Grace Hammer, NP

About Grace Hammer Since she was about seven years old, Grace Hammer, NP, knew she wanted to be a Newborn Intensive Care Unit nurse. “I didn’t fully understand what they did — I just knew they got to be around babies all day,” she says. Grace is a graduate of Indiana University South Bend, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After working in the NICU for a couple of years, Grace wanted to dig deeper, so she returned to IUSB for her Master of Science in Nursing. As a nurse practitioner, she diagnoses and treats common health conditions, writes prescriptions, orders tests, and focuses on prevention. “When I decided to go back to school and advance my career, I initially planned to focus on women’s health,” she says. “But the more I reflected, the more I realized I wanted to care for families — across all ages and stages of life.” Above all, she knows her purpose as a provider is to be a listening ear and sense of support. “I want my patients to know they have someone in their corner who takes the time to really see them, without judgment or bias, and who truly cares about what they need,” Grace says. With a philosophy is rooted in connection, compassion, and collaboration, Grace feels responsible for helping patients make sense of their health, and moves forward with them in a way that truly serves the patient. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My parents. They’re hardworking, follow through on what they start, lead with kindness and honesty, and serve others without expecting anything in return. What was your first job growing up? My first job was working at a retail store in high school. What is your favorite food? Movie? Food: Mexican; Movies: I’m a total sucker for a feel-good rom-com. What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? English was always my best subject. History and geography, were definitely not my strong suit. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I’d have dinner with my maternal great-grandmother. She passed away when I was young, but everything I’ve learned about her makes me feel deeply connected to her. In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? Learning new things, practicing mindfulness, staying creative and building connections. What are your hobbies, interests? I love spending time outside, long drives, being near the water, moving my body, and sharing time with family and friends. Do you have pets? Yes, a corgi named Remi. He’s a little guy with a big personality. What is something most people don’t know about you? I’m pretty much an open book, so there isn’t much people don’t know about me.