Danielle Smith

Danielle Smith is a Medical Assistant at the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock, where I work. I do not know her personally, but I recently learned her story and found her to be incredibly inspiring in her ability to go above and beyond during the pandemic & her unwavering desire to give back to others. I’ve included her story below. —

“Three years ago I lost my son to cancer. I decided that I was going to go back to school to get my nursing license. We had some pretty amazing nurses while we were here in the hospital and I wanted to be able to help others in similar situations. I was inspired by them and I have always wanted to help people and I love working with children.  Once the Covid pandemic began, my nursing classes were put on hold. I was determined to help others in any way I could. I taught staff how to don and doff PPE and screened staff entering and exiting following protocol. I delivered supplies all over the hospital, answered the Covid hotline and staffed one of the DHMC entrances. Classes re-started and I got the chance to complete the Medical Assistant program to work in the Pediatric clinic.  When there was a need for help with providing Covid vaccines, I offered my help and I have been very involved ever since. I also help at the state fixed sites with the National Guard when needed.”