As we continue to celebrate Nurses Week, we turn our attention to the heart of healthcare: the nurses who exemplify compassion, resilience, and dedication. Among these exceptional individuals stands Kathryn ‘Katie’ McGill, RN, BSN, a shining example of excellence at Nemours Children’s Health in Jacksonville. Join us as we honor Katie’s remarkable contributions and the invaluable role nurses play in shaping the healthcare landscape.
Katie’s passion for nursing began at a young age. “I can’t really remember a time when I wasn’t interested in the medical field; even as a child, I was always playing ‘nurse’ with my family, friends, or dolls! When I was 11 years old, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a very scary thing to watch my parent fight a battle that I knew so little about. Of course, over time, I learned more about cancer, and I knew that I wanted to be like one of the people who came alongside my mom and helped her fight that battle.” Witnessing her mother’s journey ignited a desire within Katie to become a source of hope and support for others facing similar challenges. This determination led her to pursue a career in pediatric oncology nursing, where she found her calling in providing compassionate care to children fighting cancer. “When it came time to choose a career path, there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be an oncology nurse. During my time in nursing school, I was able to experience what it would be like to work on a pediatric oncology floor, and those children stole my heart from the second I met them. This path led me to one conclusion, that I wanted to be there for them and fight with them as a Pediatric Oncology Nurse.”
After completing nursing school, Katie embarked on her professional journey, initially working in a hospital setting where she honed her skills at the bedside. “Like most nurses, when I graduated from nursing school, I pursued a career working in the hospital. There is so much that I loved about bedside-nursing, but after a few years, I was ready to move to a different setting. When a position at Nemours opened up, it was the perfect fit because it allowed me to work very closely with the same patients I was already caring for and loved but in a different role as a primary case managing nurse.” Joining the team at Nemours Children’s, Katie found herself surrounded by a supportive community of like-minded individuals who shared her dedication to making a difference in the lives of their patients.
What sets Nemours apart for Katie is not just the exceptional medical care it provides but also the sense of family among its staff. “I absolutely adore the team of people I work with here at Nemours! From nurses to doctors/providers, social workers, medical assistants, and Child Life—everyone is just amazing, and they go above and beyond for our patients and for each other. I feel like this is just an extension of my own family. The support and care that we give each other truly make this a special place. I have never worked with a group of more dedicated and caring people.” This close-knit bond goes beyond mere professionalism; it’s a reflection of the genuine connections formed through shared experiences and mutual respect. As Katie reflects on her time at Nemours, she expresses deep gratitude for the nurturing environment that fosters both personal and professional growth. “When I realize how much of my time is spent working, it is nice to know that it is in an organization that allows me to do something I am passionate about, gives me a sense of purpose, and is with a group of people who genuinely care about the work they are doing. Nemours creates an environment that is welcoming to our patients and families and makes it easier for me to provide them with the care they deserve.” In this holistic atmosphere, Katie finds fulfillment not just in her role as a nurse but also in the impact she and her colleagues have on the lives of their patients and their families.
One of Katie’s fondest memories is from a challenging time during the COVID-19 pandemic when resources were scarce, and staff were stretched thin. “It was during this extremely stressful time where so many people felt isolated and alone, that I was able to grow so close with my fellow nurses. There were so many long days and even tears, but there were so many joyful moments spent together just laughing and having fun because we had no control over anything else! The bond that nurses create with each other is so unique and I’m so blessed to have been able to have that bond with many nurses over the years.” Despite the difficulties, Katie and her colleagues connected, finding moments of joy amidst the chaos. It was during these times of adversity that their bond grew stronger, reinforcing the strength in fellowship that defines the nursing profession.
Katie finds joy in spending time with her family outside of her work. She is dedicated to serving others beyond the hospital walls and has a genuine passion for making a positive impact in the lives of children and teenagers. “I love spending my free time at home with my family. We enjoy being outdoors, taking trips to the mountains, and having weekly movie nights. My husband is a pastor, and I am very active and involved in our youth and children’s ministry. I love working with kids and teenagers!”
As we celebrate Nurses Week, let us take a moment to honor nurses like Katie McGill, whose commitment and compassionate care continue to inspire us all. In her journey at Nemours Children’s in Jacksonville, Katie exemplifies the true spirit of nursing – a testament to the profound impact that nurses have on the lives of those they touch.
