We know what it takes to really connect with kids... You!

From the moment you walk into our Atrium, where any given day there may be clowns dancing or musicians performing, you know we're not your ordinary hospital. As you notice the smiles around you, you become part of a team that touches the lives of children and leaves you with a sense of pride and accomplishment. That's Children's National Medical Center.

Profiles of Leadership …

For nurses at Children's, patient care is just part of the job.

I knew I wanted to be a pediatric oncology nurse from the first day of my nursing school rotation at Children's. I feel like I grew here professionally. Staying on and starting my career here was definitely the right move. I love working at Children's. The nurses are the members of the care team who are here for the families 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Sure, there are tough days but the influence we have on the lives of the patients and families, and our ability to emotionally improve patient outcomes make those times worthwhile.

The nurses get to know the whole family. We're here for mom and dad when they're pacing the halls at four in the morning. We're here for the child who needs comfort and care at any time of day or night.

Take the 12 year-old girl who came in with a bone tumor. I was humbled by her bravery. She acted as if the entire situation was merely an inconvenience. You would never know that she was about to undergo a medical odyssey that would include chemotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy again.

Most important to her was making her room "her room". Together we hung pictures of her horses on the walls, and filled the shelves in her room with photographs of her family and friends. She even brought her Barbie dream house, which I helped her hide when her school pals came to visit.

When her hair fell out from the chemotherapy, I bought her a hat. I talked to her little sister, who was scared and worried that her mom looked so sad. I held her dad's hand while he waited to hear the results of her surgery. I was part of the group hug when we learned that the surgery was successful and that they could save her leg. Best of all, I bid her family a tearful farewell on the day she went home.

I have learned so much here at Children's and know what an important part of the care team I am.