Saundra Woody, BSN, RN

Saundra Woody has served at Children’s National Hospital for over 27 years and is an exceptional Nurse Clinical Educator for the APU/CPU. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the unit and remains deeply committed to educating both seasoned psychiatric nurses and those new to the field.

Ms. Woody demonstrates an extraordinary level of dedication to her profession. Her passion for nursing and education is evident in all that she does. In addition to leading unit education, she conducts several audits that contribute to maintaining high standards of patient care and staff performance. She is consistently patient, approachable, and compassionate in her role, creating a supportive learning environment for all staff.

During times of crisis, she goes above and beyond by assisting on the unit- whether that means monitoring hallways so staff can take necessary breaks or stepping in with whatever support is needed. Ms. Woody approaches each day with a positive attitude and a readiness to contribute. She never complains and continuously demonstrates professionalism and reliability.

Her ability to bring humor into the workplace, while ensuring that responsibilities are met, makes her a valued and uplifting presence on the unit. She commands a strong and respected presence and is highly regarded by all members of the interdisciplinary team, including nurses, physicians, social workers, therapists, and fellows.

Approximately three months ago, we admitted a young patient for his first inpatient psychiatric hospitalization. The child experienced significant difficulty adjusting to the unit and frequently displayed behavioral outbursts.

When Ms. Woody arrived for her shift, she conducted her usual check-in with staff and quickly became aware of the situation. Demonstrating her extensive experience in de escalation techniques, she calmly engaged with the patient. Through her therapeutic approach, she was able to successfully de-escalate the situation and guide the child to his room for a one-on-one conversation.

During this interaction, Ms. Woody took the time to sit down and genuinely listen to the patient - an experience that was both impactful and meaningful to him. The child later expressed surprise and appreciation that someone took the time to speak with him in such a patient and caring manner. From that day forward, he made it a point to thank Ms. Woody daily for her support and attention.

While this is just one example, it reflects a pattern of behavior. Ms. Woody consistently steps in during crisis situations, using her expertise, compassion, and dedication to support both patients and staff in meaningful ways.