Enhancing care with patience and creativity

A woman and child are portrayed in a hospital room in this painting, highlighting themes of compassion and support.

Julie Bender, RN
Pediatric Infusion Nurse
Hematology/Oncology

Julie Bender understands that for many patients, especially those arriving for the first time, the Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Infusion Clinic can be an overwhelming and scary place. But with patience and a little creativity, the pediatric infusion nurse turns their fear into something more manageable.

“By remembering the small things like what type of room they like or if they want me to count before accessing their port, helps make the experience less scary,” says Julie, who also enjoys singing and coloring with patients to help ease their anxiety. “As they keep coming back, it gets better and better.”

In addition to oncology patients like Ford Bartle, the clinic cares for children with long-term illnesses, such as Crohn’s disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and lupus. They come for infusions, bloodwork, accessing and removing access from their ports, education and more. 

Watching her patients thrive is what keeps Julie coming back.

“I’m here because I’m making a difference in helping these children get through one of the worst times in their lives,” she says. “We truly are helping people get better because of what we do.”