Patient experience spotlight: Brea Rosegreen

Brea Rosegreen

Each month, Akron Children’s recognizes an employee for providing an excellent patient experience. Our most recent honoree is Brea Rosegreen, staff nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). She recently received this feedback from a grateful family:

We experienced a life-changing event when our beloved (patient name withheld for privacy) suffered severe, life-threatening burns over much of his body. In the early hours of this traumatic ordeal, as we were still trying to grasp the magnitude of what was happening, we met Brea Rosegreen, RN. From the very beginning, Brea demonstrated a level of professionalism, compassion and calm that helped steady us during the chaos. With so many rapidly changing variables and minute-by-minute updates, she remained composed and kept us fully informed. Her calming tone, reassuring presence and genuine humanity helped carry us through that first harrowing day. The hospital stay was long and complex, involving multiple surgeries, medication changes and constant care adjustments. Through it all, Brea was a consistent source of comfort and strength. … 

Later in his journey, we unexpectedly found ourselves back in the PICU. And once again, Brea was there. We didn’t know then that these would be the last 48 hours of his life. But Brea was just as amazing — calm, compassionate, attentive. She never treated him as just a patient. She knelt to speak to him eye to eye, always explaining what was happening in ways he could understand. She did the same for his mom — taking the time to connect, to explain, and to support. Even while orienting new staff, Brea remained fully present and aware of everything happening in his room. Her ability to juggle so many responsibilities without ever losing sight of his needs was remarkable. He was truly blessed to have been cared for by the incredible staff at Akron Children’s. But Brea will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Her skill, compassion and humanity made an unimaginable experience just a little more bearable. For that, we are endlessly grateful.

 How long have you worked at Akron Children’s? Have you always worked in the PICU?

I have worked at Akron Children’s for 3 years. I started on the 7100 inpatient unit as a nurse tech. Then, I transitioned into my current role as a registered nurse.

What drew you to wanting to work in the PICU?

I could say my passion for critical care drew me into the PICU, but it’s so much more than just that. The opportunity to have a positive impact on families during such a vulnerable time is rewarding.

How did you feel when you read the recognition from this family?

These words are a reminder of the reasons why I chose nursing as my profession. Reading the recognition from this family simply gives me motivation to continue in this field. I’m grateful the family took the time to share this feedback; I truly feel honored.

The writer noted multiple times how you took time to connect with the patient and his mom. How do you find that balance between delivering the clinical care for all your patients and taking time to be present in the moment, showing compassion, etc.

I’ve learned there is always time within a shift to slow down, chat and connect with patients and their families. Even on my longest days, I try to be empathetic and think how much harder it must be for the families in our PICU. This job has shown me small acts of genuine kindness go a long way.

What does family-centered care mean to you?

Family-centered care is not only caring for the patient but to also support, educate, comfort and involve families in decision making.