Christina Hurst is Akron Children’s newest nurse practitioner in Lisbon.
Christina Hurst is a family (wo)man. Along with her husband of 19 years, she enjoys the mostly highs and lows of raising a big family: Daughter Kenzie, 24, son Derek, 17, son Diesel, 5, and son Dallas, 3.
So when Christina joined Akron Children’s family as our newest Nurse Practitioner at Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics, Lisbon, she was thrilled to expand her crew. Whether at home or the office, she cherishes helping kids navigate through childhood — from an infant’s bright eyes to a preschooler’s hilarious response to a teen’s plans for the future — and all the growth, development and conditions that come along with that journey.
It’s only natural that Christina found her calling at Akron Children’s. Her philosophy to treat all children as if they are family perfectly aligns with our 3 promises:
- To treat every child as we would our own
- To treat others as they would like to be treated
- To turn no child away for any reason
Why did you choose to come to Akron Children’s Hospital?
I chose to come to Akron Children’s Hospital because I have always loved the organization as a whole and what they stand for. I love the promises they make to the community:
- To treat every child as we would our own
- To treat others as they would like to be treated
- To turn no child away for any reason
By following these promises, we are treating all children like family and I feel that is the best way to treat all people.
Describe your role at Akron Children’s and what you hope to accomplish?
I am working as an APRN at the Lisbon location. I hope to make the experience patients have with me and at this location a little better. I hope my patients leave with a smile and feeling better than when they came in to see me.
To Christina, family is most important to her. So when she joined Akron Children’s family as our newest nurse practitioner, she was thrilled to expand her crew.
What is your area of expertise and why did you choose it?
I have a master’s degree in family. I chose the track of Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) because I wasn’t sure exactly where I wanted to practice. My first FNP job was in pediatrics and I fell in love with the patient population. I found my calling. I love working with children.
When did you decide to become a provider and why?
In third grade, I knew I wanted to help people. I have a picture I drew of myself as a nurse. So, I guess I always knew.
How does your personality fit your role?
I feel I am a kind-hearted person and I believe that comes across to my patients and families.
What is the easiest part of your job?
The easiest part of my job is playing with kids and making them smile.
How do you deal with the emotional impact of being a provider?
I like to paint. I am also learning how to use my Cricut smart cutting machine to make things. It helps me relax.
What would you most like to change about health care today?
I want health care to be affordable and accessible to everyone.
Who makes up your family, including pets and their names?
My family includes me, my husband, Craig, of 19 years, my oldest son, Derek (17), middle son, Diesel (5), youngest son, Dallas (3) and my daughter, Kenzie (24). I don’t have any pets.
What do you do when you aren’t working?
When I’m not working, you can find me playing with my kids, going to football games, and watching Netflix and Discovery.
What’s the first thing you do when you get home from work?
When I get home, the first thing I do is kiss my kids and husband.
What’s one thing about you that most people don’t know?
My first job growing up was at a factory, the Hoover Company. I worked on a pace line and drove forklifts. The company paid for a few college courses for me.
What’s your favorite quote?
My favorite quote is: “Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened,” by Dr. Seuss
What are your favorite podcasts, books, movies or TV shows?
My favorites include: Survivor, Bachelor, Harry Potter and any Janet Evanovich books.
What’s your favorite holiday?
Christmas. I usually have our tree up the first week of November (and, yes, I’m one of those annoying people!).
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t stress! It’ll all work out.
What is your favorite vacation spot and why?
Aruba. It’s where I went on my honeymoon. It’s so relaxing. It’s motto, “One happy island,” sums it up. It was also the first time I saw the ocean.
What piece of advice did someone give you when you were young that still resonates with you today?
The more you own, the more it owns you. Sometimes the less you have, the happier you are.
What was your first paying job?
Atwood Dairy Bar. I was paid $3 an hour and all the ice cream I could eat!
