Patient Care Assistants Jordan Owens and Jasmine Roberson style a patient’s hair.
When a teen patient asked Latoya Williams, a patient care assistant, to braid her hair, she happily helped, and after, Latoya noticed an immediate shift in the patient’s behavior, well-being and confidence.
“She felt better, and even her attitude was better,” said Latoya. “She wanted to show everyone her hair. She was so happy and grateful.”
What began as small, one-time requests from patients has transformed into a larger effort to provide culturally competent hair care to all patients, particularly for patients of color.
Clinical Nurse Manager Karan Johnson has worked at Akron Children’s for 28 years.
Last year, the team on our 6th floor inpatient unit established a dedicated cabinet in the unit to store a wider variety of hair care and hygiene products, including edge control and stronger combs for natural hair, to better meet the needs of patients of all races, ethnicities and hair textures.
Now, several patient care assistants on the unit, including Jasmine Roberson, Destiny Smith, Jordan Owens and MaKayla Campbell, frequently lean on these products to style patient hair during their daily one on ones.
“Being able to sit with kids and do their hair, it’s a special kind of patient care,” said Jasmine. “I’ve been at Akron Children’s for 7 years, and I recently transferred to this unit. It’s awesome that we offer this kind of service.”
Clinical Nurse Manager Karan Johnson, who has worked at Akron Children’s for 28 years, said the effort aligns with the hospital’s mission and three promises.
“One of the things we try to do here is treat all our patients like they’re our own, and sometimes they need this extra nurturing to feel special,” she said. “We want to make sure when our patients come in, they feel heard, and they feel seen. Sometimes, we get patients with chronic illnesses who have extended stays with us. We want to make them feel comfortable, as if they’re at home.”
While their hair is being styled, the patients are often eager to confide in the staff and share more about their lives outside of the hospital.
“Every patient is unique, and I get to hear different stories from them, while I do their hair,” said Destiny. “I wouldn’t trade this job for anything. “
Karan said it’s through these interactions that patients establish trust with their health care team.
“It keeps them engaged and connected, and it helps build those relationships between the staff and the patients,” she said. “We’re continuing to provide a safe space for them. That type of culturally competent care allows patients to express themselves and feel good about their own culture. We can meet the needs of everyone and continue to make a difference.”
Karan Johnson, Jasmine Roberson, MaKayla Campbell, Destiny Smith and Latoya Williams
MaKayla added that these moments are bonding experiences for patients and co-workers alike.
“It’s an awesome opportunity to get to know our patients,” said MaKayla. “They tend to open up to us, and we do the same. It’s a blessing to be placed in this position along with my co-workers, and it has made us closer as a unit. We always get together and brainstorm different styles to give our patients, and we also contribute to the dedicated cabinet we have for them. It’s so rewarding to see your patient’s entire mood change and to be able to build their confidence from a simple act of kindness.”
With every new braid and style, the team continues to receive positive feedback from patients and their families.
“Doing their hair and lifting their spirits, it makes me feel better as a person, as a mom, and as a worker here,” said Latoya. “Listening to their stories will touch a part of your heart. We try to make a difference and help them feel good about themselves. I love to see the happiness of the kids and the smiles on their faces when we’re done.”
