Laura Holthaus, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM
Laura Holthaus, BSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM is a results-driven healthcare leader with over 15 years of experience in healthcare, including perioperative nursing and surgical services management. Currently, she serves as the Surgical Services Manager at Gillette Children’s, overseeing both the Operating Room and Sterile Processing Department while functioning at a director-level scope. Laura has successfully led multimillion-dollar OR redesign and integration projects, managed complex budgets, and directed governance committees that shape surgical services strategy. Her career has been defined by a commitment to operational excellence, patient safety, and evidence-based practice. Laura’s journey into healthcare was deeply personal. After witnessing her father battle cancer at a young age, she was inspired by the compassionate nurses who cared for him, which motivated her to pursue nursing. Starting as a CNA in 2007, Laura has advanced through clinical and leadership roles, earning her BSN through a non-traditional path, securing her CNOR certification, and achieving CSSM certification. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes supporting her team through challenges, fostering professional growth, and keeping the patient at the center of every decision. She actively mentors colleagues and champions initiatives that improve patient outcomes, staff engagement, and operational efficiency. Beyond her professional achievements, Laura is deeply committed to her community and personal growth. She serves as an advisor for Women in Leadership at Mankato State University and actively contributes to professional organizations including AORN, ACHE, and ANA. In her personal life, Laura enjoys managing her son’s hockey team, spending quality time with friends and family, enjoying bonfires, and visiting the North Shore of Minnesota. Her story reflects the power of resilience, purpose, and compassionate leadership in transforming healthcare delivery and positively impacting the lives of patients, families, and teams alike.
• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR)
• Certified Surgical Services Manager (CSSM)
• University of St. Thomas – Master of Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare
• Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Registered Nursing
• Minnesota State Community and Technical College – Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS), Registered Nursing
• Anoka Technical College – Associate’s degree, Surgical Technology
• Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN)
• American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE)
• American Nurses Association (ANA)
• Medical Group Management Association (MGMA)
• Minnesota Organization of Leaders in Nursing (MOLN)
• Women in Leadership
• Advisor to Women in Leadership program at Mankato State University
• Active mentorship and professional development within AORN and healthcare teams
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of perseverance, compassion, and a relentless focus on patient-centered care. My early experiences witnessing healthcare in action inspired me to pursue nursing and to dedicate myself to leading teams with excellence, empathy, and integrity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don’t get lost in stereotypes. It can be challenging to be the lone female who stands up, but don’t let obstacles stop you. Your work affects lives—always speak up for what you believe in and advocate for your team and your patients.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value patient-centered care, collaboration, integrity, and supporting my team’s growth. Balancing operational excellence with empathy ensures that both patients and staff feel valued and empowered.