Sharon G. McRae

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Sharon McRae had a family doctor who made house calls to her multicultural neighborhood. Inspired by his knowledge and pragmatism, she imagined following his example, pursuing a profession in medicine. When personal tragedy struck requiring a hospitalization, her ambition evolved. “At that time, I witnessed nursing staff providing individualized, culturally specific care, teaching patients about disease processes, and coordinating patient care with physicians,” she says. Impressed by the clear focus on care, Sharon rerouted her dream to pursue nursing.

It was not until Sharon was early in her PhD program at the University of Washington that she was introduced to Sigma Theta Tau International. A naturalized citizen of the United States, Sharon was particularly attracted to the international aspect of STTI.

“I am committed to providing culturally appropriate care and mentoring students of diverse cultures in the profession of nursing,” says Sharon.

Sharon was inducted as a member of STTI’s Psi-at-Large Chapter in June 2012 and now serves as the chapter’s publicity/communications chair.

“I was daunted by the scope of STTI and believe my attendance at the International Congress most beneficial … I am now a strong advocate and recruiter of nurses into my local chapter,” she states.

Professionally, Sharon is currently employed in Advanced Nursing Practice in Nuclear Medicine for the Puget Sound Veterans Affairs Health Care Systems in Seattle, Washington. While her responsibilities as a nurse practitioner in Nuclear Cardiology include stress test methodology, myocardial perfusion imaging, and interpretation, her interests are wide and varied. She finds STTI to be a great support as she continues her lifelong love of learning and leadership.

Sharon feels, “Membership in STTI is a way to maintain collegiate connection, social interaction, and academic collaboration with nursing colleagues … My professional nursing interests extend beyond my current job and STTI provides opportunities to engage with my nursing colleagues on the local and global scale.”