Careers

As a parent of a child who was treated at Children’s Mercy, I knew that one day I would work for this organization. I’m a Patient Advocate and cannot believe I’ve been here for over 20 years. As a Patient Advocate, I act as a liaison to facilitate communication between the patients and staff. During my time here I have encountered many patients and families. A couple of years ago I worked with a family and shared a moment that has really stuck with me. A father of a critically ill child in the CICU called with some frustrations. Most importantly, he wanted to feel like his child was receiving the best possible care. I talked with him for a while on the phone and at the end of the call he thanked me for listening and calming him down. He also asked me if I would like to come by the room to meet his son. I had never had a parent ask me to do this and I was honored to visit the family in person. While in the room I held his son and talked with the family and the nurses. Before leaving, I thanked him for inviting me, and I’ll never forget, he told me that there was something special and calming about my presence. It was a moment that validated the importance of the work we do here. I was on vacation after the visit and when I came back, my team told me the patient had passed away. I am so grateful that I was able to play a small role in the care this family received while at Children’s Mercy. It’s the same care we strive to provide to every patient and family who comes through our doors, and I am so very proud to be a part of it.

                                                                  —Treniece Murphy, Patient Advocate