Heather Hedin, MSN, RN, LSN, NCSN
State School Nurse Consultant
School Health Services
How long have you been with MOLN?
I attended the MOLN Advocacy workshop during my masters program as a class assignment 🙂 Although I didn't join MOLN right away after that, I was introduced to this great organization. So when I accepted my role as State School Nurse Consultant at MDH, and felt like I was really starting to develop my personal leadership style and craving professional development on how to be a good leader, I joined MOLN as a member! I think this was around spring or fall of 2022.
Do you have a favorite MOLN memory so far?
Well, I can honestly say I was so shocked to have been nominated for and received the Moline Award in the fall! Although at the same time, a bit embarrassed I missed the presentation of the award because I was trying to combat a migraine! That being said, one of my favorite memories was attending the most recent fall conference at Breezy point and having too much fun one evening with my mentor and a couple of school nurse colleagues I had recruited to attend the conference with me! That evening started with the wine and paint night and we just continued to have fun and get to know each other better!
How do you cope with the demanding aspects of your career?
Honestly, I super struggle with this! ... and haven't quite found a solution yet. I've been a hot mess express ever since COVID when I was a district school nurse. I transitioned to my state role at the end of COVID and things improved a lot initially! ... except during the periods in which my colleague was on medical leave, and now, since she retired in August and decisions were made not to replace her position.
People talk about self-care and the one thing I've learned and have started expressing to others... (while I do love my monthly massages!)... self-care looks different for everyone. It may not be the 'typical' spa treatments or meditation. For me...it's diving into other things that bring me a sense of purpose, are interesting, and/or provide a challenge! (Which is why I actively participate in committees for three different professional organizations and continue learning about travel hacks despite 'already being overextended' as a professional and a mom).
Who inspires you?
Super motivated high school children!!! OMG the things some highly motivated high school students do these days policy-wise, research-wise, state-level-wise! I mean... I was a straight-A student (#4 in my class, thank you very much!) ... but I thoroughly enjoyed my senior block, my volunteer block in an elementary classroom, and taking advantage of all of the perks being a good student came with!!! I was not quite to the level of state advocacy and the awesome things that some kids do these days!!! Every time I see the involvement of high school students at this level, I just think WOW! that was NOT my high school goal!
What is something that not many people know about you?
I am an identical twin - she is my best friend, biggest cheerleader, voice of reason, etc. We live 10 houses down the street from each other, and many people think that I have 3 children because my niece is 6 weeks older than my son and they look like twins and I'm her favorite person 🙂 so she's over a lot and tags along to a lot of activities with us!
