A career led with open arms: LuAnn Kuhl retires after 42 years

LuAnn Kuhl is set to retire after 42 years of service at Akron Children’s.

LuAnn Kuhl, nurse practitioner in Pulmonary Medicine, started her career at Akron Children’s 42 years ago. She graduated from Trumbull Memorial School of Nursing in 1982 and began working as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children’s in 1983. “I was in my early 20s,” LuAnn said. “I was just excited to start a new chapter of my life outside of my hometown.”

Advancing her career

It wasn’t long until she began to grow within the hospital, taking on many roles and advancing her education and career. In 1986, she became the nurse manager of the NICU sub-intensive care unit. In 1988, LuAnn decided to go back to school to get her master’s in nursing, all while being a single parent and continuing to work full time. After achieving her degree, she worked as the apnea clinical nurse specialist, which eventually transitioned into a position as a certified nurse practitioner in Pulmonary in 2003. Throughout her career, LuAnn has continued to make a difference, inspiring and being someone her patients and co-workers can lean on.

LuAnn with her daughter, Samantha.

Supporting patients and co-workers

LuAnn’s daughter, Samantha Sullivan, works at Akron Children’s as a prospect research specialist. She has always been proud to say that her mom works at Children’s. “I became even prouder when I started working here, and people lit up when I told them who my mom is,” Samantha said.

“She has touched so many lives. I always joke that my mom ‘adopts’ people. She is everyone’s ‘work mom’ in her office,” Samantha shared. “She is grateful for her life and career at the hospital, but I don’t think she truly understands how lucky we all are to know her.”

LuAnn kayaking.

Legacy

Not only has LuAnn made a positive impact on others, but she has also been inspired by her patients. “They remind me to smile, twirl, giggle and be silly,” LuAnn said. “They have shown me strength and maturity beyond their years.” She will miss the patients and families who have become very special to her. “I have been so humbled by the families that have trusted me to care for their precious children.”

During her time at Children’s, LuAnn has worked on the implementation of the skin-to-skin care program in the NICU and the establishment of the sleep lab. She is proud of her hard work and passion for care and has left a lasting impact on those around her, making everyone feel comfortable and seen.

In her free time, LuAnn enjoys baking, which quickly became a staple at work. “If you seem lost, scared or alone and you know my mom, she will take care of you. Usually by giving you baked goods and soup,” Samantha laughed. LuAnn also enjoys sewing, kayaking, reading and sitting by her firepit.

LuAnn with her granddaughters.

The future

After more than 4 decades with Children’s, LuAnn will retire on Dec. 31, 2025. Following her retirement, LuAnn is most looking forward to spending time with her 3 children, family and friends who are such a big part of her life – especially her 2 granddaughters, Ava and Kendra.

She is also excited to spend time with her husband, Dan, and plans to travel together post-retirement.

LuAnn with her husband at the Grand Canyon.

As she reflects on the opportunities and memories she gained at Children’s, she would like to offer some advice for new employees. “Take advantage of tuition reimbursement and educational opportunities. I used tuition reimbursement to complete my master’s degree in nursing. There are so many more opportunities available now for all areas.”