Mary's Story as a Social Worker in the PICU

In Her Own Words

Many of the same things that led me to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, drew me to social work as a career. As a social worker, I specialize in walking with others through times of transition and vulnerability. I am proud to practice the core values of social work: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. I have found that the hospital is the perfect place to put my skills and values into action.

I work in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. My role includes working with patients and their families to complete psychosocial assessments, provide supportive counseling, and problem-solve social barriers in health care. I love that at I get to work with an amazing interdisciplinary team whose members share a common goal of helping our patients at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Many people come to hospitals with fear and apprehension about working with the health care system. I strive to create a safe space for patients and families to share their fears or questions so that our team can provide validation, reassurance, and solutions. One of my favorite things about my job is contributing to family-centered care and witnessing how it helps our patients heal.

-- Mary