Lori Page, RN, MSN, RNC-NIC, CCRN
Dedicated Manager of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital.
story by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer
At Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health, you will find top-quality, comprehensive child and family centered care, with pediatric services and specialists. Their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides the state’s highest level of newborn care.
Whether you are preparing for delivery with a high-risk pregnancy or you find out that your newborn needs to stay in the hospital for special care following birth, you will receive the expertise of top-quality neonatal experts in a family friendly enviroment.
Here you’ll meet Lori Page, RN, MSN, RNC-NIC, CCRN, dedicated Manager of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. With an impressive occupation of 31 years, Lori’s journey at the hospital has shown responsibility and dedication. From her beginning in NICU to her cross-training to adult medicine, flight nurse, Pediatric Cath Lab and beyond, she has now returned full circle to lead the NICU team. “Being here with the children is where my heart truly lies,” Lori remarked. “The nurses’ expertise, reliability and unwavering dedication ensure that each patient receives the highest level of care.”
Raised in Oklahoma City, Lori pursued her bachelor’s degree at OSU before earning her masters from SWOSU. From a young age, Lori’s nurturing spirit drove her towards a career in nursing, fueled by a deep-seated passion for caregiving, intrigued by various science disciplines during her schooling. Lori recognized nursing as her calling early on, with a particular desire for pediatrics.
Lori juggles numerous roles in her daily routine. As she mentors novice nurses, her emphasis spans patient-centered care, student initiatives, recruitments, and staff expansion. Additionally, she dedicates her time to teaching at the Fran and Earl Ziegler College of Nursing at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences, with a commitment to growth and advancement in all areas of her nursing career.
Oklahoma Children’s Hospital offers a Cuddlers Program recognizing the vital role affection plays in the well-being of all babies, particularly premature infants. During extended hospital stays, babies may not receive the constant cuddling they require from nurses or parents. This is where the Cuddlers Program steps in, providing parents with the opportunity to take a much-needed break while ensuring their baby receives the nurturing touch they need. Hospitals understand the benefits of touch, including soothing, bonding, and promoting growth, offering parents peace of mind.
When asked about the qualities that define a good nurse, Lori emphasized the diverse strength that is exhibited by the 380 nurses, each with their own trait of passion and excellence. She highlighted the importance of effective communication, openness to learning and willingness to advocate for oneself, all crucial elements for success in nursing. Lori actively supports her team’s professional development by providing information and educational opportunities, empowering them to continually invest in their growth and expertise.
The most gratifying reward of Lori’s work at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is when the parents of the children she once cared for return to express their heartfelt gratitude. Whether it is a simple “thank-you” for nurturing their baby or witnessing the grown-up child Lori once tended to, these unexpected visitors never fail to give a sense of joy and warmth. “It’s truly heartwarming and always catches me by surprise,” Lori remarked, her smile reflecting the depth of her sentiment.
Lori’s greatest strength lies in onboarding new employees and focusing on student programs. She empowers nurses to prioritize patient-centered care, striving to elevate each patients experience to an ideal standard, making the patient feel comfortable and at ease, ensuring smooth and comfortable conditions for all.
During Easter, all children in the hospital, including those with new appointments, were treated to a spectacular display of Easter eggs filling the entire atrium. The excitement of the children was overwhelming! Looking ahead, a series of special activities are planned, including a superhero day when children can dress up as their favorite superhero, with even the nurses joining in on the fun. These events are just a glimpse of the ongoing efforts to provide enjoyable experiences for the children at the hospital.
Despite Lori’s demanding schedule at work, she prioritizes spending quality time with her family. Outside of work, she finds joy in traveling and engaging in various outdoor activities, such as hiking, kayaking and archery target shooting.
