Alicia celebrated with her co-workers at the Faces of Care award gala on June 21, 2025.
Congratulations to Alicia Rich for being named Akron Children’s 2025 Faces of Care award honoree. Presented by the Greater Cleveland Nurses Association and Cleveland Magazine, this prestigious recognition celebrates nurses across Northeast Ohio who have made significant contributions to the nursing community.
Alicia has been part of the Akron Children’s family for 20 years. She began her career in the float pool before spending 13 years in the NICU. Today, she serves as a transport nurse, and alongside a medic and respiratory therapist, she helps transfer critically ill children and neonates via ground or air from outlying hospitals to Akron Children’s.
Her inspiration to pursue nursing came from a deeply personal experience.
“When I was 16 years old, doctors thought I had leukemia; thankfully I did not, but the nurse at the doctor’s office was mean and would bruise me every time she drew my blood,” said Alicia. “I decided no one should be treated like that, especially children.”
That empathy has shaped her approach to nursing—and it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“Alicia embodies the true spirit of nursing through her dedication, compassion and unwavering advocacy for her patients,” said Laura Lyons, clinical coordinator for Transport and one of Alicia’s nominators.
“She consistently goes above and beyond, ensuring not only the highest level of medical care but also providing emotional support to patients, families and colleagues in the most challenging situations,” she added.
One powerful example of Alicia’s clinical and bedside skills occurred during a neonatal transport, when she faced the difficult decision to withdraw care for a newborn at a referral facility.
“Typically, such discussions are led by a physician, but in transport services, nurses often bear the responsibility of these crucial conversations,” said Tina Duman-Bender, nursing professional development specialist and Alicia’s other nominator.
After intubating the infant, placing a central line, and exhausting all life-saving measures, Alicia consulted with both the referral attending and her attending at Akron Children’s. Together, they determined that withdrawing life support was the most compassionate thing to do.
Alicia then delivered the heartbreaking news to the family, remaining at their bedside throughout. “Her presence provided solace to a family facing unimaginable loss and supported the referral medical team, who were unaccustomed to making such decisions for a newborn. Alicia’s ability to navigate this situation with professionalism, grace and deep compassion profoundly impacted everyone involved,” said Tina.
Alicia’s actions that day left a lasting impression—not just on the family, but also on a new orient who witnessed Alicia’s professionalism, strength and empathy in the face of tragedy. It’s one of countless examples of the impact she makes.
“I meet parents in the worst time of their lives, and I try to let them know we are doing everything we can to make their child better,” said Alicia. “Our team dynamic is amazing; it’s calm and we communicate effectively. I was once told that we move like a well-oiled machine, each part doing what needs to be done.”
She added, “It means a lot that my management team thought I deserved an award for the job I do. I come to work and do the best job I can. I could not do this job without my incredible co-workers (team).”
Alicia’s nominators summed it up best: “Alicia embodies the true spirit of nursing—dedicated, compassionate and an unwavering advocate for her patients. Her leadership, expertise, and heart make her more than deserving of this honor. It is a privilege to work alongside her.”
