Hannibal Regional Medical Group is excited to welcome Jessica Mickels, AGACNP to their Weight Management Solutions team. Jessica earned her Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Degree (AGACNP) through Herzing University and has worked in a variety of healthcare roles for over 10 years.
Jessica began her career with Hannibal Regional in 2014 as a registered nurse and recently completed her education and training to be an AGACNP. Reflecting on her journey, she states, “When I first walked into an operating room, I knew I was home. I have loved being a first-assistant in general, robotic, and bariatric surgery for the last few years, but at the same time, something had been missing. Although I had the privilege of witnessing patients in their most vulnerable states in the surgery suite, I wasn't part of their journey before or after surgery. Choosing to become a surgical nurse practitioner has allowed me to be involved in my patients' entire journey. Now, I have the opportunity to engage with patients before their surgery, provide guidance and education throughout their journey to surgery, and witness the profound impact surgery can have on their future.”
Jessica shares, “I love that I can be a part of a surgical patient’s entire journey. As a nurse practitioner first-assistant in surgery, I have the unique opportunity to see my patients before surgery, assist the surgeon during the procedure, and watch how these surgical interventions can have a positive impact on a patient’s future health. Specifically in bariatric surgery, it is very rewarding to see these patients before surgery, hear what their goals are for themselves and their families, and watch as they become the healthiest versions of their selves by using the tools that our Weight Management Solutions program offers.”
Hannibal Regional Weight Management Solutions provides medical and surgical treatments for weight loss to individuals who meet specific criteria and struggle with obesity. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, each patient is carefully evaluated by the team and receives education about available weight loss treatment options.
Jessica is focused on getting to know her patients, learning their goals for their health and using a holistic approach to educate and guide them and their families on their health journey. Jessica is part of the Weight Management Solutions team at Hannibal Regional, to learn more visit hannibalregional.org/weightloss.