitches after a head injury, with courteous staff who treated a young child with care and efficiency, finishing the whole procedure in about 45 minutes. Taken together, these stories highlight a hospital system capable of delivering timely, respectful, and effective care across a range of scenarios, from minor injuries to complex medical conditions.

In sum, the experiences paint a hospital system built on a strong foundation of compassionate nurses and skilled clinicians who strive to provide efficient, evidence-based care. For many patients, Cresco and the Howard County regional network offer timely access to necessary services, clear explanations, and a reassuring bedside presence at a time when it matters most. Yet, the same pool of reviews also reveals concerns about staff burnout, morale, and challenges in mental health care that some patients feel have not been adequately addressed. The portrait is of a community hospital that can be a source of comfort and healing for many, while also facing the real pressures of staffing, workload, and the complexities of delivering consistent, high-quality care in every encounter.

Physicians

• Cresco Medical Clinic (0 miles)
• Gundersen Harmony Clinic (12.6 miles)
• Olson Randall DDS (17.3 miles)
• Family Care Clinic (17.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Regional Health Services Of Howard County (0.1 miles)
• Evans Memorial Home (0.3 miles)
• Gundersen Lutheran Health System (12.6 miles)

Parks

• Kessel Park (0.1 miles)
• Parks & Recreation Department (0.6 miles)
• Beadle Park (0.7 miles)
• Vernon Springs County Park (2.5 miles)
• Cardinal Marsh State Wildlife Area (4.4 miles)
• Harmony City Park (13.4 miles)
• Roman Park (13.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Lutheran Church (0.4 miles)
• Assembly of God Church (0.5 miles)
• Cresco United Methodist Church (0.5 miles)
• First Congregational Church (0.5 miles)
• Immanuel Lutheran Church (0.5 miles)
• Nortandam Parris (0.7 miles)
• Notre Dame Parish (0.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Cuautla Jalisco Family Mexican Restaurant (0.5 miles)
• Atomic Pizza Pub (0.6 miles)
• Fat T's Cafe (0.6 miles)
• M & M Lounge (0.6 miles)
• Kleve's Pub (0.6 miles)
• Teluwut Grille House & Pub (0.6 miles)
• Teluwut Cresco (0.7 miles)

Theaters

• Cresco Theatre and Opera House (0.6 miles)
• Freidely (17.3 miles)
• Viking 3 (17.3 miles)
• Fridley - Viking 3 Theatre (17.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Hoines Health Mart Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Good Neighbor Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Sterling Stores (0.8 miles)
• Sterling Pharmacy (13.1 miles)
• Donlon Health Mart Pharmacy (17.5 miles)
• Domlin Phrmacy (17.5 miles)

Transportation

• Hunters Taxidermy (4.7 miles)
• Uhaulcarshare Luther College (16.7 miles)
• U-Haul Moving & Storage (17.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (17.4 miles)