Akron Life November 2022

CAMEOS OF CARING

What is the most satisfying part of your career? JC: The most satisfying part is getting to support families during some of the most difficult times of their lives. I love to celebrate each little milestone and see the babies go home weeks, months and sometimes even a year or two later. Babies are so resilient, and it makes our jobs so rewarding! Share a story about a special patient or situation. JC: One of my favorite things about the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is being a primary nurse. This entails taking care of babies, sometimes from admission all the way through to their discharge. … Although I was “their nurse,” I felt as though I was part of their family and vice versa. A primary nurse gets to advocate and be the primary teacher to families as they navigate the intimidating NICU world. … I’ve gotten to see babies progress, beat odds, accomplish milestones and so much more through my experiences. Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities. JC: I personally love working at Akron Children’s Hospital. … It values personal and family-centered care. For example, in the NICU, we decorate each hospital room door to celebrate both milestones and holidays. It makes our unit feel less like a hospital and provides a keepsake for both the family and the baby. We also value including family’s input regarding care and medical decisions. Not all organizations are that unique!

What is the most satisfying part of your career? RD: Helping the babies I care for get to the point where they are strong enough to go home with their families. Share a story about a special patient or situation. RD: Over the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of helping families bring new life into the world and providing specialized care to some of the more medically fragile newborns. Share your feelings about your profession, community or professional activities. RD: Nursing is a profession that allows you the opportunity to explore different areas and find what makes you happy or meets your needs. I have been blessed to work on a couple different units. That has helped me grow into the nurse I am today.

TORRI HILEMAN

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, Transitional Care Coordinator and Case Management Registered Nurse EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Malone University; associate degree

REBECCA DRESS

Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Registered Nurse EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science in nursing, Kent State University HONORS & AWARDS: Clinical Ladder

in nursing, Stark State College; licensed practical nurse, Canton City School HONORS & AWARDS: Clinical Excellence nomination and award recipient What is the most satisfying part of your career? TORRI HILEMAN: I love being able to provide assistance and support to patients and families. I am most heart happy when I can assist in making a positive difference in their lives. Share a story about a special patient or situation. TH: There was a gentleman who came in with chest pain. Testing revealed he had a significant heart blockage and would need a multiple vessel coronary artery bypass graft. The patient had

Why did you become a nurse? REBECCA DRESS: I knew from the time I was in elementary school that I wanted to be a nurse. I have always had a strong desire to help people.

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