Pride Month is a time to recognize, honor and support the LGBTQ staff at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Join us in celebrating our LGBTQ staff and learn more about all they bring to our organization as well as how they support the mission to help children in our community. As Pride Month concludes, we connected with Mark McDaniels, R.N., clinical nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), who shared his favorite thing about working at the hospital and what Pride means to him.

Tell us about your role at the hospital. 

I’m a nurse in the PICU and just passed my six-year anniversary in May.

What is your favorite thing about working at Johns Hopkins All Children’s?

I love the collaboration among our nurses, doctors and different specialties within the hospital. Before I was hired, I shadowed a charge nurse during rounds and realized there’s a tremendous amount of resources just outside of a patient’s room. It’s been an amazing opportunity to learn and deliver the best care. I’m enamored by the children and families we serve who put their trust in us every day.   

What does Pride month mean to you?

It’s a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality. Discrimination continues to be an issue in a society with long-held prejudices. The recent Black Lives Matter movement and Asian hate crimes are a reminder that we still have work to do – and not just for the LGBTQ+ community. I am proud to work for John Hopkins All Children’s where diversity is embraced and celebrated.