http://www.cincinnatichildrens.org

I am a nurse. I am a nurse. A caregiver. Lifesaver. Compassionate. Leader. Determined. Committed. A problem solver. A joyful presence. A lifelong learner. Extraordinary. I am a nurse.

My name's Laura Olexa and I'm a forensic nurse at Cincinnati Children's Hospital. We get called to the emergency room whenever there's an assault or crisis to help collect evidence to help get justice. I've been a nurse for 22 years and I don't think really any position has led me to being a forensic nurse because this is such a new program and not many hospitals offer forensic nursing. I really see the potential and would love to see this grow, because I really think it would help a lot of patients and families. I try to think of being a light in perhaps someone's darkest moment.

I still am able to work and pick up shifts at Hopple St. clinic. And what we do at Hopple Street Clinic, we see many kids as they're coming in for primary care getting immunizations, well child checks. In primary care, we do a lot of health promotion, teaching families about healthy eating habits, adding exercise to their activities, really trying to maintain health.

I am extremely passionate about community outreach. One of the projects that I developed over the years is Veggies Via Vespa. My friend Del and I started a community garden and really wanted to get the produce to low income families, but really weren't sure how to do it. So, one day after gardening, I was on my scooter and had some green beans in it. I saw some people walking up the street. I thought, I'm going to pull over and ask them if they want some green beans. When they said, "Sure," I pulled over, opened my scooter and gave them about four pounds of green beans. So that was really the start of Veggies Via Vespa. The first year, I was able to deliver about 200 pounds. People recognize me when I come up with my scooter. They wonder if I have stuff. It is so gratifying.

A lot of things keep me at Cincinnati Children's. I think being able to make a difference on a daily basis, the amount of relationships that I have formed with the families with my coworkers. Overall, it's just a great place for nurses. There's so many opportunities for us.

My name is Laura, and I am a nurse.