Ask A Nurse 

Mary Greeley Medical Center's First Nurse Call Center provides thoughtful health care advice, resources and referrals. It is a free, confidential health information service staffed by registered nurses. Mary Greeley’s First Nurse serves communities throughout central Iowa.

What to Expect

Experienced registered nurses from central Iowa staff First Nurse and are available 24 hours a day to provide you nursing information. First Nurse does not replace the care or advice of your own healthcare provider.

Please be prepared to:

• give the name of your physician
• give the medications you are taking
• any health problems you may have or are experiencing

After evaluation, you will be referred to the appropriate level of care.

Please note that antibiotics and refill requests need to be filled by your physician's office during regular clinic hours.

First Nurse is a community service provided by Mary Greeley Medical Center

When to Use

A child with a fever, a spouse with a stomach ache, a parent with hearing problems: We’ve all had illnesses or healthcare questions that cause us to puzzle over whether to visit the emergency room, or schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor. First Nurse can help determine whether your problem can be taken care of at home, or if you need to see a physician the next day. When appropriate, you may be advised to go to the emergency room.

How to Call

Available 24 hours, First Nurse can be reached by calling: 

• Ames: 515-239-6877
• Toll free in Central Iowa: 800-524-6877

First Nurse does not replace 911. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911.