AIM Magazine 2016 | Page 13

nurses are passionate about caring for children .”
“ Some nurses who work elsewhere may prefer pediatrics , and we ’ ll have great opportunities for them ,” Spies added .”
Jessica Shadden , a neurology specialty nurse , worked in labor and delivery before coming to Arkansas Children ’ s Lowell Clinic . She now enjoys her career helping kids .
“ It ’ s been fun ,” Shadden said . “ I enjoy working with children . You get to know the family on a close , personal level . Some become part of your family .”
Shadden works with children from birth to age 21 . Some of the children have nerve problems that cause physical hardships . Some have seizures .
“ Some grow out of seizures and some progress into adult care ,” Shadden said . “ We are glad when they get better , but we are sad when we don ’ t get to see them anymore .”
Jeff Younginer , Cardiac
Sonographer , worked full time with adults before joining Arkansas Children ’ s .
“ Children of different ages require different styles of treatment ,” Younginer said . “ Babies will play - they are a lot of fun . Children 1 to 2 years old can ’ t be talked into lying down !”
Younginer said he gets help from the Child Life Specialist , who is an expert in calming children . “ Working with children is a very satisfying career ,” Younginer said .
“ Some of their problems are very complex , but the more challenging the more interesting ,” he added .
Younginer performs electrocardiograms and other heart monitoring tests . Kevin Eads , a heart station technician , assists him .
“ Some kids are really fun during testing ,” Eads said . “ We build relationships with the regulars . We know them by name .”
Those interested in a future career at Arkansas Children ’ s Northwest can take steps while still in high school to prepare by studying science , math and biology .
Education doesn ’ t end after someone is hired . “ An important part of our culture is education for employees , clinical and nonclinical , which helps them excel and progress in their careers ,” Spies said .
“ Patient care technicians , for example , can use their experience and add education to move into more specialized technician roles ,” Spies said . “ Technicians also can add education as they gain experience .”
In addition to paying competitive wages , Arkansas Children ’ s benefits include paid time off , health , dental , vision and life insurance , long and short-term disability , tuition assistance , and a retirement savings plan with employer match .
To find out more about Arkansas Children ’ s Hospital bringing care close to home in Northwest Arkansas , visit archildrens . org .
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