Lauren Spadafore, MSN, APRN, CNP

I started college in nursing and realized this was my calling after a friend's traumatic brain injury. My mom is a nurse and my aunt is a physician. Over my career, I have worked in various pediatric areas, including inpatient, outpatient, home care and travel nursing. I value teaching, as well.

In time, I realized that I wanted to have more autonomy and empower growth in my career, and I obtained a master’s degree in nursing education. When a close friend's mom started on her cancer journey, I realized that I wanted to become a nurse practitioner to lead in new ways.

As a nurse practitioner, I work in Cincinnati Children’s outpatient Healthy Bladder Clinic. This clinic focuses on the care of patients with conditions such as nocturnal enuresis, diurnal enuresis, urinary tract infections and constipation.

I believe in meeting each patient and family on their own journey, respecting their goals and empowering them to embrace what they can do themselves to achieve change. I understand that each patient’s diagnosis may result in a longer treatment process than they planned, and I tell them they are not alone. I also want them to know that there is no shame in discussing difficult or embarrassing subjects in private, safe spaces.

When I was a registered nurse at Cincinnati Children’s, I was honored to be a nominee for the 2015 Burton R. Pease Award for Excellence in Nursing Leadership. This award is given for dedication, advocacy and a positive attitude. At that time, I was involved with helping to lead change with outpatient ambulatory documentation standards.

With my research, I’m working with our outpatient Nurse Practitioner Healthy Bladder team on follow-up questions to obtain further information on the community perspective on our Bed-Wetting Alarm Study.

In my free time, I am a proud aunt and a dog mom. I’m all about soccer and college basketball, especially FC Cincinnati and March Madness. I am involved in a local running group and love swimming, yoga, reading, traveling and the little things in life. I embrace a good cup of coffee and Sunday brunch.