As a child, Maria McClure, neonatal nurse practitioner, dreamed of becoming a nurse. She was inspired by Clara Barton and Florence Nightingale, two of history’s most influential nurses, whom she read about in elementary and middle school. A high school medical explorers program exposed Maria to the health care industry, further sparking her interest. But […]
Happy anniversary, NICU! Akron Children’s neonatal intensive care unit celebrates 50 years
Family. It lies at the heart of Akron Children’s Hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). From the relationships among staff, to the way patients are cared for and treated, to the connections built with the hospital’s community of supporters, there is truly one NICU family. It’s been this way for the past 50 years, since […]
Mental health supports mom and baby
They say a baby changes everything but, as any mom knows, those changes begin long before baby’s arrival. There are obvious physical changes, but in the process of going to check-ups and preparing for baby, there are also psychological and emotional changes mom experiences that are often less talked about or, worse yet, kept silent. […]
It’s not work, it’s all play for new Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Gina Schiavone
You know the saying, “Choose a profession you love and you’ll never work another day in your life.”? That’s how Gina Schiavone defines success, and she’s happy to report she’s achieved it here. Akron Children’s newest neonatal nurse practitioner absolutely adores her job, assessing, managing and evaluating high-risk babies who need special care due to […]
Nehemiah defies the odds
Born at just 26 weeks old and 1 lb. 12 oz., tiny Nehemiah let his mom know he was going to be okay. “He came out crying so I knew he was going to be something special,” said Leslie, Nehemiah’s mom. “He had a hole in his heart, a serious brain bleed and seizures. The […]
Elijah’s story raises awareness for National Microtia Day
Elijah was born without ears (bilateral atresia microtia) but, at 9 weeks premature, his parents’ first priority wasn’t his birth defect, it was saving his life. “He was in the NICU for a month because he had holes in his lungs and struggled with breathing,” said Colleen, Elijah’s mom. “While we were in the NICU, […]
