Pediatric Nurse Inspires Patients and Families by Showing Anything Is Possible
“I’m just a normal person living their life,” said Kelsey O’Driscoll, RN, who has been a pediatric nurse at Albany Medical Center since 2019. She began her career in general pediatrics at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital and is now the asthma care coordinator in the pediatric clinic on Myrtle Avenue. As a severe asthmatic, O’Driscoll can truly relate to her patients.
“I know a thing or two about asthma,” she said, “and it’s nice to be able to connect with my both patients and their parents at that level. They say, ‘wow, you’re somebody that gets it, somebody that understands.’”
O’Driscoll has another connection with some of her patients—specifically those with mobility issues. A severe asthma attack last summer left O’Driscoll with a rare complication that causes muscle weakness and atrophy. She now relies on mobility aids, such as crutches and a wheelchair, to get around.
“At first, I was really upset at first thinking I couldn’t be a nurse anymore. But, I said, ‘no, I’m still going to be a nurse.’ I can work from a wheelchair, and when people see that, it matters.”
A New Role, A New Connection
O’Driscoll’s experience as a nurse and as a person living with asthma made her the perfect fit for her current role. While working at the clinic, O’Driscoll uses her wheelchair, which is decorated with colorful lights around the wheels. The reaction from patients and their families has been positive and reassuring to those with similar mobility issues.
She recalled, “One of our patients lit up because she saw somebody else that looked like her.” The parent of another patient, also in a wheelchair, said he couldn’t wait for his daughter’s next appointment, so she could meet O’Driscoll, too.
Moments like these reinforce why O’Driscoll chose a career in health care. Her unique experience as a patient and provider connects her to all aspects of care. In fact, before her most recent experience as a patient, O’Driscoll was first inspired by nurses during a serious hospitalization as a child.
She said, “I was really impressed by the nurses. Their calming, caring presence made all the difference. I remember telling my mom, ‘I’m going to work at Albany Med someday.’ From that day on, it was my dream to become a nurse. Almost 15 years later, that dream came true.”
Disability Pride
July is recognized as Disability Pride Month to promote awareness of the unique experiences of and contributions made by those within the disability community. Disability pride means many things for O’Driscoll, especially that anything is possible.
She explained, “For me, ‘disability pride’ means not being afraid to be my authentic self. It means advocating for myself and advocating for others. It means being proud of the things I can do. It’s not a matter of if something is possible, it's about how we can make it happen.”
One activity that remains possible for O’Driscoll is skiing. As an adaptive skier, she uses two feet skis as well as two arm crutches with skis on the bottom. In April, she spent two weeks in Colorado training with the U.S. Paralympic team. She has since been invited to Chile in September to determine if she can join the development team for the 2026 Paralympics. O’Driscoll said when she’s skiing, it’s a feeling like no other.
“It feels like I’m flying,” she said. “I put my skis on, and I don’t feel disabled at all. It’s like flying.”
O’Driscoll is also on the Gore Mountain ski patrol. Similar to when she’s working as a nurse in the clinic, O’Driscoll inspires those around her on the slopes.
Making a Difference
As O’Driscoll continues her new nursing role, she is excited for every opportunity to make a positive impact on a patient.
“Every day, I can be the nurse I want to be,” she said. “Having the ability to make a difference in a patient's life is priceless. One smile, one extra ginger ale, one extra minute to listen can impact a patient and their family forever. That’s what I love about nursing.”
Patients and their families aren’t the only people she inspires. If someone with a disability wants to become a nurse, O’Driscoll wants to remind them that anything is possible.
“I say go for it. It will be the most rewarding choice you ever make,” O’Driscoll said.
She added that Albany Medical Center is a great option for those looking to pursue a career in nursing. After all, the care she experienced as a child led her to where she is today.
“I’ve stayed because it's become home.”
If you or someone you know is interested in a nursing career at Albany Medical Center, check out our nursing opportunities throughout the organization.
