In honor of National Nurses Week, we’re spotlighting our dedicated nurses; one of them is Julia Haubrich, DNP, RN, CPHON. Julia’s journey into nursing was sparked by a childhood desire to help others. Julia currently serves at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, in the Lisa Dean Moseley Foundation Institute for Cancer and Blood Disorders Outpatient Clinic.
Julia’s path to nursing wasn’t a straight line. As a child, she envisioned becoming a pediatrician, but was deterred by the extensive years of schooling. “I thought I would want to be a pediatrician. However, I did not want to do all those years of school, which is ironic since I have gone back for my master’s and doctorate in the last five years. I decided nursing was the perfect option.” Fate intervened when her two-year-old cousin was diagnosed with leukemia during her freshman year of nursing school. Witnessing the compassionate care provided by pediatric oncology nurses ignited Julia’s passion for the field. “I spent a lot of time with him during his treatment, and the nurses were wonderful and made such an impact on my family, and I knew then that pediatric oncology was where I wanted to end up.”
After gaining experience at another children’s hospital in the Delaware Valley and embarking on a journey as a travel nurse, Julia found herself drawn back to the East Coast, yearning to be closer to family and friends, especially during the challenges of the pandemic. Her decision to join Nemours Children’s was influenced by the positive reputation of the institution and the supportive environment she experienced during her aunt’s tenure. “I always knew about Nemours. My aunt has worked here, and I had shadowed her during nursing school, and every nurse I met spoke highly of Nemours, so I decided to apply, and here I am.”
At Nemours, Julia thrives in a culture of collaboration and compassion. “I really love the teamwork. We are a small clinic, so it is imperative that we help each other, and I have always felt very supported. Our teamwork allows us to provide the best patient care. My peers are so compassionate and committed to this special patient population that it really does make me enjoy coming to work every day.” Despite the challenges, her team’s support fosters an environment where every member feels valued and empowered to provide the best possible care for their patients.
Reflecting on her time at Nemours, Julia fondly remembers the friendships she formed, particularly in the cardiac department where she initially started. “I love the culture here at Nemours. Everyone is very friendly and enjoys caring for their patients. Working here is a privilege. People are always saying hi and smiling on the elevators or offering directions to families. The different units and departments are always working together to provide the best care for the patients.” These connections, including her beloved book club, highlight the sense of community that defines her experience. “I have met some of my favorite people while working here. When I started in 2020, I worked in the cardiac department, and while my heart led me back to oncology. However, some of my best friends I met in the cardiac center including my book club.”
Julia is a nurse who goes beyond her duties to help others. She volunteers at a local animal shelter, where she finds joy in caring for rescue animals. Julia also has two cute rescue pups that she loves spending time with. Her adventurous spirit and longing for exploration are reflected in her hobbies of reading, hiking, and traveling.
As we celebrate National Nurses Week, we would like to honor nurses like Julia Haubrich. Her dedication, compassion, and commitment have made a significant difference in the lives of her patients and communities every day. We would like to express our gratitude to Julia for her exceptional contributions to pediatric oncology and for inspiring us all with her compassionate care.
