Lindsay is excited to be back in the Midwest. A Wisconsin native and graduate of the Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing and Health Sciences, her career took her to Pennsylvania. So, when she became aware of the opportunity to join Blessing’s palliative care team, Lindsay responded. “I feel palliative care is highly underutilized,” she said. “It is designed to help persons... Read More about Lindsay DeMoss, FNP

After 16 years as a nurse on Blessing Hospital’s Blessed Beginnings maternity center team, Lacy continued her education and became a neonatal nurse practitioner. “Providing safe and appropriate care to these tiny patients who cannot verbalize their own needs is so important. I wanted to specialize in neonatal care to be an advocate for this vulnerable population.” A neonatal nurse... Read More about Lacy Nichols, NP

I chose a career in healthcare because I have a strong desire to help others. My career started as a Certified Nursing Assistant. My love of helping others allowed me to advance my career and continue my education to become a nurse practitioner. I have worked in many areas of healthcare such as nursing homes, cardiology, family medicine, as well as inpatient hospital care. The most... Read More about Laura Starman, APRN, FNP-C

My interest in the medical field began while serving as a combat life-saver in the US Army. The medical field provides me with an opportunity to meet fascinating people, while assisting them with their unique needs. I value each patient I encounter as an individual, while truly enjoying the interactions and conversations. I find the greatest rewards occur when I... Read More about Chris Doedtman, FNP

A native of Carthage, Illinois, Nicki’s interest in science and the example she saw in her mother led her to a career in medicine. “My mom was a nurse. And there are so many paths you can take in nursing, it gives you a lot of options.” Nicki’s path led her to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree... Read More about Nicole Gellatly, MSN, ARNP, FNP-C, ENP-C

When Sara Brown graduated from high school she knew one thing for sure, she wanted a career through which she could help people.  Sara was not sure how to do that.  She spent 10 years working in different jobs before the answer came to her - nursing. Sara began as a licensed practical nurse, became a registered nurse and today is... Read More about Sara A. Brown, FNP-BC

Providing care for someone’s family is an incredible privilege. I enjoy caring for patients of all ages – from babies to their grandparents. I treat my patients and their families as I would treat the members of my own family. As a parent of 3 children, I enjoy providing education and giving guidance based on treatments I have observed to... Read More about Becky Reed, APRN-FNP

I chose to become a nurse practitioner because I wanted to provide the highest quality of care for patients. I enjoy connecting with my patients and helping to improve their health. The most rewarding aspect for myself is to hear back from patients on how their medical condition has improved with the treatments they have received.

“When meeting patients, I want to meet them where they are at in their illness and not where I want them to be. It is important to validate their struggles and help to navigate their illness collaboratively.” Special Interests Perinatal mental health Autism spectrum disorders in adults Severe mental illness in adults (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorder)

Caring for others has been my life’s mission, it is who I am. As a child all I ever wanted to be was a nurse, and I never strayed from that desire. In between my junior and senior year in high school I became a CNA, then after graduating I became a LPN then an RN and now a Nurse... Read More about Brenda Blickhan, APRN, AGPCNP, FNP

Becoming a nurse, requires a passion for caring and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. Over time, skills and knowledge develop and leadership roles may be sought after, but the true passion for caring remains. This is why I became a nurse and now a nurse practitioner.