Kerstin Lappen, CNS
My specialties:
- Cancer (oncology)
- Hospice and palliative care
Professional interests:
- Pain management
I'm passionate about helping patients feel better; to address both their physical symptoms and the emotional stressors from their illness that impact their comfort, function, relationships, and the ability to tolerate and benefit from medical treatments. Palliative care is all about quality of life.
Practice philosophy: I begin by listening to a person's story, to let the person share what is most important to them, and help them identify their goals--in their medical treatment and in their lives.
What are you passionate about and why? I'm passionate about helping patients feel better; to address both their physical symptoms and the emotional stressors from their illness that impact their comfort, function, relationships, and the ability to tolerate and benefit from medical treatments. Palliative care is all about quality of life.
If you weren't a health care provider, what would you be? A background singer or a food critic.
Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? I've been a nurse since the early 80s, when we didn't do a great job at treating patients' pain and other symptoms. Palliative care specializes in this and in honest communication with patients.
What is something you have learned from your patients? There is nothing more interesting than people. It sounds corny, but each day is a gift and things can change in a heartbeat. Appreciate the people you love and that love you.
What is one of the challenges of this career you enjoy? And why? Patients are often afraid of what "palliative" implies and what it means when they are referred to palliative care. I stress that my job is to help them feel better, and that they set the agenda.
What is your personal health goal? Begin a meditation practice this year.
What is the best thing you've done for your health or the best health advice you've received? Getting a dog and a cat has done wonders for my health--I smile and laugh all the time with them. And our 75 pound mutt makes us get out and walk.
What are you most proud of? My kids.
What are a few of your personal achievements? I was named as a Fellow in Palliative Care Nursing in 2012 and served as the President of the Hospice and Palliative Nursing Certification Board.
Credentials
- CNS
Specialties
- Cancer (oncology)
- Hospice and palliative care
Personal interests
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Outdoors
- Snowshoeing
Educational institutions
- University of Minnesota School of Nursing
Memberships
- Hospice and Palliative Nurse Association
Current licenses and certifications
- ACPHN
- CNS
- PHN
- RN
Fellowships
- Harvard Palliative Care Education Program
Years of experience
- 21
Hospital affiliations
- Mercy Hospital
- Abbott Northwestern Hospital
- United Hospital
Are you this provider? Update your profile.
Major health plans we participate in
- Allina Health | Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
- HealthPartners
- Medica
- PreferredOne*
- SelectCare/LaborCare
- UCare
- UnitedHealthcare
Other health plans we participate in
- Medicaid/Medicare*
- Aetna
- America's PPO
- First Health/Coventry
- CIGNA
- Humana
- Hennepin Health (formerly Metropolitan Health Plan)
- PrimeWest
- South Country Health Alliance
- United Behavioral Health
- Wisconsin Physician Services (WPS)