Patient care is personal for St. Pete nurse, mother

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Helping young patients like 15-year-old Davin is a pleasure for care technician Tina Eorgan.

Tina took this career path at Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg because of her most important role: She's a mom to two teenagers.

Her oldest, Nathan has been getting treatments for his heart at Johns Hopkins ever since his transplant when he was just a baby. 

"The nurses there go way above and beyond what a nurse should do," said Tina. 

Tina said it's a miracle that Nathan is alive today. When he was born in Germany, she and her husband were given devastating news. 

"The first German doctor told us that he had a fatal heart condition and sent us back to the military hospital to arrange funeral arrangements," said Tina. 

But a second opinion and a heart transplant back in the U.S. changed everything. 

"I decided that that's what I wanted to do I wanted to be that kind of person for somebody else," said Tina.

The family moved to St. Petersburg so Nathan could continue treatment at Johns Hopkins and Tina could help kids like her son.

"She's really good with helping other families go through tough times because we go through tough times all the time," said Nathan.

Nathan had another challenge. He is legally blind. But it hasn't deterred him. 

"He's awesome I couldn't be prouder," said his father, Matthew.

Nathan credits his mom.

"She's always there for me when I need her," said Nathan.

Tina gives care straight from the heart.

"I feel like what I do for the kids at all children's I want to do what people have done for Nathan," said Tina.