Today is one of those days that truly shows me the impact that NICU nurses make on the families we care for. Over the weekend, our NICU had a reunion for families who were discharged in the past 5 years. I was unable to attend because I was away, but this morning one of our neonatologists found me to give me a note and a picture from a beautiful little girl. She was my primary patient for her many-month stay almost 4 years ago. It blows me away to see how big and healthy she looks today when it seems like just yesterday she was fighting for her tiny life. I think seeing these patients and hearing these stories many years later is one of my favorite parts of being a NICU nurse. I feel so lucky to have been a part of their lives and it is amazing to watch them grow up and be able to appreciate where they started. My message for you today is that when you are having a busy day and can’t seem to catch a break, just remember you are changing the world for the patients you have. Go NICU nurses!
- Carrie-Ellen Brier, PhD RN CLC
- Carrie-Ellen Brier, PhD RN CLC