The Spring 2025 Career Launch graduation event celebrated two program milestones: the largest graduating class ever and the first double graduate. Career Launch was created in 2019 to help address staffing shortages. The program covers tuition, uniforms, books, supplies and equipment. Participants are also offered opportunities for mentorship and professional development, with post-graduation job placement […]
Hospital Updates
Patient experience spotlight: Dr. Michael Moritz
Every month, Akron Children’s recognizes an employee for providing an exceptional patient experience. June’s honoree is Dr. Michael Moritz, division chief of Akron Children’s Pediatric Nephrology and vice chair of research for the Department of Pediatrics. He recently received this feedback from a grateful family: “Dr Michael Moritz is an incredible doctor. My son […]
A familiar face says farewell: John Carter retires after 26 years
John Carter has been a beloved employee of Akron Children’s since 1999. On Aug. 1 he retires after 26 years. When John first came to Akron Children’s he worked in food services and then transitioned to the linen department and eventually security. “Before visitor monitors transitioned to the volunteer and visitor services team, we worked […]
Delivering empathy and expertise: Sue Nicholas retires from Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Sue Nicholas, a nurse practitioner in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, has felt privileged to work with high-risk pregnancies during her 15-year career at Akron Children’s. Her role as part of a multidisciplinary team gave her many opportunities to support families while they navigate uncertain times and make difficult decisions. As she prepares to retire on July 25, […]
How a high school book report led to Phyllis Mesko’s 55-year nursing career
During her sophomore year in high school, Phyllis Mesko was given an assignment – write a book report on “Sue Barton, Student Nurse.” Little did she know that book would change the course of her life. Inspired by the fictional character’s glamorous career, Phyllis decided to pursue nursing herself. In 1970, Phyllis realized her dream […]
Diane Pitts reaches 50-year milestone as a nurse
Diane Pitts didn’t begin her nursing career in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). But once she took a leap of faith to become a NICU nurse, she found her professional home. Her early career Diane started at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Youngstown, working in the recovery room for 11 1/2 years. “My best friend […]
