Patient Care Areas (Nursing)
Compassion. Expertise. Dedication.
Across every patient care area, from intensive care to burn recovery to complex transplant support, our nurses lead with skill and heart. Working side-by-side with physicians and specialists, they deliver advanced care, comfort, and hope to every child, every day.
Patient Care Areas
The Dearth Tower is made up of three 15-bed pediatric med/surg units that are located on 5 Dearth, 6 Dearth, and 7 Dearth in the McWane building of Children’s of Alabama.
Team
Our team is comprised of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, unit clerks, clinical assistants, and unit support specialists.
Conditions we treat
Most Dearth Tower patients are admitted to the Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) physicians. Common diagnoses seen on the Dearth Tower are asthma exacerbation, bronchiolitis/RSV, pneumonia, cellulitis/abscess, neonate with fever, dehydration, gastroenteritis, status post tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy, and bilateral myringotomy tubes. The average length of stay for our patients is about 2 days.
Leadership
Tonshel Gary, MSN, BSN, RN
Department Director
Hannah Bullock, MSN, RN, CPN, CNML
Assistant Director | 5, 6, & 7 Dearth
Education:
Ashlie Cassidy, MSN, RN, CNL, NPD-BC
Advanced Unit Educator, Dearth Tower
Nursing Professional Development
10 Harbert is a 24-bed acute care mixed specialty unit with a focus on the following specialties: Neurology, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation Services, and Epilepsy. Nursing care includes a variety of pre-surgical, post operative patients, acutely ill and chronic patients. Patient length of staff can vary from days to weeks to months.
Eight beds on 10 Harbert are dedicated to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). The EMU is designated as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). Level 4 is the highest level for units that specialize in the continuum of care for epilepsy patients from seizure diagnosis to invasive monitoring for surgical planning. Our skilled staff is comprised of a collaborative team of epileptologists, EEG technologists, nurse practitioners, coordinators, and staff nurses.
10 Harbert provides patient/family-centered, quality-driven nursing services for pediatric patients ranging from neonates to adolescents with a strong focus on patient and family education. This focus allows the nurses working on our unit the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Our staff prides themselves on working as a team with the main goal being to provide not only quality patient care but excellent customer service as well.
Our Team
Cinnamon Banks, MSN, RN
10 Harbert Director of Nursing
Laura Needham, MHSA, BSN, RN, CENP
10 Harbert Division Director of Inpatient Nursing Services
Dr. Nichole Samuy, MD, MSHI, Associate Professor
10 Harbert Medical Director
Dr. Kathryn Lalor, BS, MD, Assistant Professor
Medical Director of Clinical Neurophysiology/EMU
- Physicians
- Nurse Practitioners
- Charge Nurses
- Staff Nurses
- Neurophysiology Technologists
- Care Coordinator
- Epilepsy Surgery Coordinator
- Support Staff – Clinical Assistants, Unit Support Specialists, and Unit Clerks
- Other interdisciplinary team members including child life therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, hearing, social workers, nutritionists, pharmacists, and chaplains.
Locations
Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Main Campus
Benjamin Russell Building, 10th Floor, 10 Harbert
1601 5th Ave South
Birmingham, AL 35233
Conditions we treat
- Neurology
- Neurological conditions (seizures, headaches, muscle weakness, and developmental delays)
- Neurosurgery
- Brain tumors
- Spinal Injuries
- Nerve problems
- Orthopedics
- Orthopedic conditions related to broken bones, joint pain, or trouble moving — focusing on growth and healing
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Treats conditions focusing helping patients regain strength, independence, and quality of life — especially after things like strokes, broken bones, or surgeries.
Resources
10 Quarterback is a 24-bed Medical/Surgical Unit specializing in the delivery of comprehensive pulmonary care to patients in both the acute and chronic phase of their illness.
All 24 beds have the capabilities to provide intensive monitoring for patients not requiring an intensive care unit. The ages of patients range from neonates to young adults.
Care is provided with a multidisciplinary team approach including:
- Families
- Medical staff
- Nursing staff
- Respiratory staff
- Spiritual care
- Nurse practitioners
- Occupational and physical therapists
- Child life specialists
- Nutritionists
- Pharmacists
- Social workers
The patient population most cared for on 10QB includes:
- Tracheotomy care
- Chronic Technology dependent, including ventilators, biPAP, and CPAP
- Acute and chronic pulmonary diseases
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Neonates with congenital anomalies
- Cystic Fibrosis
Resources:
9 Harbert is a 24-bed pediatric medical-surgical unit specializing in the care of children with complex nephrology and gastrointestinal conditions. We provide expert, family-centered care for patients from infancy through adolescence, including those undergoing kidney and liver transplants.
Our highly skilled nursing team cares for a wide range of diagnoses, including:
• Biliary atresia and liver failure
• Nephrotic syndrome and end-stage renal disease
• Kidney and liver transplant recovery
• Lupus and inflammatory bowel disease
• GI motility disorders and short gut syndrome
• Failure to thrive, malnutrition, and pancreatitis
• New-onset diabetes and post-operative urologic care
At 9 Harbert, nurses have the opportunity to develop advanced clinical skills such as:
• IV and NG/TP tube placement
• Central venous line (CVL) and gastrostomy tube care
• Peritoneal dialysis
• Insulin administration
• Drain management
We take pride in delivering compassionate, evidence-based care that supports our patients’ healing and long-term health. Our multidisciplinary team works closely with families to ensure every child receives individualized, holistic treatment.
Whether caring for a newborn with liver failure or an adolescent managing chronic kidney disease, the 9 Harbert team is dedicated to providing excellent pediatric care—every day, for every child.
Our Team
Our multidisciplinary team is composed of dedicated healthcare professionals, including Charge Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Staff Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Clinical Assistants, Unit Support Specialists, and Unit Clerks. Together, we work seamlessly to deliver high-quality, compassionate, and family-centered care.
Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We partner closely with a wide range of disciplines—including physicians, child life specialists, social workers, nutritionists, physical and occupational therapists, speech therapy, pastoral care, and wound care teams—to ensure comprehensive support for our patients and their families.
Our shared commitment to excellence and communication allows us to meet the complex and evolving needs of those we serve with empathy, professionalism, and respect.
9 Quarterback is an 18-bed pediatric medical-surgical unit located on the 9th floor of Benjamin Russell, Quarterback Tower (Rooms 907–924). We provide nursing care to pre-operative and post-operative patients ranging in age from infancy to young adults. Our top diagnostic groups include general surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and trauma cases.
Motto: “9 Quarterback – Family Forever.”
Mission: “to administer innovative healthcare in a family-centered environment through compassionate and individualized care.”
Location
Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children
9th Floor – Quarterback Tower, Rooms 907–924
Conditions We Treat
Our patients are primarily treated for:
- General surgical conditions
- Neurosurgical needs
- Plastic surgical procedures
- Traumatic injuries
Our Team
We use a multidisciplinary team approach to care for our patients. Our team includes:
- Medical and surgical physicians
- Nurse practitioners
- Respiratory therapists
- Child-life specialists
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Speech therapists
- Nutritionists
- Social workers
Our core staffing includes both licensed and unlicensed personnel and typically consists of:
- Charge Nurse
- Registered Nurses
- Clinical Assistants
- Unit Support Specialists
- Unit Clerks
Shift-by-shift staffing is adjusted based on patient volume, acuity, activity, and staff competency. Most team members work 12-hour shifts.
Careers
9 Quarterback offers a welcoming and growth-oriented environment for healthcare professionals. We emphasize:
- Teamwork
- Skill development
- A commitment to excellence
- A focus on compassionate, individualized patient care
New hires undergo an individualized orientation and training program. Frequent check-ins help ensure progress and support throughout the onboarding process. Join a team that believes in continuous development and providing the best care possible at Children’s of Alabama.
The Children’s of Alabama Burn Center is a six-bed pediatric unit that provides acute, intermediate, ambulatory, and rehabilitative care for burn patients. We accept trauma and surgical patients as well, provided they do not present with infections. Our patients range in age from infancy to young adulthood.
Using a multidisciplinary team approach, we deliver comprehensive care for children with both minor and major burns, as well as those recovering from trauma, general surgery, and plastic surgery.
Our Team
The Burn Center’s collaborative team includes:
- Physicians
- Nurse practitioners
- Registered nurses
- Occupational and physical therapists
- Child life therapists
- Social worker
- Chaplain
- Nutritionist
- Certified teacher
Together, we care for both the physical and emotional needs of our patients. Special emphasis is placed on scar management, mobility, and coping strategies, with support extending from hospitalization to outpatient follow-up care.
Staffing is determined based on patient needs and unit assessments, with most team members working a 7-on/7-off schedule with 8-hour shifts.
Location
Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children
9th Floor – Quarterback Tower, Rooms 901–906
Conditions We Treat
We care for pediatric patients with:
- Minor and major burns
- Trauma injuries (non-infectious)
- Post-surgical recovery from general and plastic surgery
We also offer specialized services such as:
- Hydrotherapy
- Invasive monitoring
- PICC line placement/removal
- Burn prevention education
- Burn survivor school re-entry
- Annual burn camp
- Extensive home care instructions
- Child Life Specialist and playroom on unit
Outpatient care is also provided 24/7 for minor burns and follow-up after discharge.
Careers
The Burn Center offers a supportive environment for staff to learn, grow, and excel in their roles. Our strong multidisciplinary model, commitment to teamwork, and dedication to excellence create a fulfilling work atmosphere.
The Special Care Unit (SCU) is a 26-bed, monitored pediatric step-down unit located on the 7th floor of the Harbert in the Benjamin Russell Building at Children’s of Alabama. We care for critically ill patients from birth through young adulthood, offering comprehensive support for a wide range of diagnoses.
Conditions we treat
We provide care for patients from all service lines within the hospital. This includes trauma, postoperative, hematology/oncology, neurosurgery, endocrinology, cardiology, respiratory conditions, and patients stepping down from the NICU and PICU.
Our Team
Our multidisciplinary team includes medical and surgical physicians, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, child life specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and social workers—all working together to meet the individualized needs of each patient.
Location
SCU is located on the 7th floor of the Harbert Tower in the Benjamin Russell Building at Children’s of Alabama.
No parent expects their child to need intensive care—but when the unexpected happens, our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is here to help. At Children’s of Alabama, our 24-bed, PICU provides expert, compassionate care for critically ill children from across Alabama and neighboring regions. As part of our Level I Trauma Center, our team is committed to supporting families and helping patients heal during the most challenging times.
Our Team
Our PICU offers 24/7 coverage by board-certified Pediatric Intensivists, supported by Pediatric ICU Fellows and Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioners, ensuring a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to care.
We prioritize Patient- and Family-Centered Rounds 2–3 times daily, involving both families and healthcare staff in care planning. Our comprehensive care team includes:
- Pediatric nurses
- Pharmacists
- Nutritionists
- Respiratory therapists
- Chaplains
- Social workers
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapists
- Child life specialists
Together, we focus on the physical and emotional needs of each child and family.
Location
The PICU is located on the 7th floor Quarterback Tower of the Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children.
Conditions We Treat
We care for a wide range of complex and critical conditions in patients from just a few days old to young adults (typically up to age 21). Our patient population includes:
- 60% medical cases
- 40% surgical cases (with half of those involving trauma)
Some of the conditions we treat include:
- Respiratory or renal failure
- Sepsis and shock
- Status epilepticus or status asthmaticus
- GI bleeding
- Hematology/oncology emergencies
- Severe burns
- Post-transplant recovery (liver/kidney)
- Patients requiring ECMO or CRRT support
The average length of stay is 3 to 4 days, though some patients may require longer specialized care.
Nursing & Staffing
We maintain low nurse-to-patient ratios to ensure high-quality, individualized care:
Charge Nurses do not carry a patient load and are dedicated to managing unit operations and patient flow. Additionally, one or two Resource Nurses are available each shift to assist with admissions, procedures, transfers, and emergency response.
Our PICU team also responds to hospital-wide codes and serves as backup for the rapid response team, ensuring the highest level of care throughout the facility.
