Sara Bayless, CPNP

I’m Sara Bayless, CPNP, and I joined Phelps Health as a certified pediatric nurse practitioner in January 2024. I see patients from newborn to age 18, and my collaborating physician is Phelps Health Pediatrician Shawna Gifford, MD.

In addition to well-child visits, I see pediatric patients for strep throat, ear infections, flu, allergies, asthma and more. Common procedures I perform include ear and wound cleaning, and suture and staple removal.

As a young child, whenever anyone would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’d respond with, “a nurse for newborns.” This desire has never left me. I had the opportunity to go on a mission trip to Haiti as a teenager, which was a pivotal moment in my life. I knew, then, that caring for others was what I was meant to do.

I have over 20-plus years of experience in pediatric care with over 12 years in pediatric intensive care nursing. In addition to my clinical experience, I’m a mother of three. I understand the joys, blessings and struggles of caring for children. I hope to use my experience to support families through each stage of growth and development, illness and wellness.

As a pediatric nurse practitioner, I’m committed to learning and growing daily. My responsibility is to educate, support and assist parents, while respecting that parents know what’s best for their children.

After living and working in the St. Louis area for 20 years, I’m excited to return to my roots. I chose to work at Phelps Health to positively contribute to my community and raise my family in the St. James area, where I grew up.

My husband, three children and I live on a 20-acre farm with horses, cows, goats and chickens. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family on the farm. I like to stay busy, so you’ll likely find us working on some type of project.