Kevin Callans
March 2020
Kevin
Callans
,
RN
Pediatric Unit
Massachusetts Eye and Ear
Boston
,
MA
United States
Kevin was the constant calm in a storm of emotions.
My family and I first met Kevin when our infant son was in the PICU. We had just learned he may need a tracheostomy and we were devastated. Kevin was the constant calm in a storm of emotions. She guided us with clarity and compassion. When I had zero confidence in myself as my son’s primary caregiver, Kevin believed in me and made me believe in myself. More than all of that, Kevin loved our son like he was her own. We trusted her, and still trust her, implicitly.
When we were discharged, Kevin called me every day to not only check on our son but to check on me, too. I was so afraid of what life for our son would look like with a trach. I was so afraid he wouldn’t be able to participate in all of the “fun stuff” like other babies and toddlers. Kevin always listened to my fears and never once made me feel ridiculous or over the top. When we look back at life with our son’s trach, we think of Kevin; they are one and the same. Kevin not only helped us to thrive during that time. And we will always be grateful to her.
***
Kevin is a discharge planning nurse who follows patients and their families through their entire encounter at MEE and MGH, and ensures that they receive a smooth continuum of care. For instance, she follows families from the moment the decision to have a tracheostomy is made, to the day of the surgical procedure, to the PICU, back to MEE or MGH pediatric units, and finally home. While doing this, she makes it her priority to ensure parents are well informed, receive the services that they need, and are educated properly to safely care for their children.
In addition, she also hosts a tracheostomy parent group where parents can meet, share their stories, and provide feedback on how our hospital can improve their care. Kevin has co-authored many research articles and is co-chair of a committee that created an updated caregivers’ tracheostomy guide with QR codes linked to educational videos in multiple languages. Related to this, she ensured that the tracheostomy guide was translated into Spanish, and even offered to pay out of her own pocket to speed up the printing process.
Kevin is an active member of the SOHN and has presented posters and given lectures representing MEE and MGH. She volunteers for Operation Airway with Dr. H and shares her knowledge and resources with nurses, patients, and their families as part of these mission trips. Overall, Kevin’s nursing qualities go well beyond standard care, as she is always empathetic and compassionate in her work. She is selfless, dedicated, and a strong advocate for patients and their families.
***
Kevin is an absolutely wonderful nurse and case manager. She provided us with critical information and the ability to be discharged from the hospital after our daughter required a tracheostomy. During this incredibly stressful time for our family, it was wonderful to have such a caring and knowledgeable person to rely on, in and out of the hospital. She was compassionate, supportive, and helped us navigate the administrative, emotional, and safety requirements of taking a trach baby home. We are forever grateful for her continual support and health advice even after our daughter’s trach was removed. She has been an invaluable resource to us as we have navigated life with a child who has a complicated airway. Thank you, Kevin!
When we were discharged, Kevin called me every day to not only check on our son but to check on me, too. I was so afraid of what life for our son would look like with a trach. I was so afraid he wouldn’t be able to participate in all of the “fun stuff” like other babies and toddlers. Kevin always listened to my fears and never once made me feel ridiculous or over the top. When we look back at life with our son’s trach, we think of Kevin; they are one and the same. Kevin not only helped us to thrive during that time. And we will always be grateful to her.
***
Kevin is a discharge planning nurse who follows patients and their families through their entire encounter at MEE and MGH, and ensures that they receive a smooth continuum of care. For instance, she follows families from the moment the decision to have a tracheostomy is made, to the day of the surgical procedure, to the PICU, back to MEE or MGH pediatric units, and finally home. While doing this, she makes it her priority to ensure parents are well informed, receive the services that they need, and are educated properly to safely care for their children.
In addition, she also hosts a tracheostomy parent group where parents can meet, share their stories, and provide feedback on how our hospital can improve their care. Kevin has co-authored many research articles and is co-chair of a committee that created an updated caregivers’ tracheostomy guide with QR codes linked to educational videos in multiple languages. Related to this, she ensured that the tracheostomy guide was translated into Spanish, and even offered to pay out of her own pocket to speed up the printing process.
Kevin is an active member of the SOHN and has presented posters and given lectures representing MEE and MGH. She volunteers for Operation Airway with Dr. H and shares her knowledge and resources with nurses, patients, and their families as part of these mission trips. Overall, Kevin’s nursing qualities go well beyond standard care, as she is always empathetic and compassionate in her work. She is selfless, dedicated, and a strong advocate for patients and their families.
***
Kevin is an absolutely wonderful nurse and case manager. She provided us with critical information and the ability to be discharged from the hospital after our daughter required a tracheostomy. During this incredibly stressful time for our family, it was wonderful to have such a caring and knowledgeable person to rely on, in and out of the hospital. She was compassionate, supportive, and helped us navigate the administrative, emotional, and safety requirements of taking a trach baby home. We are forever grateful for her continual support and health advice even after our daughter’s trach was removed. She has been an invaluable resource to us as we have navigated life with a child who has a complicated airway. Thank you, Kevin!