CART provider Sherry Knox from Camp Springs, Md., is up for anything. But one of her favorite types of jobs might not seem like the typical CART assignment. She was asked to be part of a group of interpreters working round-the-clock with a hospital patient who is deaf. Knox drew the night shift, arriving late to be available for any overnight conversations or on-the-move tests with the medical professionals who needed to speak with the patient.
JCR | How did you get the job?
Sherry Knox | I was brought in through an ASL interpreting agency, and they knew I had the finesse and the fingers to deliver. They needed CART, so I brought the captioning black girl magic.
JCR | What was the day of the job like?
SK | Every shift had its own flavor. It was a seven-day overnight assignment, so depending on my arrival time, the vibe shifted. I had VIP parking access in the hospital garage – literally steps from where I needed to be. Smooth sailing from the start. If I arrived during the day, I’d set up bedside, close enough to keep the patient fully in the loop. Midnight arrivals? I’d settle into a nearby chair while she slept, iPad ready on the bedside table. Most of the time, I was in the room with her, but when tests came up, we were on the move – me in tow, making sure she didn’t miss a beat.
JCR | Did you feel prepared for the job from past experience? Or what did you do to prepare for the job?
SK | Absolutely. This wasn’t my first hospital rodeo. I’ve done this dance before, so I knew the rhythm, the flow, the whole production. I walked in knowing how to navigate it with confidence and grace.
JCR | Do you remember any particular challenges?
SK | Nothing too wild, but let’s keep it real – sometimes folks need a gentle nudge. People see me there captioning and still forget to pause for the patient to catch up. I’m like, “Hold up – words matter, and she deserves every one of them.” Inclusion isn’t optional.
JCR | Was there a moment from the job that really stood out to you?
SK | One moment gave me a little chuckle. A friend of the patient came to visit her and brought her a couple bottles of wine. After the visit, she handed them to me and said, “Take these – I can’t bring them home. My sister would have a fit!” I said, “Say less!” Ha! A little humor never hurts.
JCR | Would you take on a similar assignment again?
SK | In a heartbeat. Honestly, I’m putting that request out into the universe as we speak. Assignments like this are meaningful and memorable. More, please!
Confidence is queen … and king! Always come prepared as much as possible – know your topic, preload your dictionary, and write like your fingers depend on it.
JCR | What is your favorite kind of job?
SK | Right now, classroom CART is my jam. It’s smooth and predictable, and I can show up stylish and comfy. Plus, there’s something beautiful about supporting students as they grow into their professional selves. It feels good knowing I’m part of their journey.
JCR | What do you enjoy most about your work?
SK | The flexibility – and the impact. When a student with hearing loss earns the highest grade in the class, I feel like I aced it right along with them. I’m in the background, but I know I’m making a difference.
JCR | What advice would you give to others who might be interested in CART captioning?
SK | Confidence is queen … and king! Always come prepared as much as possible – know your topic, preload your dictionary, and write like your fingers depend on it. But if you don’t have all the details? Trust your skill, stay poised, and keep sharpening that edge. Growth is in the grind.
Special thanks to NCRA Board member Margary Rogers, RPR, CRI, and Sherry C. Knox for arranging this interview. Rogers can be reached at mfrogers1@gmail.com. Knox can be reached at sherrycknox@gmail.com.
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