10 Hilltoppers work together as nurses to help medically complex children
By Rose Rementer
The Kidz Club (TKC) is a Medicaid-licensed Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care facility (PPEC) that takes care of children from birth up to 21 years of age who have medical diagnoses that require skilled nursing. TKC offers various locations in Kentucky and beyond, but 80 percent of the staff members at the Bowling Green, Ky., location are WKU graduates. This equates to nine Registered Nurses, one Community Relations Coordinator and three WKU Nursing or Teaching students. Stacey Kirk Hurt (’09), the Site Director of Nursing, says the reason for the surplus of WKU team members is simple.
“Since I became a nurse eight years ago, I’ve wanted to mentor nursing students and new nurses as much as possible,” Hurt explained. “I am excited to be in a position where I can hire these students to help enrich their nursing experiences.”
The workers say they face many challenges when it comes to their nursing careers, but they feel prepared thanks to the WKU Nursing Program.
“While at WKU, I learned that hard work and dedication will help you achieve your goals,” expressed Registered Nurse Kacy Jent (’14). “I believe WKU taught me to give 110 percent as a student, which has carried over to my career as a nurse.”
“WKU taught me how to be a professional,” said TKC Registered Nurse Claire Shuffett (’12). “I feel like I can handle anything with professionalism and a calm mind. You have no idea how important those skills are in nursing.”
All the team members said their time on the Hill provided them with the necessary skills to be successful nurses.
“Although much of a nurse’s critical thinking skills are developed through experience, I feel that WKU provided me with the foundation and building blocks to think critically,” stated TKC Registered Nurse Alex Broce (’13). “Another skill I learned is the ability to view the patient in a holistic way and to look at the entire picture when caring for patients. These are just a couple of the skills I value most from WKU.”
When it comes to giving advice for future nurses, this is what the group had to say.
“Be prepared to put everything you have into nursing school,” said Shuffett. “Also, be prepared for the stress of your first year in nursing. When I graduated and passed the boards I thought the hardest part was behind me, but I was wrong. I learned so much in school, but I learned about 10 times as much in my first couple of years working as a nurse.”
All of the TKC nurses and caregivers acknowledge that the job is challenging, but the kids make up for it.
“I love these kids,” said TKC Registered Nurse Chelsea Burton (’13). “Their hearts are so big and I love having the opportunity to allow these children that are medically complex the opportunity to excel.”
“Being able to work each day with these kids is a blessing,” noted TKC Registered Nurse Kasey Lee (’12). “I love nursing and the kids are one of the many reasons for that.”
