Faces of Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic: Grace Garman

This series spotlights colleagues who are helping create a safe, healing and compassionate environment both in and out of the hospital.

Grace Garman fondly remembers her first time holding a newborn. She was about 10 years old and, upon cradling the bundle of joy in her arms, was in awe of their precious and tiny nature. In that very moment, her future became clear. She vowed to someday work with babies and make a difference.

Fast-forward some years, and Garman is doing exactly what her 10-year-old self once dreamed of. As a neonatal nurse in St. Mary Medical Center’s NICU, she cares for the hospital’s smallest patients, all while making sure parents feel connected and informed. Garman joined the NICU four years ago after a brief stint in the emergency department following nursing school.

“It’s such a blessing because I’ve always wanted to be here. It’s my dream unit. It’s why I pursued nursing in the first place,” she says.

For Garman, each morning begins with two non-negotiables—a cup of coffee and prayer.

“Spirituality is very important to me. Before every shift, I’m praying in my car. I pray that the shift goes well and that the moms and babies are healthy. And if there’s a situation where things don’t go smoothly, I pray that the Lord helps me to be as helpful as I can,” says Garman.

Once she’s scrubbed in, Garman’s day is fluid as she and the other NICU nurses provide varying care every three hours. While one baby might be premature and learning how to eat, another may be hypoglycemic and need their sugars checked. She’s also on hand to assist with high-risk deliveries and breastfeeding. 

According to Garman, a common misconception about NICU nursing is that it’s all about caring for cute newborns. While that’s certainly part of the role, so is working with the parents, who are entrusting nurses with the care of their little one. They’re likely scared, concerned and frustrated because all they want is to take their baby home, but they’re unable to.

“I always try to make that first visit as low stress as possible. I’ll explain what the wires mean, what we’re watching for, what we’re looking for in their lab work—just giving them a full picture without overwhelming them so they feel informed and included,” says Garman. “If they can sense that you care deeply for their child and you’re doing everything possible to care for them, they have much more peace.”

Though she admittedly gets attached to the infants in her care, Garman’s favorite aspect of her job is when they get discharged. She and the other NICU nurses gush over each baby’s “going home” outfit, walk the families out to the car and wave goodbye as they begin life’s next chapter. Every hug and “thank you” from a parent brings her immense joy.

“Sometimes I like to pray for the families before they leave. I ask if it would be helpful and just pray for a blessing over them and their new life,” says Garman. “Recently, I drew up this little NICU graduate card where we put their little footprints on it and write their name and the date that they go home. It’s something special we do as a keepsake for the parents.”

As a mom of two children herself (she has a 3-year-old daughter and 10-month-old son), Garman better understands the deep bond between a parent and their baby. In fact, she believes that becoming a mother has made her a better, more compassionate nurse.

“Once I became a parent, I realized how much trust that really took, to be discharged from the hospital and their baby has to stay several days longer. And I felt like before I had my own kids, I was giving advice from what I remembered in a textbook. Afterward, it was from my real experience. It was more valuable. I had actually lived out what I was teaching them, especially with breastfeeding,” she says.

Garman is particularly passionate about breastfeeding, and, in her spare time, is studying to receive her IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) certification, allowing her to help new parents in an even deeper, more informed way.

Outside of the hospital, Garman is also passionate about practicing her faith, which only strengthens the quality of her care in the NICU. As a proud member of Calvary Chapel Mercer County in Ewing, New Jersey, she’s involved in a nursery, youth group, Bible study and a “mommy and me” group. 
During NICU Awareness Month, recognized each September, Garman has one piece of advice for parents—don’t rush a NICU stay. Even if a baby is born three weeks early, they could have some issues with feeding or holding their temperature outside of the womb, as many vital functions are still developing in the last month of pregnancy.

“Sometimes it’s a slow burn and a longer process. It takes time. But it is very rewarding to see when it clicks and the baby is able to go home,” says Garman. “I would not want to be doing anything else. I feel very blessed to be doing what I’ve always wanted to do and enjoying it.”

Visit St. Mary Maternity Services for more information on maternity services at Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic.