Nearly two decades after getting his first job in the healthcare field, LJ Helmke is “back home” – sort of – in Blessing Health’s Trauma/Acute Care Surgery department.

“I was an Adams County EMT and I remember my very first ambulance call. It was a semi-truck rollover. Trauma is a fast-paced environment that offers potentially amazing outcomes.”

While LJ thrives on the adrenaline rush that comes with trauma care, he describes himself as an easy-going person who enjoys a good laugh.

“I am a firm believer that laughter is the best medicine, when appropriate. Particularly in the recovery process. I think laughter helps with recovery.”

Raised in Quincy, LJ has cared for Blessing patients during his entire nursing career. A graduate of Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences, he worked in the Cardiovascular Unit and then in the hospitalist program before joining the surgical provider team.

“I respect the doctors in this department greatly.”

He also has great respect for his grandmother, who was a nurse in the era of World War II.

“Nursing has always been kind of a family affair for me.”