Turranna Rice reflects on a fulfilling career at Akron Children’s.
Turranna Rice, physical therapy assistant (PTA), has been impacting the lives of children for 45 years by supporting their journey to recovery and rehabilitation. Through determination and positive energy, she made her dream of teaching children to walk into a reality.
Turranna graduated from Cuyahoga Community College with a degree in applied sciences. While working as a lab tech at her university, she found a job opportunity at Akron Children’s. Turranna began working here as a PTA in 1980 and has been at Children’s ever since.
“I have worked in the same department for my entire career,” shared Turranna. “I’ve always known I wanted to work with children.”
Turranna dresses up as a minion at work.
Turning a dream into reality
Turranna’s passion for helping children began years ago. “When I was a preteen, I used to go knocking door-to-door collecting for the March of Dimes,” she said. “I’d see the brochures and knew that one day I wanted to teach children how to walk with those crutches and walkers.” That dream stayed with her until it became a reality.
During her time at Children’s, Turranna has always believed in her patients, a trait that has supported their roads to recovery. When asked about a time a patient or family made a special impact, Turranna recalled a heartwarming interaction.
“A mom and child once returned to Children’s after a long recovery in a rehabilitation facility. The mom asked for a hug, and tears were shed. She thanked me for believing in her child that they would recover and walk again,” shared Turranna. Her positive and nurturing spirit brought encouragement to many families. “I treat my patients as a whole person, not just a diagnosis. I meet them where they are.”
Turranna and patient Jase Fury visit with Davis Sharpe from the Akron RubberDucks.
One step at a time
One of Turranna’s favorite memories at Children’s is when she got to experience a major milestone with a patient. “I had the opportunity to work with a child from the time of their initial injury at the age of 5 and assist them when they walked across the stage for their high school graduation,” reminisced Turranna.
After 45 years with Children’s, Turranna will retire on Dec. 31. As she prepares to leave, she offers this advice to new employees.
“Don’t forget that this patient entrusted to our care is somebody’s child,” said Turranna. “Treat them as you would want someone to treat your child or family member.”
Turranna has upheld these promises to her patients throughout her career and is a role model for new employees and staff.
Turranna assisting patient Bryce Swartz on his graduation day.
Leaving an impact
As she looks back on her time at Children’s, she expresses how much her patients mean to her. “I’m inspired when I’ve made a difference in a child, and I am inspired to keep offering my best treatment,” shared Turranna. “I have touched the lives of many children, and they have touched my heart in return.”
After a fulfilling and impactful career, Turranna is looking forward to having more free time to spend with her son and family. She is also looking forward to a busy schedule, staying active and working on her hobbies. Her interests include traveling, attending Broadway theater, hiking, fishing and scrapbooking. “I’m looking forward to making more memories to include in my scrapbook.”
Turranna says she looks forward to making new memories and traveling.
You can make a difference in patients’ lives by joining the Akron Children’s team. Check out our open positions.
