Name: Meiko Welch
Job title: Nurse Clinician
Years at clinic: 16
Why did you choose your profession?
I fell in love with Pediatrics during my last rotation of Nursing school. I loved taking care of the Hematology/Oncology kiddos and their families.
How has the DanceBlue Clinic and the patients impacted you?
When DanceBlue volunteers come in the whole clinic environment changes. The organization itself has impacted our clinic financially for equipment and different things. I truly feel like we are one big family here. I would have rather met these families at a local grocery or restaurant, but that’s not the case. Once you come thru the front door you become part of our family and we are part of yours. DanceBlue has helped make it feel as close to home as possible.
How has DanceBlue helped you with your job?
The volunteers are amazing, they jump right in and play with the kids and bring such a fun and energetic spirit to the clinic. The volunteers help the kids and their families get through the day and serve as that extra member of our team to get kids and families through their treatments by just hanging out with them.
What do you love most about your job?
I love my co-workers for sure, but I also love meeting these amazing patients and families who show me what true warriors are. We have a great team!
What is the hardest part of your job?
This can be a very hard place to be at times, no patients truly want to walk thru our door, but even at the low points, we as clinic try to make every family feel like we are their “wingman” and we will follow the journey together. Realizing that someone new walks through the door not knowing what to expect, but because of that they instantly become a part of our family.
What is your favorite story from the clinic?
My favorite story was in our old clinic, the one prior to this. It happened to be close to Derby time, and we decided to have one of our older patients judge a “rolly chair” derby race! A few of the staff members can get quite competitive for sure!
What impact do you see DanceBlue having on the patients?
I feel like from the first time a volunteer came into our clinic all those years ago, DanceBlue has made such an amazing impact on our clinic. The marathons are truly a sight to see! From the financial side of helping to build the new space, to the fun side of playing games and doing crafts, we are all better with DanceBlue by our side!
What would you all like for the University of Kentucky campus to know about the DanceBlue Clinic.
DanceBlue rocks! I think that it is an amazing organization and if you haven’t heard about it check it out.
To view a sneak peek of Meiko’s interview, click here: Humans of DanceBlue: Meiko Welch
