Nursing is a family calling for the Reeds
For the Reed family, nursing is in the blood. Lisa Reed, RN, and her daughters, Brittany Reed, RN, and Nichole Reed, RN, are all nurses at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital. Together, the three use their passion and drive to help children and families overcome challenges – all while having the support of family right alongside them.
In honor of Nurses Week 2024, we chatted with the Reeds to find out how nursing shaped their lives as individuals and as a family.
The inspiration to become a nurse came from family members.
Lisa: Lisa began working in our health system over 30 years ago. She started at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center – East Bank and moved when Masonic Children’s Hospital opened in 2011. She now cares for young patients going through cancer treatment, bone marrow transplants, and other procedures. "When I was growing up, I had an interest in nursing. My uncle was talking about becoming a surgical tech, and when he talked about his education and training at family gatherings, I was even more determined to become a nurse as I was intrigued by all of his stories."
Brittany: Brittany has been a nurse for four years, and knew she wanted to become a nurse in high school. She recently received her APHON chemotherapy & biotherapy certification. "I grew up listening to stories about nursing and learned how much I liked to engage in conversation to learn more about the population my mom works with, so eventually, I envisioned myself working in the healthcare field,” Brittany said.
Nichole: Nichole started at Masonic Children’s Hospital as a new nursing graduate a year and a half ago. She took an indirect path to nursing, and originally planned on being a physical therapist working with athletes. However, her own sports injury and physical therapy experience made her realize she wanted to do something else. “My mom and older sister guided me towards nursing. They gave me the courage to push myself through nursing school during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic years. I wouldn't be where I am today without the encouragement from my mom, dad, and sister.”
What do they like best about caring for patients?
For all three of the Reeds, taking care of their patients and families means being a trustworthy advocate.
Lisa: "I like helping and supporting them through challenging situations. Letting them know we are here to keep them safe and advocate for their needs to be met during their hospital stay."
Brittany: "Although working with the pediatric patient population can sometimes bring challenges, I enjoy seeing kids' resilience and how they overcome their challenges. They really do inspire me and never fail to make me laugh and smile every shift."
Nichole: "My favorite part about caring for patients is feeling like I can make a difference for these kids and their families on what can be some of their toughest days."
Mutual support brings the Reeds together to provide exceptional patient care.
Lisa: “Seeing my daughters at work brightens my day. I enjoy knowing the legacy of being a nurse has carried through to my kids and hopefully to their children someday. Also, sharing the same career allows us to continue bonding in our relationship as a family who shares and cares. Working at Fairview has been a pleasure. To share it now with my beautiful and caring daughters is just a blessing."
Brittany: “I enjoy working with my mom and sister because they support me in anything and everything in life. It is a unique opportunity to share your workplace with family and learn together at different stages in nursing. I love seeing their caring selves doing important work at Masonic.”
Nichole: “Working with my mom and sister is very special to me. They are two of the biggest role models in my life, and now I get to look up to them and learn from them as nurses, too! The best part about working with them is having their constant support. I always know I can rely on them for anything work-related because they understand and can relate to it.”
