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.
11
11 11