ChristyAnn Delahunty started her career in an ED at an adult hospital but transitioned to Riley, where she found her home.
By Maureen Gilmer, Riley Children’s Health senior writer, mgilmer1@iuhealth.org
ChristyAnn Delahunty was a new nursing school grad working in an adult hospital emergency department in Indianapolis when she realized it wasn’t a good fit.
A friend and fellow nurse encouraged her to apply at Riley Hospital for Children, and that’s where she found her home.
“My friend would tell me how much she loved her job, while I was feeling more and more burned out,” Delahunty said about her decision to change jobs.
“She talked to her manager, I had an interview, and I shadowed on the PACU (post-anesthesia care unit).”
Delahunty, who is from Westfield and graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, started at Riley on the PACU last October. There, she calms and cares for kids who are coming out of anesthesia after surgery.
“One thing I really enjoy about the PACU is working closely with other nurses,” she said. “I think I have a really strong relationship with my co-workers; it feels like a family.”
Having good co-workers can make or break a job, she said.
“The stress is more manageable when you have a good support system, and working with kids is great.”
Delahunty also has a way of using humor to take the edge off stressful situations, according to her fellow nurses.
“She brings lots of laughter to the unit, always telling jokes and bringing up morale,” said Kelsey Hoelmer.
She’s also very caring with patients and families, said another nurse, trying to give them the best experience so they remember their care at Riley as a positive interaction.
Delahunty, who stays active when she’s not working by line-dancing, running, playing volleyball and doing CrossFit, at one time thought she might want to become a veterinarian, but nursing won her heart.
“I loved learning about the body and how intricate it is, and it’s so rewarding to help people and see them get better.”
Although transitioning to pediatric care in the PACU was a learning curve, it’s been a positive experience, she said.
“I really enjoy seeing how kids can be receptive to different techniques. I get to engage them in different ways, and I love that part of what I do.”
Photos by Mike Dickbernd, IU Health visual journalist, mdickbernd@iuhealth.org
Talk to a nurse about why they enjoy their career at IU Health. Learn more about nursing jobs here.