Eileen has been a nurse at Children's for 16 years and for the past 4+ years she has dedicated much of her time to assisting patients and families affected by autism to safely and comfortably navigate through the most challenging procedures, diagnoses and hospital stays.
I first met Eileen when she asked me if I could help her with the management of a patient whose autistic aversions to touch were preventing the care she needed to treat her very debilitating Crohn's disease. I watched as Eileen worked in tandem with the medical team and the family to ensure that this extremely fragile patient was able to safely and effectively receive her care. This child is now able to come to clinic visits and accept her care without the fear and damaging behaviors that she had been exhibiting.
Eileen makes certain that any patient with autism she encounters will have a smooth and safe journey through their stay with us; beginning with the parking lot all the way through to discharge. Eileen has changed the experience of medical care for countless children and families. Her work is becoming the standard of care for patients with autism spectrum disorders and undoubtedly she will continue to create life altering safe care plans for these extraordinary children.
Eileen is my hero and I continue to learn from her each day how to better care for the children and families we serve.