Lauren Popko
Des Plaines,IL
Summary
PMHNP candidate (May 2026, Lewis University) with 12+ years of high-acuity nursing experience in a Level III perinatal center. Skilled in psychiatric assessment, diagnosis, and psychopharmacologic management across outpatient and PHP/IOP settings. Experienced in crisis stabilization and managing complex co-occurring medical and mental health conditions. Brings confident clinical judgment, decisive leadership, and a calm, patient-centered approach to care.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Registered Nurse Labor and Delivery – Level III Perinatal Center
Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital
07.2012 - Current
- Experienced in management and care of high-risk patients with co-existing conditions including psychiatric disorders, substance abuse, diabetes, multiple births, placenta abruption, and fetal demise
- Effectively managed psychiatric crisis in high-stress situations, ensuring patient safety and well-being
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop care plans for patients with mental health needs during labor and postpartum periods
- Confident circulating nurse in the operating room for cesarean sections, cerclage, dilation and curettage, dilation and evacuation, and tubal ligations
- Proficient in neonatal resuscitation and immediate newborn care
- Preceptor for new graduate nurses and nursing students
- Maintain active status as unit diabetic champion and member of chart audit committee
- Evanston hospital’s labor and delivery representative for the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative initiate on perinatal mental health
Certified Veterinary Technician
Roscoe Village Animal Hospital
10.2009 - 12.2010
- Developed technical skills daily executing blood draws, IV catheters, urinalysis interpretation, bandaging, fecal and cell analysis, and radiology
- Provided excellent customer service by listening to clients describe intricate needs of their pets
Founder and Owner
ALL CARE Animal Service
09.2009 - 08.2009
- Created a professional in-home pet sitting and dog walking company
Certified Veterinary Technician
Urban Veterinary Care
11.2005 - 09.2008
- Responsible for anesthesia monitoring and performing dental prophylaxis
- In charge of training new employees and managing drug log records
Education
Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL05-2026
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated Program
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL01-2012
Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology
Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology
Denver, CO12-2004
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
The University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS05-2002
Skills
- AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers Certification (CPR and AED)
- NCC Credentialed in Inpatient Obstetric Nursing (RNC-OB)
- Neonatal Resuscitation Program provider
- Certified Breastfeeding Counselor (CBC)
Graduate School Clinical Experience
BZA Behavioral Health – Schaumburg, IL (1/2026-5/2026)
Preceptor Armanda Keci, APRN, PMHNP
- Conducted comprehensive psychiatric assessments for 15-20 patients daily at an outpatient setting
- Developed and implemented individualized care plans for patients with mood disorders, psychotic disorders, and substance use disorders
- Initiated, titrated, and monitored psychotropic medications under supervision
Simply Bee Counseling – Vernon Hills, IL (8/2025-12/2025)
Preceptor Jennifer McAdams, MA, LCPC, CEDS-C
- Group and individual therapy at a partial hospitalization setting for adolescents
- Utilized CBT, DBT, ERP, Trauma-Informed therapy, ACT, and Mindfulness therapy methods
In Step Behavioral Health- Saint Charles, IL (1/2025-5/2025)
Preceptor Marcin Mika, APRN, PMHNP-BC
- Medication services, psychiatric evaluations, and counseling at an outpatient level
Accomplishments
- Perinatal Mental Health Leadership: Served as Labor & Delivery representative for the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative (ILPQC) perinatal mental health initiative at Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital.
- Unit Leadership: Frequently serves as Charge Nurse for a high-acuity Level III Labor & Delivery unit, overseeing clinical operations, staffing coordination, emergency response, and interdisciplinary collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
- Leadership & Team Development: Selected for a top leadership role during the National Outdoor Leadership Program after leading a 22-member team through 250 miles of wilderness terrain; recognized for resilience, sound decision-making, and team cohesion.
- Staff Supervision & Training: Led onboarding, orientation, and clinical training for new nursing staff, fostering clinical competence, confidence, and adherence to best practices.
- Patient Advocacy & Education: Delivered clear, compassionate education on treatment plans, medication risks, dietary modifications, and physician instructions to promote informed decision-making and patient safety.
Affiliations
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA)
- American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP)
- Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Timeline
Registered Nurse Labor and Delivery – Level III Perinatal Center
Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital
07.2012 - Current
Certified Veterinary Technician
Roscoe Village Animal Hospital
10.2009 - 12.2010
Founder and Owner
ALL CARE Animal Service
09.2009 - 08.2009
Certified Veterinary Technician
Urban Veterinary Care
11.2005 - 09.2008
Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Accelerated Program
Loyola University Chicago
Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology
Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
The University of Kansas
Master of Science in Nursing - Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Lewis University