Nursing major completes internship at Akron Children’s Hospital

Olivia Millsop, a junior nursing major at YSU, was one of 12 university students selected to serve the prestigious Akron Children’s Summer Pediatric Research Scholars internship program. One of 146 applicants, she was the only nursing student selected – the others are all majoring in medical fields. Millsop said she was unsure whether to accept the position at first but decided to take the chance. “I think you have to take any opportunity you have.” Throughout the 10-week internship she was encouraged to job-shadow professionals working in various specialties, such as trauma services, pediatric intensive care and neonatal intensive care. She also worked with a mentor on a research project, the results of which will be submitted to a national pediatric conference later this year. Millsop, a Medina native, is in her fourth year at YSU and her junior year in the YSU nursing program. She works two jobs in addition to attending classes at YSU, but she doesn’t make her busy lifestyle an excuse to relax in the classroom. “Nursing to me is an important profession,” she said. “You have a patient’s life in your hands, and slacking off in class, will hurt not only yourself but also the patient.” After graduation, Millsop’s goal is to pursue a master’s degree and become a pediatric nurse practitioner. “Children have always had a special place in my heart,” she says. “They do not get a voice that adults have. I want to be that nurse that advocates for her patients.” Profile by Nicolette Pizzuto