Everyone needs a Tina Torres (LVN) in their life. And we have been lucky enough to have her as a treasured team member with us here in our clinic since our beginning.
She’s an incredibly hard worker, staunch supporter, and cheeriest of cheerleaders to our physicians and young patients, and she’s a constant uplifting presence and joy to be around.
Tina has been Dr. Dilip Karnik’s nurse for decades, starting out with him back at the Starbright Rehabilitation Center, but she has faithfully assisted many of our other physicians as well over the years.
Here’s more about Tina:
How long have you worked at Child Neurology Consultants of Austin, and what do you like about it?
I have been so blessed to work with the pediatric neurology physicians and our wonderful patients/parents for almost three decades!
I have to say, I have been able to benefit from working for and next to the very best medical professionals that this field has to offer through Child Neurology Consultants. Our physicians are incredible, not only in their exceptional knowledge of their fields’ sub-specialties but also as such caring professionals.
Our nurses and medical assistants are hands-down stellar in their commitment to excellence. Starting each day with the knowledge that I can help, sometimes little by little, to make sure that our patients are getting the best care is so fulfilling.
What inspired you to go into nursing?
There’s just something magical in the smiles and laughter of a child, something so genuine and honest. My first year of college, believe it or not, was dedicated to computers–really old stuff, like word processing courses. That field has certainly evolved since then and, wow, so has pediatric neurology! Once I switched to nursing and started clinical rotations, it was quickly evident that pediatrics and neurology were the specialties for me.
I started my career in the early 1990’s as a licensed (LVN) floor nurse on the pediatric neurology rehabilitation unit named ‘Starbright,’ at the previously named HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Austin. The patient population was varied with often severe cases, and I am grateful that my skills were quickly honed in that environment given that trauma tended to be the larger contributor to the diagnoses.
Why do you like working with children? Do you have any tricks up your sleeve for making kids feel more comfortable during their appointments?
Being able to help alleviate fears regarding medical procedures and help a child to feel or perform better and be able to reach their goals–well, that really makes me ‘tick,’ so to speak. If I had to profess any special tricks in how I approach our pediatric patients, I would say I try to soothe them through, and emulate, a TON of patience. Give time for a child to ask questions about their care and the procedures needed, and help them feel that they have control. Don’t lie to them, children are so smart and you can’t ever fool them, so don’t even try, LOL!
What is something interesting you’d like to share about yourself?
In my spare time, I adore a good book and am particularly fond of Jodi Taylor and her Chronicles of St. Mary’s series. I love tending to my bird feeders, as well as fishing with the family, and simple road travels to lands not-so-far-away.
We sincerely hope for all of our sakes that Tina is never too far away from us!
