Akron Life November 2022

CAMEOS OF CARING

through COVID. I was overwhelmed by the community’s support. The local schools colored the sidewalks into the hospital with thanks, praise and encouraging phrases with chalk. I took pictures and cried. It felt good that people took the time to thank us. I felt the nursing profession was finally respected. I can’t think of doing anything other than nursing!

TC: He had fallen and had bleeding in his brain. … His name was Tony. Every morning I came in and greeted him as “Tony Bologna” with a big smile on my face. His wife, God love her, was at his side, terrified if she fell asleep or left him alone, he would fall again. … We always started our day with, What questions do you have? What are you worried about? Then I assessed him. We did exercises with his mouth and speech. We moved his hands and feet, increasing his activity every day … with a final goal of walking his daughter down the aisle [in] October. His wife left after the first time I had Tony; she knew I was going to care for Tony. Every day we worked, and Tony got stronger, more confident. His speech came back … and we were walking! …We both cried a little at shift change the night before he left for rehab. Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities. TC: Never forget the impact you have on the patient when you walk into the room. Many times when I greet them, I touch their hand. It shows compassion, it’s comforting and it establishes connection — a bond, I am here. The power of touch has an enormous impact.

TIFFANY COLLINS Summa Health, Akron campus, Registered Nurse, Charge

Nurse and Preceptor EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in nursing and minor in criminal justice,

Kent State University HONORS & AWARDS:

JENNY CROFT

Akron Children’s Hospital, Registered Nurse EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, Bowling

Care Beyond Award, Daisy Award, Magnet Ambassador, stroke certified registered nurse

Why did you become a nurse? TIFFANY COLLINS: My grandma was a nurse, and I loved her and admired her so very much. … Whenever anyone was sick, I would watch what she did and how she did it. I also knew at an early age I wanted to help people. I wanted to take care of them, give them comfort and make them smile. What is the most satisfying part of your career? TC: With stroke and trauma patients, they are immediately faced with a dramatic change to everything they have ever known. They are scared and they are angry, with a million questions in their heads. Will I walk again? Can I eat normal food? Can I walk my daughter down the aisle for her wedding? It’s my job to educate them, give them hope, get them working on how to make it better. … Sometimes that means sitting with them, holding their hand and listening. Sometimes it’s calling a doctor again, asking them to come back to a room and discuss what’s happening. It’s taking time to show them they matter and what happens to them matters to me. And some people don’t have that, but for 12 hours they will.

Green State University; Bachelor of Science in nursing, The University of Akron

Why did you become a nurse? JENNY CROFT: Nursing actually

wasn’t my first career choice. I went to Bowling Green State University for exercise science and was interested in working in cardiac rehabilitation. I’ve always wanted a career that helps other people, but at the time I was nervous around needles. During my internship, I learned how much I loved caring for patients and decided to challenge myself and further my education with a second degree in nursing. During my pediatrics rotation, I knew I was meant to work with kids. I truly cannot imagine myself doing anything different!

Share a story about a special patient or situation.

44

a k r o n l i f e . c o m | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 2