Nurse Practitioner, Essentia Health
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: My name is Brooke Zimmerman, and I work as a nurse practitioner specializing in Otolaryngology at Essentia Health in Fargo. With a passion for providing personalized care, I treat patients across the lifespan, addressing acute and chronic conditions relating to the ears, nose, and throat. I pride myself on meeting patients where they are and collaborating with the department to develop evidencebased treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
My medical career began at North Dakota State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I then gained invaluable experience as a solid organ transplant nurse at the Mayo Clinic. Driven to advance my practice, I returned to NDSU to earn a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in 2022. Since then, I transitioned from a role as an emergency department nurse at Essentia to a specialized nurse practitioner, committed to delivering empathetic, high-quality care to the Fargo-Moorhead community. My husband Matt and I, along with our daughter Maeve, call Fargo our home and love getting involved and enjoying all our town has to offer!
Q: What inspired you to get involved in your community at a young age?
A: Growing up in the small, tight-knit community of Grafton, ND, I learned early on that the strength of a community depends on the commitment of its members. I owe much of my inspiration to my parents, who served as primary examples of community and workplace leadership. Whether they were running the youth basketball program or heading church dinners, they taught me by example the importance of giving back and using one’s talents to serve others.
Throughout my school years, I made it a point to remain consistently involved, understanding that showing up is often what matters most. I believe that contributing in any capacity—no matter how small—helps a community remain robust and well-cared for. This foundational belief in the power of dedication and giving back continues to drive my desire to be involved in the community and throughout my work organization, as simply being present and giving of your time and abilities can make a larger difference than you may expect.
Q: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why?
A: I owe nothing but gratitude to the remarkable village of mentors who have shaped me. I hold my parents in the highest regard; they established the precedent for what it means to be a person of integrity, demonstrating a tireless work ethic and a devoted commitment to family and community. Their example is the cornerstone of my own values in both my personal and professional life.
Beyond my home, I wouldn’t be the professional or individual I am today without the diverse group of coaches, professors, friends, and preceptors who have supported and encouraged me. Each one has played a vital role in my education and growth, offering guidance that has helped me navigate every stage of my journey with confidence.
Q: What does success look like to you right now?
A: To me, success is defined by a meaningful balance between my professional commitments and my personal life. It means finding the time and energy to achieve my personal goals while showing up as my best self for both my family at home and my patients.
Achieving this balance requires a disciplined routine, but just as importantly, it requires giving myself the grace to be fully present in whatever space I am currently in. I have come to realize that success is not a universal standard; it is unique to every individual and naturally evolves through different stages of life. Ultimately, I feel most successful when I feel content, knowing that I am providing quality care in the workplace while maintaining a fulfilling and present life at home.
Q: What community issue do you feel deserves more attention?
A: The child care shortage in our community significantly impacts the economic stability of families and the community at large. This crisis forces parents into difficult compromises regarding their family structure, their children’s development, and their own career advancement. Addressing this shortage is not merely a family “concern” anymore; it is essential for the long-term well-being and resilience of our entire community.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: People are often surprised to learn that I am a true introvert. While I am deeply passionate about my work as a healthcare provider and genuinely love connecting with others to learn about their unique stories and life experiences, I also find immense value in the quiet comfort of being at home with my family nearby.
This balance allows me to recharge and show up fully for my community.
On a more personal note, I enjoy family and childhood photography as a creative outlet and hope to make it into a little side gig in the years to come!
Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
A: Looking back, the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that being “well-rounded” is just as important as being highly motivated. Early in my career, my fierce desire for achievement and high motivation to meet my goals were my primary drivers. I set my sights high starting in college, meticulously planning short- and long-term goals to reach my full potential.
However, I now realize that the most significant growth came from the moments I stepped outside my comfort zone. By making difficult decisions to challenge myself—whether through job shadowing or taking on various pre-professional roles—I gained a breadth of experience that I couldn’t have achieved through a narrow focus alone. I wish I had known earlier that every diverse experience, even those that seemed outside my primary path, was building the foundation for the Nurse Practitioner I am today. Embracing that variety is what truly allows you to provide comprehensive, empathetic care.
Q: Where do you hope to make the biggest impact over the next five years?
A: Over the next five years, my primary goal is to make a lasting, positive difference in the lives of the youth in my life—from my own children, nieces, and nephews to the young patients I treat at Essentia Health. I believe that by being actively present and involved, we can cultivate the next generation of strong, self-assured leaders.
I want every child I interact with to understand their inherent worth and to develop the essential skills needed to achieve their own goals. As my family continues to grow, I hope to serve as a coach and mentor, both within my home and the broader community. For me, making an impact means showing up for our youth and providing them with the support and guidance they need to thrive.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: One motto that has stuck with me through my young adulthood was a quote shared with my high school basketball team: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” This resonated with me early on because I recognized that while I may not have always been the most naturally gifted person in the room, I could always be the most dedicated. This mindset shifted my focus from what I lacked to what I could control—my effort. By leaning into hard work, I opened up opportunities to develop my skills further and reach my personal best, even when the path wasn’t the easiest. Whether in my athletic pursuits or my transition to becoming a Doctor of Nursing Practice, this philosophy has taught me that persistence and discipline are the ultimate equalizers in achieving success.
Q: Why is our local United Way important to you?
A: United Way is important to me because it mirrors the values I was raised with—that a strong community is built on the foundation of stable families and supported children. Organizations that uplift the family unit are essential, as they provide the resiliency needed for the next generation to thrive.
What I admire most about United Way is its comprehensive approach to these challenges. They don’t just address one issue; they focus on goals like preventing hunger and homelessness and preparing children to succeed from the start. By investing in local programs, they create a safety net that ensures every family, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. For me, supporting United Way is about more than just giving; it’s about being part of a collective effort to ensure our community remains a respectable, hard-working, and devoted place for everyone to call home.
Q: What is a hope you have for our community?
A: I hope that we continue to foster a community that actively encourages and uplifts one another. I believe that every individual brings a unique set of talents and perspectives to the table, and it is vital that we provide opportunities for everyone to express, advocate for, and practice those gifts. By creating a safe, robust, and inclusive environment, we can ensure that every member of our community feels empowered to contribute to our collective growth.
When we lead with care and provide these supportive spaces, we not only help individuals thrive but also build a more vibrant and connected region for everyone.
Q: Finish this sentence: Lifting families out of poverty is important to me because …
A: It allows everyone’s basic needs to be met, creating a foundation for greater resilience, family strength, and future success. When families are no longer in a state of crisis, they can shift their focus from daily survival to long-term goals.
