About Kelsey Namisnak At a very young age, Kelsey Namisnak knew she wanted to be a nurse. Coming from a family of doctors, nurses, and people in medical sales, conversations at family gatherings around the field was normal. Now she will be assisting at pediatric surgeries, from the operating room to going on rounds at the hospital to check on surgery patients, and also seeing patients in the office. Kelsey’s entire career, since graduating with a Master of Science in Nursing and Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Goshen College, IN, has been in pediatrics at Beacon Health. “I couldn’t imagine leaving and working elsewhere,” she says. “Pediatrics has a special place in my heart. Add that to my interest in surgery and this job is the perfect fit.” People often ask her if it is hard to work in pediatric surgery, but Kelsey says the children are the reason she returns to work every day. “My patients are like family. I want to provide the same standard of care to them as I would expect for those closest to me.” Over the years, she has learned the importance of individualized care. “I truly care about my patients and their families. I want what is best for them and will make sure they get the best care possible.” In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life?  My parents! I am who I am today because of them! What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it?  I worked at Flavor Freeze, which is an ice cream shop in Elkhart, IN. What is your favorite food? What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up?  Favorite food: Pizza; Best school subject: Anatomy; Worst school subject: Social studies / history If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why?  My grandfather, who passed away while I was in high school. I would love to catch up with him on everything, have him meet my daughter, and talk about life. He would be so proud of me – he was my biggest fan. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? What are your hobbies, interests?  Continuing to grow and better myself as a person, spending time with my husband and daughter, traveling. What is something most people don’t know about you?  I would have gone to school for marine biology if I wouldn’t have decided to pursue nursing.