In a world where selfies and Tik Tok are part of everyday life, loving the way you look could mean seeking treatments from a nurse injector like Laura VanderKelen, BSN, RN. Her empathetic nature and dedication to self-care help her relate to patients who see her at Plastic Surgery & Skin Specialists by BayCare Clinic for aesthetic injections.
Laura's passion for nursing was ignited at the age of 12 when her sister's hospitalization gave her a behind-the-scenes look at healthcare. Witnessing the dedication of the nurses during her sister's stay inspired Laura to pursue a career in nursing.
“The nurses taking care of her were so sweet and their job just seemed so cool,” Laura says. “That was my track since then.”
After becoming an RN in 2014, Laura began her nursing career in orthopedics taking care of post-operative patients and administering joint injections. Two years later, she became a surgical nurse, working in operating rooms alongside surgeons and closing incisions. Her hands-on experience in both clinical and surgical settings provided her with a skill set that remains invaluable to her current role as an aesthetic nurse injector.
“I learned a lot and got a really steady hand,” Laura says. “Using needles is like second nature to me.”
After several years of spending hours in the operating room, Laura started to question what she truly wanted for the rest of her career. She explored new opportunities, hoping to combine her medical expertise with her love for aesthetics. She couldn’t have been happier to find the opening for a nurse injector at Plastic Surgery & Skin Specialists by BayCare Clinic. To Laura, it felt like the perfect balance between being a medical professional and an artist.
“I knew I wanted to stay in the medical field for the rest of my career, and here I get to be an artist, too,” Laura says.
Laura's commitment to patient care goes beyond the needle. She devotes time to educate her patients, acting as a supportive resource throughout their treatment journey. Her goal is to empower individuals to feel confident and love themselves, embracing the enhancements that align with their aesthetic vision.
“Not that we need fillers and Botox to think we look good,” she says, “but it’s okay to take care of ourselves and keep up on things as we age. I respect that from patients, and they don’t need to feel bad wanting to do that.”
Outside the clinic walls, Laura is a devoted wife and mother, finding joy in spending quality time with her husband and baby girl. Laura understands the importance of taking care of oneself, a principle she practices and encourages for her patients as well.