Julie Jankun, RN, BSN, NM

Clinical Staff» Nursing Staff» Julie Jankun, RN, BSN, NM

Julie Jankun’s very first job out of nursing school was at Franciscan Hospital for Children.  More than twenty years later, she is now Nurse Manager of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Program. 

It’s not just the work that has kept her from leaving.  “I like that everyone here knows everyone else.  We’re small enough that staff all knows each other but large enough that we can meet a lot of diverse patient needs.”

Over the years, Julie remembers most of her patients; their names, stories and families.  “Each child we treat is unique in his or her own way.  It’s easy to fall in love with the cute kids.  I especially love caring for children who look as sick as they are.  I remember one patient who had multiple physical disabilities, couldn’t walk and had no eyes.  But she had so much spirit that I couldn’t help falling in love with her.” 

A large part of Julie’s job is managing other nurses who are involved in direct patient care.  “We all get excited about their accomplishments.  No matter what other kids can do, we are always looking for the individual child’s abilities and progress.  When it’s time for each child to go home, we hope the very best for them, whatever that may be.”

Recently, Julie was accepted into the Organization of Nurse Leaders (ONL) Leadership Academy.  The ONL supports the Institute of Medicine’s initiative aimed at making nurses full partners with physicians and other health professionals in redesigning health care in the United States.

When she’s not at work, Julie puts all her energies into being a single mom to her young son.