The growing family medicine team at Glacial Ridge Health System welcomes Certified Nurse Practitioner Nicole Zenk. Nicole joined the doctors and nurse practitioners at Brooten Medical Center this month and now sees patients four days a week. Growing up in Ortonville, MN, Nicole learned to appreciate being raised in a rural area, valuing neighbors, and being grateful for the talents that exist within the community. She looks forward to being part of a healthcare service that is vital to the area.
Nicole has six years of experience in preventive and routine care as well as chronic care, mental health, and addiction services. She is also a trained tobacco cessation specialist.
Nicole wants her patients to live their best life and said, “I’m here to help and be their biggest cheerleader.” She added, “I strive to listen to patients and work with them to help them meet their healthcare goals safely and effectively.”
As a nurse’s aide at Ortonville Nursing Home during high school, Nicole quickly learned that caring for others brought her joy. Upon graduation, Nicole pursued a career in nursing at Hibbing Community College, followed by a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Minnesota State University in Moorhead. After working as an RN in both a school and hospital setting, she went on to receive her Nurse Practitioner degree from Concordia University in Mequon, WI.
Nicole and her husband, Chris, live near Belgrade, where they have quilted a family together. They have five children and a grandchild. Being local, Nicole plays the French horn in the Meire Grove Community Band. She also enjoys traveling, working on house projects, learning homesteading skills, fishing, and laughing with family and friends.
Nicole will split her time between Brooten and Glenwood Medical Centers next fall when Physician Assistant Jackie Osterhaus returns to the area and Brooten Medical Center. Jackie is on a year-long deployment with the Army National Guard.
Brooten Medical Center is open Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and located just 7 miles west of Belgrade along Hwy 55. Call 320.346.2272 for an appointment.
