When Melanie Brewster was named Akron Children’s 2026 Magnet Nurse of the Year for Transformational Leadership, it came as no surprise to the nurses and leaders who have worked alongside her. Known by many as the organization’s unofficial “Chief Hype Officer,” Melanie helped lead Akron Children’s to an exemplary Magnet site visit in March 2026. […]
Nurse practitioner shares precepting philosophy and approach to compassionate pediatric care
For Akron Children’s Pediatrics Nurse Practitioner Joan Paskert precepting is about more than supervising students in a clinical environment. It’s also about guiding them through one of the most important transitions of their careers. “Being a preceptor means bridging the gap between what a student has learned in the classroom and what they need to […]
Christine Perebzak inducted as clinical nurse specialist fellow
Congratulations to Christine Perebzak, clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in the emergency room (ER), for being inducted into the Clinical Nurse Specialist Institute (CNSI) as a fellow. In 2019, CNSI launched its fellow program to honor clinical nurse specialists whose leadership, contributions, clinical expertise, scholarship and advocacy advance the unique value of the CNS role in […]
Audrey Vaughn shares her full-circle journey from student to mentor
When Audrey Vaughn first began her nursing career in Mississippi, she never imagined it would one day lead her to precepting the next generation of advanced practice providers (APPs) in Ohio. But as she reflects on her path, from registered nurse to nurse practitioner and now mentor, she says it all comes down to a […]
Vascular Access Nurse Denaye Beckler receives 2025 AVA Impact Award
Akron Children’s Vascular Access Nurse Denaye Beckler, MSN, APRN, CPNP-AC, CEN, VA-BC, received the 2025 Impact Award from the Association for Vascular Access (AVA). This prestigious, international award honors AVA members who have made significant contributions to the specialty practice of vascular access at a local level. “I feel so honored to receive this award,” […]
Akron Children’s tiniest Swifties celebrate their NICU era
The countdown to Taylor Swift’s new album release, “The Life of a Showgirl,” has fans around the world buzzing. Now, some of Akron Children’s tiniest patients are joining the celebration in their own adorable way. From sparkling dresses to football jerseys, the babies in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) became “Tiny Swifties” for a […]
