Tabitha and Tori Smith share more than a last name. These sisters, who both currently work at Akron Children’s, are on a journey to becoming registered nurses (RNs) together. Enrolled at Stark State College, they are set to graduate in 2025. Tori’s desire to become a nurse is deeply personal and stems from her childhood […]
Career Launch celebrates 5-year anniversary
Akron Children’s celebrated the fifth anniversary of its Career Launch program with a special graduation celebration on July 30. The milestone marked a significant achievement for the program, which has successfully helped 81 individuals pursue health care careers. This year’s ceremony honored 27 graduates, Career Launch’s largest class to date. “Career Launch has been instrumental […]
From ministry to medicine: Jason Solomon shares why he loves being a resource pool nurse
After a 17-year career as a youth minister, Jason Solomon felt a divine calling to transition into nursing. “At 40 years old, I discerned that God was telling me nursing was my new form of ministry outside the church walls and a new way to be more present to my family,” he said. Jason joined […]
How a tiny patient sparked an adoption journey for an Akron Children’s nurse
May is National Foster Care Month, and Akron Children’s is celebrating the stories of families created through foster care and adoption. For NICU nurse practitioner Katelyn Ruff, meeting a tiny patient 10 years ago blossomed into the start of her family. In June 2014, Katelyn began working as a nurse in the NICU at Akron […]
A heart for children: After Hours nurse shares why she loves her job
When their pediatrician’s office is closed, medical advice and peace of mind for concerned parents is only a phone call away. Children’s After Hours is a phone service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for established patients. A team of highly trained, dedicated nurses answers the calls, offering families tips for at-home […]
Akron Children’s nurse demonstrates family-centered care in action through lifesaving act
Patient safety may feel like an issue that’s restricted to our patient care settings, but the reality is it extends far beyond. This poignant truth struck home for one Akron Children’s nurse during a routine phone call that took an unexpected turn, transforming into a life-or-death situation and serving as a reminder that patient safety […]