Each day, APP team members help create a positive work culture as they share what makes them unique in the workplace. Andrea Hall, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, brings a fun spirit and a love of Converse Chuck Taylor shoes that can help transcend even the toughest of conversations.
Last year, Andrea returned to work at Akron Children’s as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). She noticed her daily step count significantly increasing as she traveled from the hospital floor of 8100 over to the Considine Professional Building to the emergency department and back.
“At the time, I asked permission to wear Converse,” Andrea explains, as she was looking for a causal sneaker option.
“I am fortunate also to work with Dr. Charles Brown, the director of the psychiatric floor, who respects a nice pair of Chucks and supports putting our patient populations’ happiness first. While this was a change created out of necessity, it became a passion due to the conversation barriers my shoes could break down,” said Andrea.
Rafferty Macaroni Doodle, a member of the Akron Children’s Doggie Brigade, and Andrea have matching pairs of black Converse shoes. “The kids love when he comes on the unit every Friday,” shares Andrea. “We usually pose with our shoes together!”
How many pairs of Converse sneakers do you own?
I currently have thirteen pairs. They honestly last forever, with the help of a Magic Eraser.
Describe your first pair of Converse shoes.
My first pair of Converses were yellow, “school bus” color in the early 1990s. I wish they made them for adults, because I would still wear them.
Do you have a favorite pair or two?
My grey, mid-height Converse are my go-to pair. These go with everything, especially with cropped pants that are currently in style. My second favorite pair are red glitter, and they seem to brighten everyone’s day, including my two daughters in the morning before I leave for work. I started wearing them outside of holidays and now I get “Hey Dorothy!” or “Wizard of Oz shoes.”
What type of reaction do you get from your patients and their families?
My patients seem surprised and excited to see them when I introduce myself. They often report not many adults or providers caring for them in the past have shown up in Converse. I feel strongly that this makes me immediately more relatable to most teens. I often get asked, “What color are you wearing today” or, “Let’s see your shoes!” My most memorable story was a kid experiencing a crisis; I was sitting on the floor next to them and they paused, motioned towards my Converse and said, “The grey is my favorite.” We both shared a smile; this grounded them back to the room with me and opened the door to conversation.
What type of feedback do you get from your co-workers regarding your Converse loving?
It was a fashionable stretch when I paired them with a few dresses this spring making them stand out. Working on an acute stabilization unit like 8100, our conversations can be heavy. They have been so welcoming of me, and my shoes I have no problem continuing to lighten the mood and conversation with my footwear.
Do you donate any used / old pairs?
I’m not giving up Converse unless they fall apart. If I eventually retire a pair, I will likely set them aside for my kids. My pair from high school is well loved and is not one you will see me wearing around the hospital, but I keep them going on the weekends.
Fun Fact:
Look at the label behind the tongue of your converse, there are four numbers printed at the bottom example (sk 1901). This code indicates the year (19) 2019 and month (01) January that the shoes were produced.
