A Kids’ Chance
of Maryland
Alumna’s Story

We reached out to our recent Kids’ Chance student alumna, Josie Grant Sova, who became a nurse, to hear about her life during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I never thought that three years into my nursing career I would be working in the middle of a global pandemic! Even so, I wouldn’t change my career for anything. I love my job and my patients!”

Josie Sova, R.N., a Chance to Care for Others
Growing up in a family of public servants, my mom, a teacher, and my dad, a police officer, I always knew I wanted to make a difference in others’ lives. Being a nurse was my dream goal. Thank you to Kids’ Chance of Maryland for helping me reach my goal!
I graduated in May of 2017 with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Shenandoah University. I moved to the Eastern Shore of Maryland where my fiancé at the time, Frank Sova, got a job as a police officer. I started my first job as a Medical Surgical Nurse at Kent General Hospital in Dover, Delaware, where I learned so much and worked alongside some of the best nurses.
Frank and I got married that September. When I found out I was pregnant in April of 2018, I knew that I needed to get a job closer to home. That October, after a year-and-a-half at Kent General, I was offered my dream job as a Pediatric, Women’s Surgical, and Postpartum Nurse at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center in Easton, Maryland. I have been working there for the last year-and-a-half.
Due to the pandemic, my main unit has been closed most days because parents have been trying to keep their children out of the hospital (which is a good thing that children are staying healthy) and most surgeries have been cancelled. With recent changes in routine, my daily workday is quite varied compared to my typical pediatric unit shift. Most days consist of waking up at 5:15 A.M., getting ready, getting my 17-month-old son Grant up, taking him to my parents, then going to work.
I walk into the hospital wearing a mask and surgical cap, not knowing what my day has in store for me or even where in the hospital I will be working. Most days I work a 12-hour shift in the birthing center taking care of new moms and babies. But I have been pulled all over the hospital to help on other units including the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the Emergency Room (ER).
Since I don’t have training in the specialty areas of ICU and ER, I act as a runner to get supplies for the other nurses in the isolation rooms and help them put on and take off their PPE to ensure they do not contaminate anything. They try and keep me as “clean” as possible as I am the only pediatric nurse in the hospital for the shift I am working and at any time may be needed to care for a pediatric patient or newborn baby. As my shift ends at 7:30 P.M., I drive 20 minutes home, spray disinfectant on every surface I touch in my car, take my scrubs off at the door, and grab a disinfectant wipe to touch every surface instead of using my hands. I immediately throw my scrubs into the washer, take the hottest shower possible, get dressed, then drive 20 minutes back to pick up my son, and then take him home and put him to bed.
I never thought that three years into my nursing career I would be working in the middle of a global pandemic! Even so, I wouldn’t change my career for anything. I love my job and my patients!
In May, I had planned to begin to further my education. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, the unknown of what is ahead, led me to delay that pursuit. However, as soon as we are through this pandemic, I plan to immediately begin to continue my education with the goal of obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing specializing in Nursing Leadership and Administration. My hope is to find a role and position that allows me to share my love for nursing with others. I am not sure where I will be in my role as a nurse in the future, but I will forever be grateful to Kids’ Chance of Maryland and all who support them for providing me with the financial support and encouragement throughout my undergraduate career! Thank you, Kids’ Chance of Maryland!!!
May 15, 2020 Update: Since receiving her story, Josie has since informed us that she is now helping to care for COVID-19 patients. Stay safe and well, Josie!
On behalf of the Kids’ Chance of Maryland board and our sponsors, thank you, Josie, for sharing your story. We are so proud of you!
In 2020, Kids’ Chance of Maryland is currently helping 16 students with scholarship assistance including Julia C. who is studying to become a nurse at Stevenson University. When you financially support Kids’ Chance of Maryland, you are not just donating your money; you are helping to make a real difference in a young person’s – and in everyone’s – life.