Meet Sarah Gray, BSN, RN, CPN, CCRN, a dedicated nurse making a difference in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) just across the reservoir from her undergraduate alma mater, Howard University. Sarah, a first-generation Costa Rican-American, was influenced to become a nurse because of her grandmother, who was also one.
Her journey into pediatric care was sparked by a pediatric class taught in collaboration with Children’s National at Howard’s College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences. From that first exposure, Sarah knew her purpose was to impact children's lives. She continued her rotations, including at Children’s National, and stayed connected with Children’s National staff, Jodi Murray, who encouraged her to apply upon graduation.
Working in the PICU is dynamic, and no two days are ever the same. Sarah embraces her work and rises to the challenge, all while balancing her role for the day whether it is bedside, CRRT or charge. Sarah has also taken on various leadership roles within the PICU and hospital-wide initiatives, motivated to make a difference beyond the bedside. As part of the Shared Nursing Leadership Collaborative Forum, PICU Culture of Nursing Excellence and PICU Shared Nursing Leadership, she works to reduce clinical indicators, improve patient experience, and increase employee morale and retention.
Sarah's dedication to her work is recognized through several Daisy awards, a recognition coming from patient families, highlighting her exceptional care and compassion. It's not the awards that motivate her, it's the sense of fulfillment she feels knowing that she's part of a team that gives children a chance to thrive. "I am part of the team that saved a life, and now they have a whole lifetime to experience."
Sarah maintains that none of what she does would be possible without the nursing care team and interprofessional colleagues she works with team and the supportive care environment that is fostered. While the team comes from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, they share a common goal of providing the best possible care to their young patients. Together anything is possible.
Sarah feels privileged to be able to make a difference in the lives of children, families and her team every day.
Thank you for all that you do.
A Purpose to Impact Children's Lives
