Margie (Gaydos) Fetscher, clinical nurse manager-perianesthesia, retires on August 19 after 41 years at Akron Children’s.
Growing up, Margie Fetscher, clinical nurse manager-perianesthesia, wanted to be a flight attendant. Her dad worked as an air traffic controller, inspiring Margie’s interest in an aviation career. But Margie wasn’t old enough to begin flight attendant training when she graduated from high school, so she decided to become a nurse instead.
Although Margie spends her workdays with her feet firmly on the ground, she “flies high” when those she’s guided follow their dreams and reach for the sky.
“At Akron Children’s, I’ve gotten to know many people who have become like family to me,” she said. “When staff members I’ve mentored or worked with advance or move on to their dream jobs, it touches my heart.”
On August 19, Margie’s nursing career comes to an end after 41 years at Children’s. She looks forward to relaxing with her husband, Joe Fetscher, whom she married last August, exploring the U.S., visiting family and friends, taste-testing Joe’s home-cooked meals and bicycling in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and neighboring counties.
Margie Fetscher shows off “super nurse” dolls while preparing for a recent Magnet certification, which is a credentialing program that recognizes nursing excellence.
What brought you to Children’s?
After graduating from St. Elizabeth Hospital School of Nursing, I worked one year in Cleveland. I applied at Children’s, which allowed me to be closer to my parents and three younger siblings, who lived in Youngstown. Eileen Enin hired me to work in Children’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Have you always worked in the same department and role?
One of the best things about working as a nurse at Children’s is the many opportunities we have and how well we’re treated. I’ve been fortunate to work in many different departments, learn new skills and meet new people. Initially, I worked night shift in the NICU until a day position opened in the toddler unit. When my son was young and my family needed more flexibility, I took nursing jobs in other departments.
I wanted to move into supervisory and managerial nursing roles and took advantage of Children’s tuition reimbursement program. That program enabled me to earn a bachelor’s of art and two master’s degrees. Education is important to me. I was able to use my skills in several education coordinator jobs at Children’s, as well as an instructor to Kent State University nursing students completing their pediatric clinicals. Since 2014, I’ve worked as the nurse manager for perianesthesia and the Perioperative Surgical Home.
What have your biggest contributions been while here?
I was part of a Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) multidisciplinary team that modernized Children’s approach to the perioperative care of surgical patients. In 2015, PSH was implemented in the Outpatient Surgery Center and the main operating room. It worked so well at decreasing delays and cancellations and increasing patient satisfaction that it’s become a best practice for us. We’re still implementing PSH, most recently to the Mahoning Valley in 2021.
One of my most memorable and rewarding contributions was participating on the original committee that launched Children’s Career Achievement and Recognition of Excellence (CARE) Ladder Program in the 1980s. CARE helps our nurses develop professionally.
Margie Fetscher and her husband, Joe, enjoy bicycling in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and neighboring counties.
How has Akron Children’s changed since you started here?
Our physical footprint may look different now, but our focus has always remained the same. We continue to serve our ever-growing community with a focus on prevention and family-centered care.
What’s your most memorable and/or happiest moment at Akron Children’s?
I’m thankful for the book club organized by Children’s medical library staff and our small group of readers in the PSH. They’ve introduced me to many genres and authors that I would never have chosen on my own. I’ll miss our discussions and sharing. I have a goal to read 50 books this year and I’m on track!
What do you look forward to the most in retirement?
I look forward to less: alarms, responsibility, stress and commitments! Instead, I’ll enjoy more time to read, walk, cross stitch and try new restaurants and local wineries.
Do you have any advice for people just starting at Children’s?
Take advantage of the tuition reimbursement, participate in committees and get to know other employees.
Margie Fetscher is planning trips to visit family after she retires. Her son, TJ, and his wife, Venus, live in Dallas. Her mom, a retired psychiatric nurse, lives in Florida. Margie also worked in the psychiatric unit for a few years at Akron Children’s.
What music do you like? Where and how do you listen to it?
I enjoy all kinds of music, ranging from jazz and country to Broadway tunes and musical groups and artists such as Queen and Lady Gaga. I listen during my commute to work and on walks.
What’s the last book your read?
“One Italian Summer” by Rebecca Serle
What’s the last movie you saw?
“A League of Our Own,” which was a real throwback!
