Meet Deanna

Deanna describes the detour that brought her to become a pediatric palliative care nurse: 

I had always planned to be a labor and delivery nurse, but my path changed after my son was born with a medical condition requiring two major surgery and an extended stay in the NICU. Thankfully, my son recovered and is healthy. Yet, I learned firsthand that childbirth can result in trauma and loss.

I emerged from this experience with a desire to make a difference for pediatric patients and their families.  Being a nurse at George Mark Children’s House allows me to help patients and families at a sensitive time. I am ready to listen and comfort our patients and their parents when they stay with us for end-of-life care.

Many of our patients who visit George Mark for respite care stay with us frequently.  All of the children and teens we care for have their own personalities, and the longer I’m here the more I learn about each one of them. Some are very expressive and make us laugh with them, while others need more time to feel comfortable, and I do everything to reassure them and make them feel at home. I have such respect and admiration for their parents, and am happy to provide them with a much-needed break.

I love the children at George Mark, and they are all a joy. I’m fortunate to be part of a great team and feel supported. I’m proud of what I do here. When I was in nursing school, my class toured the George Mark campus, and I was struck by how beautiful the facility and grounds are. I would encourage anybody studying nursing, or anyone in the medical field, to visit George Mark and see this joyful place.

I always wanted to be a world changer, even if it’s one person at a time. Being an RN at George Mark has helped me achieve my goal.

With your generous support, we can continue to recruit and retain nurses with skills and commitment like Deanna. Support our Nursing Campaign today.