Influential Woman · Pediatric Day Health Center

Sheila Harouff

LPN HIM, Good Samaritan Society

Kearney, NE

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Business Management from Clarkson College in Omaha Degree Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Degree Trained in pediatric home ventilators Degree Trained in tube feedings Cert Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Member National Nursing Association Member NAM

Her Story

About Sheila

I am a field nurse working for Pediatric Home Service, where I've dedicated the past 7 years to working with complex children with complex medical needs. My work focuses on helping families bring their child home from the hospital, which I consider my most notable professional achievement. I'm trained in pediatric home ventilators and tube feedings, specializing in care that goes beyond standard hospital ventilators to meet the unique needs of children at home. Currently, I'm working to build Nebraska's first Pediatric Day Health Center. Since we don't have anything in the legislature for this yet, I'm meeting with state senators and gathering letters of support from parents and healthcare providers to help change legislation in our state. I have an LLC for my pediatric day health center that I'm opening, and I also have a nonprofit entity that I use for funding, though my business will be for-profit. Everything I do have is going towards building this center.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Sheila

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to my own personal determination. Working in this field and trying to build Nebraska's first Pediatric Day Health Center requires unwavering commitment, especially when facing legislative challenges and working to change the system. Even during difficult times, like when the little guy I was taking care of passed away, I continue pushing forward because I believe in what I'm doing and the families I serve.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

When I visit with nurses and other individuals that are going to come and work for me in my center, I tell them that working with children takes more time and patience and dedication than any other age group. And never give up. It's not generic work, because most nurses aren't trained in the pediatric world, so you need to be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards that come with caring for children with complex medical needs.

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