Since 2017, the Missoula native has been working at Emma's House as a registered nurse forensic medical examiner, working directly with children after allegations of abuse. For children, that process means talking with law enforcement, Child and Family Services, a family advocate and sometimes more. Lindstrom, 28, then conducts a head-to-toe exam with the children and, alone, speaks with them about their health in a child-friendly environment.
"I think my main goal is just reassuring children that despite what has happened to them, their bodies will be normal and healthy for a lifetime," Lindstrom said. "I think that is special for me to help them heal that way."
Lindstrom doesn't hold down just one nursing job — she has three. Each week she works two days as a nurse with a primary care provider in the Bitterroot Valley, two days as an outpatient nurse educator for Marcus Daily Memorial Hospital, and one day at Emma's House. Her Emma's House colleague, Lisa DeMoss, said Lindstrom is "spectacular" in her work there.
"She is not only warm and wonderful with people, but she’s just very proficient and conscientious in everything she does," DeMoss said. "It's the perfect combination for the perfect nurse."
When Lindstrom graduated in 2014 from Montana State University with her nursing degree in hand, she had taken the first step toward helping people, as planned. Last week, she said the work still teaches her something each day.
"My job at Emma's House and nursing, in general, teaches me something every single day about how resilient and amazing humans can be," Lindstrom said. "I, personally, found that very empowering in my own life."
From Recognizing 10 outstanding nurses who make the Missoula area a better place series by Seaborn Larson May 1, 2020 Missoulian