Door County Medical Center Welcomes New Nursing Home Administrator

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Door County Medical Center Welcomes New Nursing Home Administrator

Door County Medical Center (DCMC) is excited to announce that Cameron Krause, LNHA has joined the DCMC team as the Nursing Home Administrator for the Pete and Jelaine Horton Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). 

Christa Krause (no relation), MHA, MSN, RN, CPHQ and Chief Nursing Officer at DCMC shares, “One of the things that impressed us most about Cameron was how naturally he fit our culture. He is humble, eager to learn, committed to our mission, and genuinely cares about people. Those qualities, combined with his education and leadership potential, made him an excellent choice to lead our Skilled Nursing Facility following Nancy Bohrman’s well-earned retirement.”

When Cameron began his search for a job he knew he wanted to work for a non-profit because it was most closely aligned with his values, “Working for an organization that not only respects my values but encourages me to live out my values as a practicing Catholic is a dream come true. There’s a family feel here and the reputation of the organization in the community is incredible. I couldn’t ask for a better fit.” 

A foundation of care

Growing up in Menomonee Falls, Wis., Cameron would accompany his father and their dog to visit a local nursing home. They would distribute Sunday Communion to residents, introduce them to their family dog and keep them company. They did not have any family they were visiting, they simply wanted to give back to the community. But what Cameron and his father received from that simple ritual was something that he would carry with him into adulthood.

Early on, Cameron appreciated spending time with and getting to know the residents. He shares, “It was just a great way to spend time. I got to know and connect with a totally different generation of people and they have so much to offer and share. I was able to develop great relationships with some of the residents. I really learned a lot.”

In high school, Cameron joined a program called Healthcare Academy which solidified his interest in healthcare administration. 

Prior to his residency in Rice Lake, Cameron completed an internship at an assisted living community he visited in high school. He also worked there as a caregiver the year prior, giving him well-rounded experience throughout all aspects of long-term care management. This perspective, as a caregiver, will serve him well in his new role.

Valuable experience for a challenging role

Running a nursing home is no easy task. In fact, according to a report published in September 2025 by the American Healthcare Association (AHCA) and National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), staff turnover rates in nursing homes hovers around 53 percent nationally. 

High turnover rates can be attributed to many factors, personal or professional but may include: 

  • Heavy workloads
  • Burnout and emotional strain
  • Safety concerns or workplace injury risk
  • Scheduling pressure
  • Poor fit between job expectations and the reality of care

Cameron and the leadership team that supports him are well aware of this challenge and that’s why they hired him for the role.

“What motivates and engages me is being a servant leader. I get a really unique opportunity to serve staff members, managers, and residents (first and foremost). Serving the residents of the SNF is most rewarding for me,” shares Cameron.  

Going forward, Cameron plans to celebrate the features that make the 32-resident Pete and Jelaine Horton SNF such an incredible home for those who need it.

“Nursing homes have a negative stigma - that they are not a desirable place to be or that those who call it home have a poor quality of life. I want to change that. I get to serve the residents of the SNF the way they deserve to be served and the way they want to be served. This is HOME for them. Advocating for them gives me a great sense of pride and pleasure,” shares Cameron.  

Cameron is impressed by the existing programs offered at the SNF that make it feel like home including: 

  • Several planned outings every month to places like The Farm, the Door County Fair and local festivals. 
  • A music program where musicians visit and perform for residents on a regular basis.
  • Bingo twice a week (a resident favorite - some wish it was every day)
  • Animals and pets that come in to visit with residents
  • Catholic Mass once a week as well as other opportunities for spiritual practice 
  • Grilling out in the summer

Currently, Cameron is considering making improvements to the staffing model. He sees how adding medication technicians and paid feeding assistants can help take some pressure off of the nurses and assistants allowing them to focus more of their energy on the work that leverages their greatest talents and take more time with residents. 

Thanks to the growth, support and advancement programs offered by DCMC, Cameron will be well supported in his role. He’s already activated his membership to LeadingAge Wisconsin, a peer networking group for leaders of long-term care facilities and will definitely be pursuing additional development opportunities like annual conferences and continuing education credits. 

Laying down roots

Cameron Krause had only ever heard great things about Door County, now he understands why. He and his wife, who has been hired as a Health Unit Coordinator in DCMC’s Outpatient Medical Department are settling into Door County life nicely. 

So far, they have attended the goat parade in Sister Bay, watched the Sturgeon Bay High School graduate boat parade, secured memberships to the YMCA and have discovered the beautiful trails protected by the Door County Land Trust. They both hike, bike and run so it is obvious that they will find life in Door County very satisfactory. 

Cameron says, “I can’t get over how nice everyone is. Everyone has been so incredibly friendly and accommodating. I appreciate the welcoming community and how happy people are to meet us. It surprises me that more young people aren’t flocking here. ” 

When they told their friends they were moving to Door County, everyone was jealous (rightly so). 

Please join us in welcoming the Krause’s to the community.

Learn more about the Pete and Jelaine Horton Skilled Nursing Facility at Door County Medical Center here

Are you interested in a healthcare career at Door County Medical Center? Learn more about what it’s like and the opportunities available.