Celebrating Nurses Week 2022

Children’s National nurses provide excellent care to improve outcomes for all children from pre-infancy to adulthood. With clinical skill and compassionate care, our nurses put patients and families at the heart of all they do.

"The nurses at Children’s National are crafting ‘their story’ every day as they define and establish a foundation to lead and transform care for patients and families, achieve professional mastery, demonstrate exemplary patient care and excel in nursing research and innovation toward the advancement of pediatric nursing."

- Linda Talley, M.S., R.N., NE-BC, F.A.A.N., Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer

We are proud of the nurses throughout our organization, as they are a critical component of the care team at Children’s and exemplify our core values of compassion, connection and commitment every day. Hear from patient families (and nurses themselves!) about the enormous impact made by this incredible group.


“Nothing went right at first. They told us we might have some hard decisions to make. Our nurse Emily guarded Grayson’s life when his blood pressure dropped. She spent the whole night at his side. Thanks to Children’s National, my little miracle baby made it through even though every single odd was against us.”

- Nikki, mom to Grayson, who was born at 24 weeks in the family truck during a snowstorm

Read Grayson's story.

 

“The nurses that I had the opportunity to shadow, they were absolutely phenomenal. Their passion, their drive and their excitement really motivated me and really helped me.”

- Maya Kidane, R.N., Children’s National nurse and Conway Scholar


Read Maya's story.

 

“Gabriella loved us so much. Her father, Alfredo, and I had always wanted to get married with all three of our children at our side. I asked one of our nurse practitioners, Emily Abbey, if a hospital chaplain would marry us. What the staff did for us after that wasn’t just a ceremony, it was a dream.

Emily found dresses for Gabriella and her younger sister, Madalynn. Nurses decorated the Bunny Mellon Healing Garden. Someone had a beautiful sign made for our wedding. Others ordered the most amazing food and a stunning wedding cake. They provided a photographer. The wife of one of our doctors made cupcakes. A nurse helped me make a playlist of our favorite Disney movie songs.

More than a year later, I still think about my wedding every day. It made Gabriella so happy. During that time in the Healing Garden, you could feel the love in the air. We didn’t think about what might happen. We just danced and felt happy being together. It was magical. The look on Gabriella’s face that day was the reason for it all.”

- Kala, mom to Gabriella, who was born with severe congenital neutropenia, which effects the immune system

Read Kala and Gabriella's story.

“The love and attention Isabel’s team provided her made each new admission more bearable. With the promise of bingo prizes, scavenger hunts, movie nights and singing competitions, Isabel strutted into the hospital excited to be there. We are forever indebted to the nurses, doctors, Child Life specialists, music and art therapists, technicians, custodial team and all the staff.”

- Steve, dad of Isabel, who was diagnosed at 4 with cancer

Read Isabel's story.

“Tara has been there from the beginning, supporting us in amazing ways from checking on me when I felt like I was in a tornado to helping get us through surgeries to save my baby’s life. Without Children’s National, I would not have the energetic, feisty, resilient and strong girl that Payton is today.”

- Tamica, mom to Payton who was born at 24 weeks, regarding Tara Floyd, director of neonatal and pediatric intensive care nursing

Read Payton's story.

“As a school nurse in one of Washington, D.C.’s neediest areas, Monday mornings are often the hardest. Some kids arrive having felt unwell all weekend, waiting until they get to school and see me for nursing care. Some come from homes where there is neglect or abuse. They may not have eaten or have clean clothes. They carry heavy emotional burdens that get in the way of learning.

Every school day I assess, triage and treat kids. Resources are limited. We don’t have a rapid response team — I am it. Being on the school nurse team at Children’s National, I know I’m part of something great: care that makes a difference every day for children.”

- Egypt Middleton, R.N., Children’s National school nurse

Read Egypt's story.

“As terrified as we were, we knew were in good hands. The nurses and doctors always listened to us, answered our many questions and put us at ease. Jameson’s care team became our second family. They don’t just take care of your child, they take care of you.”

- Amanda, mom to Jameson, who was born with congenital heart disease

Read Jameson's story.

 

Calvin never planned on a career in nursing. He got a job in our medical records department right after high school. “But when I was out and about, I saw a vibrant atmosphere and a lot of cool things happening between nurses and kids.”

He left for six months to train in the military, then returned to Children’s National as a unit clerk. He worked as a respiratory tech during nursing school. As a nurse, Calvin’s first patient was a 5-year-old with burns covering most of his body. He oversaw his care and visited his school to speak to his classmates and ease the transition. “I like to think I made a difference in his life.”

- Calvin Burke, R.N., Children’s National nurse

Read Calvin's story.

 

Give today in support of our nurses and all patient care. If you wish to learn more about supporting our nursing program and make a restricted gift, please email Mika Standard at [email protected].

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