Sharon McKinney has been an indispensable force within the Emergency Department and one that has profoundly impacted the careers and lives of hundreds of RN’s who have passed through it - including some of our very own directors and VPs. With nearly 40 years at Carilion, Sam has excelled in various roles, including RN, CTL, and educator. Upon entering the role of ED clinical educator in 2009, Sharon became the first kind face and encounter that our nurses would see when they entered the doors of our department to start orientation. 

Through interactions with each new hire RN, her sincere kindness, warmth, helpfulness, knowledge, and support helped guide and shape the confidence and nursing practice of countless RNs. Sharon’s presence within our department has certainly become a staple and an icon of the ER. Her unwavering emotional investment and dedication to nursing and education are evident in her countless hours of work and her consistent commitment of 110%. 

The department relies heavily on her expertise, and for years to come, the future of emergency nursing at Carilion has been so positively altered due to her kindness, knowledge, and influence. Over the years, many RNs and come and gone through the department, but Sharon has remained. Sharon has always been the constant and for that, there is not an individual that crosses through the ED that does not know Sharon. 

For me personally (similarly to so many of us), Sharon has provided me with continuous guidance and grace from the time I began as a timid new grad RN to entering my position as a Unit Director. Her expertise and patience have created a positive work and learning environment through every stage of my career. I will never be able to thank her enough for every question she answered, every situation she has helped me navigate, and the communication and leadership practices she has helped teach me. As educators, specifically in this large department, there is already so much on their plate and yet she continues to extend a helping hand and guidance to any individual, as being an educator just seems to be ingrained in her DNA. We cannot possibly thank Sam enough for her compassion, teaching, experience, teamwork, and always going the extra mile! Sam's career is a testament to exceptional service and deserving of the highest recognition and praise.