Briana Long

About Briana Long

Between having a mom who was a nurse, an older sister who is an oncologist and her own personal health conditions, it wasn’t a surprise that Briana Long, NP, would have a career in health care. “As a child, I had a medical condition called a tethered spinal cord and I was in and out of several hospitals in the area and had more tests than I could count,” she says. “I have distinct memories of both good and poor experiences with my various encounters with healthcare professionals.”

Briana is a graduate of Indiana University South Bend, IN, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and of Chamberlain University, Chicago, where she attained her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner track.

When it came time to choose a specialty pediatrics and oncology pediatrics in particular, were her choice. “I have always known I wanted to work in some realm of pediatrics so I could help children going through these scary and difficult times and be a strong advocate for these children,” Briana says. “Once I started working at Beacon Children’s Hospital and taking care of peds hem/onc children, I immediately felt like I had found my niche. I enjoy being able to provide medical care as well as helping them navigate the emotional, physical and social aspects of these difficult diagnoses, and celebrating the triumphs.”

Nurses are taught to be the patient’s advocate and Briana says that as a nurse practitioner, she is able to elevate this basic cornerstone in various ways in her role as a provider. “I will always be a strong patient advocate and will always strive to provide evidenced based, compassionate, holistic care,” she says.

In her own words…

Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My parents. They worked so hard for us growing up and have always been present and helped me and my siblings achieve our goals. I wouldn't be where I am without their love and their support.

What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first “real” job was McDonalds as a cashier when I was 15. I actually enjoyed the fast pace and talking to customers.

What is your favorite food? Movie? My favorite food would probably be pizza or Chinese food. I enjoy most movies that are book adaptations (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings). My husband and I, and now our kids, really love all the superhero movies too. It has always been a bonding experience for us!

What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Best: English and science.Worst: Spanish and most math classes.

If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I have been fortunate enough to have not lost many family members that I was very close to. One interesting person that I have read about over the years that comes to mind is Henrietta Lacks. She was an African-American female with very unique cervical cancer cells. Her cancer cells (HeLa cells) have been crucial in modern medicine and the development of a variety of medical treatments and vaccines in the past century. I find her story and her immortalization in medicine absolutely fascinating! 

In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I am passionate about my family; my husband and sons. I have also always been very invested in volunteering and community work. I went on several mission trips as a teenager and have volunteered in the homeless shelter and animal shelters as an adult. 

What are your hobbies, interests? I love reading and cooking in my spare time. I enjoy spending time outside with my husband and sons. We are always looking for a new trail, beach, or park to explore.

Do you have pets? We have two dogs. Hopefully some chickens in the near future, too!

What is something most people don’t know about you? I was very into writing short stories and poems when I was a teenager and I wrote a poem that is published in a poetry book.