In Her Words: Emily Cimirro, MSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC

When I started at GBMC last October, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. I was new to the area, having moved from New Jersey for my husband’s job. But what I found here was something really special. GBMC has this perfect balance: it’s big enough that things are always moving and evolving, but small enough that you get to know people across departments. I can’t walk down the hallway without seeing someone I know, whether it’s a nurse, a director, or someone from housekeeping. That sense of community makes a difference. It makes this place feel like home.

My journey to nursing started when I was just a kid. My younger brother was in the NICU, and even at five or six years old, I could see how much the nurses did—not just for him, but for my whole family. I think that stuck with me. I always knew I wanted to be that person for someone else.

After nursing school, I worked in med-surg oncology and then a step-down ICU. I became a nurse preceptor early on and realized how much I loved helping new grads. I still remembered what it felt like to be new myself, and I wanted to be someone they felt safe learning with. That’s when I knew education was the path for me. I earned my master’s in nursing education while working full time and teaching clinicals, and I feel lucky now to be in a role that really combines everything I love.

As a nurse educator at GBMC, I work with new grads during orientation, help our experienced staff stay current on new policies, equipment, and best practices, and support my units however I can. I never have the same day twice, which keeps things exciting. But what matters most to me is being present. I try to be on my units several times a week (not always with an agenda), sometimes just to check in, ask how someone’s week is going, or hear about their kids. That kind of connection is what I think makes a big impact.

I also facilitate the Nurse Practice Council, which has been incredibly rewarding. One of the first things we did was rework how topics come to the group. Now, we’re looped in earlier, so bedside nurses can offer feedback before changes are rolled out. It’s been amazing to watch how engaged people are when they feel like their voices matter—because they do!

If there’s one message I always try to share with new grads, it’s this: be easy on yourself. You’re not supposed to have it all figured out right away. Nursing is a journey. It takes time, patience, and grace. One day, you’ll be the seasoned nurse others look up to. But for now, it’s okay to be learning. You’re doing better than you think.

Outside of work, I’m almost always with my French bulldog, Harry (yes, named after Harry Potter—I’m a proud book nerd). I love yoga, making homemade pasta with my family, and exploring Baltimore, Annapolis, and D.C. with my husband. We love to travel. Italy is our favorite place, especially Venice, where we got engaged. We’re even planning to renew our vows there in 2026 with our families. It’ll be a lot of coordination but totally worth it.

Being here at GBMC, in a role I truly love, surrounded by incredible nurses is something I don’t take for granted. This was a goal of mine, and I’m grateful every day to be living it.