If you’re looking for someone with a wealth of knowledge and experience patient care and support, look no further than Charmaine Parks, a unit communications associate in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Since October 2005, Charmaine has supported patients and staff alike at Children’s National, driven by the belief that while surrounded by sadness, happiness is a choice.
This work is deeply personal for Charmaine, not only as a team member, but as a mother, grandmother and Washingtonian. Having grown up in Washington, D.C., Charmaine started her career as a Candy Striper at Howard University Hospital. From an early age, she knew she wanted to care for others.
“My mom said when I was little, I would walk around saying I was a doctor,” she recalls. As she matured, she realized her passion lay more in the social and emotional aspects of the work. With a profound interest in social work, Charmaine is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in human services from Liberty University.
In her role, and on her unit, Charmaine is responsible for clerical duties to ensure efficient operations. She consistently goes above and beyond to assist her colleagues and pitch in when an opportunity arises, including supporting resource availability and transporting patients. Charmaine makes it a point to expand her knowledge in collaboration with her team.
Working in the PICU is undeniably challenging. It’s fast-paced, emotionally and physically demanding, requiring a level of emotional vulnerability balanced with level-headedness. “It’s not always happy,” Charmaine says, but her favorite part of the job is witnessing her patients walk out healthier and happier than when they arrived. “You never know what can happen in the ICU, so seeing those babies walk out the door with a smile…” Charmaine reflects with a smile of her own.
Thank you, Charmaine, for your commitment to our patients and your team.
Finding Happy Moments in the PICU
