Gritman Respiratory Therapist Camie Grieser Honored with 2024 Gritman Way Award
Camie Grieser has been a source of inspiration and a lifesaver to many in her role as a Respiratory Therapist at Gritman Medical Center.
Still, Camie was humbled to be nominated as an extraordinary employee for her lifesaving abilities as a member of Gritman’s Respiratory Therapy team. And she was shocked to learn she was the winner of the 2024 Gritman Way Award, saying she knows many others in the Gritman Family are equally deserving.
“Knowing that I was nominated from a patient’s parent; it’s a bit emotional and makes you feel like what you do really matters,” she said. “When you’re a parent, bringing your kid to the hospital is very stressful. You want the best care for them, and I feel like we provide that.”
Camie Grieser, 2024 Gritman Way Award Winner
The Gritman Way award is presented annually to an employee who exemplifies Gritman’s mission, vision, and commitment to extraordinary care. Several heartfelt nominations helped illustrate Camie’s devotion. Camie’s dedication to excellence, compassion, and expertise has made a lasting impact on her colleagues, patients, and the community.
Respiratory Therapy became Camie’s passion after an early job-shadowing experience that inspired her health care career. She joined the Gritman Family in 2008 and continues to love the dynamic nature of her role, where no two days — or two patients — are ever the same. She supports all areas of the hospital, tackling complex medical situations and helping patients of all ages breathe easier.
Respiratory Therapists staff the hospital 24 hours a day to provide care and expertise in a wide array of situations: from newborns with underdeveloped lungs, adults managing chronic conditions like Asthma or COPD, to life-saving care in emergencies and critical situations.
“There are so many people who work here at Gritman doing valuable work who could win this award,” Camie said. “I was shocked to learn I won.”
But for her colleagues, patients, and collaborative care teams, the important recognition has come as no surprise. Multiple nominations poured in over the course of 2024, praising her skill, rockstar attitude, teamwork, and dedication. Her expertise and composure in critical moments have saved multiple children’s lives, earning her heartfelt gratitude from families and colleagues alike.
“A big thank you to Camie Grieser for her outstanding efforts when two very sick children arrived in the (Emergency Department) near the same time,” according to one nomination. “Camie provided exceptional care, working seamlessly on both patients. Your dedication and professionalism made a significant difference in these critical moments. Thank you for your amazing care and collaboration!”
A patient’s mother shared, “The RT (Respiratory Therapist) Camie was phenomenal! She not only took great care of my son but was personable and communicated great! Amazing, accommodating, sweet, and friendly.”
Seattle Children’s Hospital also commended Camie and her team for their exceptional work during a critical pediatric transfer from Gritman in December 2024, sharing that the care provided was flawless and couldn’t have been better.
While Camie acknowledges her role in positive patient outcomes, she believes in the strength of the entire Gritman team. “It does take a team to save people’s lives,” she said.
Camie and her friends in the nursing profession often joke, telling family and friends, “Oh, we save lives,” when asked about their the work they do on a daily basis. But behind the humor is a deep truth — every shift, Camie is there to care for patients, make their days better, and help them heal. To those who nominated her — and to the lives she has saved — her impact is life-changing. Camie’s unwavering dedication, skill, and compassion embody the very best of what it means to be part of the Gritman family. The organization is honored to recognize her with the 2024 Gritman Way Award — because, in Camie’s words, “We save lives.”
Do you know an employee who personifies Gritman’s values in providing exceptional care? Nominate an employee for their service at gritman.org/nominate.
Meet Previous Gritman Way Award Winners
