Sarah Peluso, RN

Sarah Peluso is an extraordinary nurse whose compassion, clinical expertise, and unwavering advocacy have profoundly impacted the lives of patients, families, and staff. Through her leadership in expanding the forensic nursing program to the Wilmington campus, she has ensured that victims of violence have access to highly specialized, trauma-informed care when they need it most.

Sarah's impact on patients is profound, life-changing, and in many cases, life-saving. She not only provides expert forensic care, but she also ensures that patients are protected, supported, and advocated for every step of the way.

In one of the most devastating cases our team has ever encountered, Sarah took immediate action to ensure a victim's safety from the very beginning. From the initial encounter through the entirety of the process, she remained fully engaged, coordinating closely with law enforcement, the Attorney General's Office, and victim advocacy teams to ensure the patient remained protected and supported.

Her dedication did not stop at clinical care. Sarah went on to provide expert testimony on behalf of the victim, helping to clearly and professionally communicate the severity of the violence experienced. Because of her advocacy, expertise, and unwavering commitment, the perpetrator was ultimately sentenced to life in prison, ensuring justice for the victim and safety for the broader community. Without Sarah’s involvement, it is unlikely this outcome would have been achieved.

In another deeply compassionate example, Sarah cared for a victim with a disability who relied on a service animal. Recognizing the critical role the animal played in the patient's safety and well-being, Sarah ensured not only that the patient received appropriate care but that the service animal's needs were fully met. She coordinated food, a safe resting space, and even sourced a highly specific piece of equipment required for the animal to serve as a guide dog for the visually impaired patient, ensuring everything was delivered to the IPV shelter.

Through this act, she preserved the patient's dignity, independence, and sense of stability during a profoundly vulnerable time.

Sarah leads with unwavering compassion and empathy for both patients and staff in the following ways:

• Demonstrates exceptional clinical expertise and professionalism
• Embodies true teamwork and collaboration, consistently stepping in to support others
• Serves as a mentor, advocate, and trusted resource for her team
• Extends her impact beyond the hospital through community service, including her work in car seat safety and injury prevention.

She is a highly respected clinical expert whom staff turns to in their most challenging moments. She fosters a supportive and psychologically safe environment where team members feel valued and not alone. She leads with empathy, helping staff navigate the emotional weight of forensic work. She promotes teamwork and collaboration, reinforcing a culture of trust and shared mission. Her presence strengthens not only individual staff members, but the entire forensic nursing program.

Sarah is also a trusted help for her team and is an empathetic, reliable resource who fosters collaboration, support, and excellence. Her compassion, teamwork, and dedication make her an exceptional role model and truly deserving of recognition.