Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Lauren Hellstrom

Bloomington,MN

Summary

Seasoned Inpatient RN at Park Nicollet, adept in nursing staff leadership and providing compassionate care. Elevated patient safety and care standards, demonstrated through successful coordination of interdisciplinary teams and a promotion to GI nurse navigator. Excelled in direct patient care with a focus on quality improvement.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Inpatient RN

Park Nicollet
09.2021 - Current
  • Company Overview: Melrose Eating Disorders Institute
  • We care for patients with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorders
  • We care for their mental health as well as their physical health
  • We follow patients as they are put on re-feeding protocols
  • We manage diabetic cares, tube feeds, and IVs
  • We administer medications and provide enemas
  • We create a safe space for patients to be vulnerable
  • We support their mental health and provide a safe space to share their feelings and emotions
  • As nurses, we are therapeutic communicators
  • We work together to provide care alongside the interdisciplinary team
  • We work with dieticians, therapists, doctors, occupational and physical therapists
  • I also work as a charge nurse
  • I run the inpatient unit when assigned
  • We admit patients, check labs, assist nurses with tasks and ensure patient safety during their stay
  • We answer patient and parent questions
  • We essentially ensure the unit is running smoothly during our shift
  • Melrose Eating Disorders Institute

General Surgery Nurse Navigator

Allina
Minneapolis, MN
04.2023 - 08.2024
  • I worked with Dr. Johnson in general surgery
  • I worked closely with patients that have hiatal hernias, esophageal concerns and reflux/digestive issues
  • I took care of patients from beginning to end (consult to post op recovery)
  • I taught pre-op classes virtually through Microsoft Teams.
  • We coordinated patient’s pre-operative testing through MNGI and Allina
  • Once the patient’s testing was complete, we then presented them at our weekly Reflux and Digestive Center conference.
  • I was in charge of coordinating this weekly conference, along with my three other colleagues.
  • This conference presented each patient’s unique case in front of GI providers, radiologists, pathologists, and surgeons.
  • They developed a plan unique to the patient that takes into account the patient’s comorbidities and various symptoms.
  • I then contacted the patient to present our conference plan.
  • I arranged testing through MNGI, Rayus, Allina, or other facilities if further testing was needed before a diagnosis
  • If pursuing surgery, I followed the patient post-operatively 1-2 times per week for 5 weeks.

Registered Nurse

Allina
05.2021 - 09.2021
  • Company Overview: Home Care/Hospice
  • I worked as a home care/hospice RN
  • I traveled to Minneapolis, St. Paul, Shakopee, Savage, Prior Lake, Bloomington, Richfield, Minnetonka, Saint Louis Park and Eden Prairie
  • My primary role was to complete head to toe assessments on patients and carry out various procedures
  • During my time there, I learned how to draw blood on patients
  • I obtained specimens from patients, changed urinary catheters and suprapubic catheters
  • I drew blood for patients and checked their INR levels
  • I completed diabetic wound care and created care plans
  • I learned a new computer system specifically designed for home care nurses
  • I changed sterile dressings and managed ports
  • I changed colostomy bags
  • I coordinated care and contacted physicians
  • Home Care/Hospice

RN

Park Nicollet
08.2019 - 05.2021
  • Company Overview: Colorectal/General Surgery
  • I worked in colorectal surgery as an RN
  • I ran clinics for three colorectal surgeons and two physician assistants
  • When I was not assisting with colorectal procedures, I roomed patients and triaged pre/post operative phone calls
  • We also performed in office rectal sigmoidoscopies
  • When our providers were out of office, we often ran clinics for general surgeons
  • We assisted with various procedures like abscesses and cyst removals
  • We educated patients as well on pre/post op requirements for hernia repairs and appendectomies
  • We also worked closely with the breast cancer nurse navigator at times regarding breast cancer surgery and post operative concerns
  • We worked with drains and postoperative stitch/suture removals
  • I was promoted to GI nurse navigator at the end of 2020
  • This was a new role that was created by the colorectal surgeons
  • We completed intake for new colorectal cancer patients
  • We attended tumor boards with the interdisciplinary team
  • We also met once a month to work on improving our nurse navigator role
  • We worked closely with the surgeons and attended lectures to enhance our knowledge base
  • We worked closely with oncology and GI to streamline our process as well
  • Colorectal/General Surgery

Education

RN Degree -

Excelsior College
01.2017

LPN Degree -

Hennepin Technical College
01.2010

Associates Degree -

Normandale Community College
01.2003

Skills

  • Compassion and empathy
  • Basic life support
  • Quality improvement
  • Nursing staff leadership
  • High level of autonomy
  • Direct and indirect patient care

Certification

RN License, L-2461693, 12/15/17

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

General Surgery Nurse Navigator

Allina
04.2023 - 08.2024

Inpatient RN

Park Nicollet
09.2021 - Current

Registered Nurse

Allina
05.2021 - 09.2021

RN

Park Nicollet
08.2019 - 05.2021

RN Degree -

Excelsior College

LPN Degree -

Hennepin Technical College

Associates Degree -

Normandale Community College

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Lauren Hellstrom