MCKENNA NIERENGARTEN
Summary
Empathetic and resourceful Social Work student with hands-on experience in a hospital environment, providing patient-centered care and emotional support to individuals and families facing health-related challenges. Strong communicator with a focus on confidentiality, ethical practice, and cultural competency. Eager to apply academic knowledge and practical experience to support diverse client populations well-being and outcomes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Social Work Intern
Humboldt High School
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and recommend interventions as needed.
- Offered community resource guidance to clients to meet family needs for assistance.
- Interviewed clients to assess needs and determine the most suitable needs and services.
- Implemented evidence-based interventions to address diverse client needs.
- Supported clients in setting and achieving personal goals, utilizing strength-based approaches to foster empowerment.
- Collaborated with school personnel to identify students in need of social work services and develop individualized interventions.
Social Work Intern
Ain Dah Yung (Our Home) Center
06.2024 - 12.2024
- Conduct initial intake assessments to gather information on housing status, mental health, substance use, and family situation.
- Provide referrals to transitional living programs, to mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, or medical care.
- Develop and implement safety plans for youth at risk of self-harm or harm from others.
- Support youth in obtaining identification documents, employment, or school enrollment.
- Develop and implement safety plans for youth at risk of self-harm or harm from others.
- Collaborate with law enforcement, child protective services, or domestic violence programs when necessary.
Patient Care Assistant
Regions Hospital
07.2022 - Current
- Assist patients with performing ADLs including feeding, dressing, toileting, and bathing
- Work alongside RN to monitor vital signs, intakes & outputs, and communicate findings of assigned patients
- Collaborate with inpatient nursing team to promote safe patient handling and cares
- Complete delegated tasks such as obtaining blood glucose levels, turning & repositioning patients, and providing post/pre-op cares
Resident Assistant
Presbyterian Homes and Services
05.2019 - 07.2022
- Assist residents with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting
- Medication administration and monitoring
- Assist with emergency procedures, including responding to falls, medical incidents, or evacuations
- Maintain accurate documentation of care provided
Education
Bachelors of Social Work -
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MN12-2025
Associates of Liberal Arts and Science -
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN12-2022
High School Diploma -
Park High School
Cottage Grove, MN05-2018
Skills
- Multinterdisciplinary team collaboration
- Culturally Responsive Case Management
- Conduct conflict resolution strategies to assess client needs
- Multicultural advocacy
- Compassionate care
- Knowledge of assessment and evaluation
- Medication administration and monitoring
- Assist with emergency procedures
- Maintain records and case documentation confidentiality
- Ability to communicate, collaborate, and build rapport with diverse populations
Certification
Basic Life Support (BLS), American Heart Association, renew by 06/26
Awards
- Phi Theta Kappa
- Honor Roll
- Urban School Scholarship Recipient
committees
Recent council member as of 2/2025 on the Unit Patient Council (UPC) which is a shared governance of nurses as nursing assistants at Regions Hospital that meet once a month and collaborate with other nursing units in the hospital to develop strategies to improve patient care, employee efficiency and satisfaction.
Timeline
Special Education Social Work Intern
Humboldt High School
08.2025 - 12.2025
Social Work Intern
Ain Dah Yung (Our Home) Center
06.2024 - 12.2024
Patient Care Assistant
Regions Hospital
07.2022 - Current
Resident Assistant
Presbyterian Homes and Services
05.2019 - 07.2022
Bachelors of Social Work -
Metropolitan State University
Associates of Liberal Arts and Science -
Century College
High School Diploma -
Park High School