Inspired by her mother, Sara Ann Young decided to follow in her footsteps and become a nurse. She proceeded to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from West Virginia University in 1970 and a Master of Science in Nursing from The Catholic University of America in 1977, and to become certified as a bereavement counselor and lactation consultant. Her first job in the field was staff nurse at Camden Clark Memorial Hospital, followed by head nurse in labor and delivery at the institution, staff nurse at George Washington University Hospital, and clinical associate II at the University of Connecticut School of Nursing. Then, from 1978 to 2011, Ms. Young served as an obstetrics-gynecology clinical nurse specialist at Hartford Hospital. She chose the clinical nurse specialist role because it included the five components of clinical experience in direct patient care, education, consultation, leadership and research.
One of the highlights of Ms. Young’s career was coordinating the efforts of the department of women’s health at Hartford Hospital to become the first baby-friendly hospital in the state of Connecticut and the 28th baby-friendly hospital in the country. They were successful in 2000. Ms. Young also helped set up the inpatient and outpatient lactation center and the peer counseling program at Hartford Hospital. In recognition of her efforts, she was honored with the Professional Award from the La Leche League of Connecticut in 2001 and with inclusion in various editions of Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in American Nursing, Who’s Who among Human Services Professionals, and Who’s Who of American Women. Additionally, she was the co-recipient of the Wyeth Award through the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses in 1989.
When Ms. Young has free time, she enjoys oil painting.