Megan Feldpausch has a passion for helping people that runs deeply.
“I think it’s just something that I was brought up with,” she said. “My dad was a former deputy sheriff, so a love of community was always present. I love helping people make connections in the community. It’s just me.”
For the past four years, Feldpausch, 31, has served as the Director of Nursing for Crescent Community Health Center in Dubuque.
Opened in 2006 with the goal of providing an affordable healthcare option in the community, the organization provides medical, dental, pediatric dental and brain health, among other services, to patients.
A graduate of Dubuque Hempstead High School before pursuing a degree in nursing from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, and later, from Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences in Rock Island, Ill., Feldpausch began her career at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center before transferring to MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center.
However, she soon felt a calling to continue her nursing career at Crescent.
“I loved the idea of community health and to be able to serve in healthcare in an even more impactful way,” Feldpausch said.
Her strong leadership qualities were quickly noticed, and after four years serving as a nurse, she was promoted to her current role.
“Megan has a very positive attitude and exudes empathy,” said Cayla Schneider, mission advancement and community relations director at Crescent. “She is driven, passionate and lives Crescent’s mission on a daily basis in providing high-quality care for all. She also is an active listener and a problem-solver.”
Feldpausch also works to elevate her team.
“Megan is a champion for supporting women as she manages a woman-dominated team,” Schneider said. “She is the go-to for advice on projects and always has great perspective. She is a supporter of her staff wanting to seek professional growth and pushes her CMA staff who wish to obtain their CNA. She is young, and she is fierce.”
Outside of healthcare, the busy mom stays active in the great outdoors, alongside husband Joe and the family dog.
The family calls Maquoketa, Iowa, home.
“Joe works in Davenport (Iowa),” Feldpausch said. “So, our country home is right in between the communities we work.”
She also is active in local organizations, including the Women’s Giving Circle with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, and the Women’s Leadership Network, in addition to volunteering her time for community events such as the Grandview Gallop and acting as a liaison for the Dubuque Community Schools to aid in school-based clinics.
“There always is something new to do and to experience,” Feldpausch said of balancing her involvement between her family, the community and her career. “It’s amazing, and I love the energy in helping our team work together more efficiently to meet the needs of our patients. I love our mission and our community. I hope I retire here.
“For other women, I would say, don’t stay in one lane. You can pivot, and create time for yourself and for your values. There are multiple ways you can put your heart and soul into what you do, and the things you feel the most passionate about.”
Megan Gloss writes for the Telegraph Herald.
