Ruth Weekley, PRN nurse in Akron Children’s Employee Health, retires on March 29 from Akron Children’s after a nursing career that spanned six decades.
Growing up in Evansville, Indiana, Ruth Weekley, PRN nurse in Akron Children’s Employee Health, dared to take chances and try new things. Ruth, who was the youngest of six children, spent school breaks working for a local lawyer and wanted to become a legal secretary. But a trip to Wisconsin to visit her older brother and his wife changed that. Her sister-in-law, a nurse, worked in a hospital and allowed Ruth to shadow her. Ruth was hooked.
The decision to become a nurse opened many opportunities for Ruth. After high school graduation, she trained and became a nurse in Evansville. Instead of settling down, Ruth chose a new adventure and joined the U.S. Air Force, earning the rank of 1st lieutenant. While stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, she met and married her husband, whose family was from northeast Ohio. After leaving the military, they settled in Akron.
Ruth, who had worked in pediatrics in Evansville, was happy to discover a pediatric hospital in her backyard. In 1964, she joined Akron Children’s where she enjoyed two separate nursing careers. Her first lasted 38 years and involved direct patient care. The second, during which she worked prn, started in 2005 and included compliance-related activities and accreditation support. For the last three years, Ruth has worked in Employee Health, providing care to thousands of Children’s employees.
“I can truthfully say there has not been one department or area where I’ve been assigned where the people have not been wonderful and super to work with,” Ruth said.
Ruth Weekley held many nursing roles during six decades at Akron Children’s, including nurse director of Akron Children’s Adult and Pediatric Burn Institute. Clockwise from top left: Ruth explains the Hubbard tub to student nurses. Ruth stands between Sharon Dietzel and Dr. Robert Klein, former chief of surgery and director of the burn center. Ruth as she looked when she started at Children’s. Ruth with other nurses bathing a patient in the Hubbard tub. When Children’s burn center opened in 1978, it was one of only two pediatric facilities with a center that treated both children and adults. The center featured hydrotherapy tubs to provide pain relief and treatment for burn patients.
On March 29, Ruth’s six decades at Akron Children’s ends. She looks forward to spending time with her family, tubing in the Cuyahoga River, tending her large perennial gardens and playing golf with her best friends, all of whom she met through Akron Children’s.
Have you always worked in the same department and role?
Initially, I worked the evening shift in Akron Children’s Emergency Room, later becoming an evening supervisor. After 10 years, I transferred to day shift as a nursing supervisor, advancing to director of nursing administration. One of my highlights was being appointed nurse director of Akron Children’s Adult and Pediatric Burn Institute.
I retired in 2002 from that career. Then, a golfing friend, who worked at Children’s, asked me to come back as a prn in Accreditation to help with activities related to the Joint Commission. When COVID-19 hit, I was reassigned to Employee Health, helping with pre-employment assessments, vaccines and occupational health-related services. It’s so different not taking care of kids!
What have your biggest contributions been while here?
During my first career at Children’s, my contributions included educating area fire departments and the community when the burn center started up. We went out and spoke with about 350 fire departments, over 50 hospitals and numerous emergency rooms. It was a long training process that took years to do. I also worked with the researchers who grew human skin in a laboratory for our burn patients.
Ruth Weekley’s daughter, Christine, and son, Patrick, celebrate their mother’s birthday with a kiss.
More recently, I’ve worked to help our employees, medical staff and volunteers stay healthy. During this year’s annual influenza vaccine program, I gave 1,500 flu shots in two months. One day, I administered more than 200 shots!
How has Akron Children’s changed since you started here?
It is completely different from when I started in 1964. Nursing itself has changed drastically due to technological advances and exciting, rewarding opportunities for nurses. The emphasis on family-centered care is still integral to Akron Children’s, despite our larger footprint. One example is how Employee Health travels to include other locations in our Akron Children’s family. In preparation for the April, 2024 launch of Akron Children’s Pediatrics, Ashland West, Employee Health team members went to their office to do nearly 30 pre-employment assessments.
What gave you the most satisfaction at work?
Working with our employees. They have pulled me through tough times and helped me stay positive.
What’s your most memorable moment at Akron Children’s?
There are several, including when I received a Distinguished Service Award and the Akron mayor proclaimed July 25, 2002 as “Ruth Weekley Day” when I retired the first time. Another memory involved treating a burn patient with a skin replacement therapy and losing my shoe at the child’s home. (Watch video about how Ruth lost her shoe.)
Ruth Weekley (second from left) plays golf regularly with her best friends, all of whom she met at Akron Children’s. Her friends are (from left): Carla McKinnon, Phyllis Barlette, Gayle Malizia, Lu Ann Sadowski and Lorie Lerner.
Do you have any advice for people just starting at Children’s?
Keep an open mind, listen to the families and love the children. I always remind future employees that they will be working closely with the family, as well as the child.
What couldn’t you live without?
My kids, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. They are my everything.
