Meet Breaunna Haynes, pictured with her boyfriend, Luke, and their dogs. She is Akron Children’s newest certified nurse practitioner in surgery and gastroenterology at our Marietta location.
What is Breaunna Haynes most looking forward to in her role as Akron Children’s newest certified nurse practitioner in general surgery and gastroenterology? Bringing specialized pediatric care to rural Marietta, Ohio! She grew up in a nearby small town and understands firsthand the struggle to access quality care, let alone specialized pediatric care. That’s why she’s thrilled to serve as a trusted, valued resource for patient families right in their hometown.
Breaunna brings a unique perspective to patient care in Marietta because she is Akron Children’s first nurse practitioner to specialize in 2 areas. She will split her time between diagnosing and treating kids and teens with gastrointestinal, liver and pancreas disorders, such as celiac disease, gastroesophageal reflux and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as performing outpatient surgical consultations and managing preoperative and postoperative care.
In her new role, Breaunna is excited to marry her 2 loves: small towns and kids! So, it’s no surprise the best—and easiest—part of her day is caring for children! A kid-at-heart herself, her goal for each of her patients is to turn that frown upside down by having fun, laughing and even being a little silly, all while helping kids feel better.
Why did you choose to come to Akron Children’s?
Akron Children’s is expanding to Marietta, Ohio, a town in my community. I have always wanted to work for a children’s hospital, and when I heard about the expansion to my hometown, I knew this was my opportunity to achieve my goal.
Akron Children’s strives to keep and uphold 3 promises to patients and families. The one promise that stood out to me the most when choosing Akron Children’s was, “To treat every child as our own.” I believe that promise holds a lot of value and comfort to our patients and families.
Breaunna and Luke have 2 Goldendoodles: Boris (6) and Hopper (6 months). Breaunna says they are the best greeters when she walks in the door after work.
Describe your role at Akron Children’s and what you hope to accomplish.
I am a certified nurse practitioner in general surgery and gastroenterology at Akron Children’s in Marietta, which is in southeast Ohio. My position is unique because I am the first Akron Children’s nurse practitioner that has specialized in 2 areas!
In my role, I hope to support patients and families in rural communities by serving as a wonderful resource, so patients and their families can see pediatric specialty services right in their hometown.
When did you decide to become a provider and why?
I wanted to be a pediatric provider because I find joy from the success of choosing the right treatment plans for patients and witnessing positive outcomes. What is so special about a pediatric provider is that you get to watch your patients grow up to become toddlers, school-age children, teenagers and finally young adults. Growing with the patient and seeing their success with life and health is why I decided to become a pediatric provider.
What impression do you hope to leave with your patients each day?
The impression I hope to leave on each of my patients is that I am compassionate. As a provider, I care for each one of my patients and their families and when they leave my office, I want them to feel that they were heard and cared for during their appointment. I hope they look forward to seeing me at their next office visit.
What’s the best part of your day?
The best part of my day is working and caring for patients! Even though sometimes they come in not feeling well and frowning, I hope during my time with them I can turn that frown into a smile and they begin to feel better.
How does your personality fit your role?
My personality fits my role because I am a kid-at-heart, just like my patients! Even though I am a provider, I still like to have fun, laugh and even be silly. I have an outgoing personality and a warm, nurturing heart that spreads love and kindness. My personality shines through as a pediatric provider.
Breaunna was born, raised and currently lives in Parkersburg, West Virginia, which is across the Ohio River from Marietta, with her boyfriend, Luke. Fun fact: The two started dating in the 8th grade!
What are you most looking forward to?
In my new position, I look forward to bringing pediatric specialty health care to rural Marietta. I have always lived in a rural community and understand the struggle of accessing pediatric health care, especially specialty clinics. My goal for my position is to help as many patients and families within the community through the clinic and by expanding Akron Children’s to southeast Ohio.
Where did you grow up?
I was born, raised and currently live in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Parkersburg is 25 miles from Marietta, where Akron Children’s is located! The 2 towns are divided by the beautiful Ohio River.
Who makes up your family, including pets and their names?
My family includes my boyfriend, Luke, and our 2 Goldendoodle dogs: Boris (6 years) and Hopper (6 months). Fun fact about Luke and I is that we have been together since 8th grade, which was 10 years ago!
What’s the first thing you do when you get home from work?
As soon as I walk in the door, I get lots of love and kisses from my 2 dogs. They love to look out the window to see when I pull into the driveway and meet me at the door. They are the best greeters of all time!
What events in your life made you who you are today?
During Christmas break of my freshman year, my dad passed away unexpectedly. It was a very traumatic time for myself, my mom and family. Even though life was hard and confusing, I continued taking classes that spring semester during a very difficult grieving process because I knew my dad would want me to. While my dad is not here with me now, I know the goals he had for me and wished me a lifetime of happiness. The days do not get easier, but my emotions get better. This tragic event 6 years ago is what has helped shape me into the person and provider I am today.
