Chris Parker, RN, Neonatal Transport, Blank Children’s Hospital

With over 29 years of NICU experience and 26 years being a neonatal transport nurse, Chris Parker has shown her dedication to the smallest patients and their families with her remarkable care and compassion. One night in particular stands out as an example of her commitment to the NICU and its patients.

With two neonatal transport nurses already out on separate transports, a frantic call was made to Chris at 1 a.m. on a Sunday morning to go by ground to stabilize and transport premature twins from Mason City. Without hesitation, she stated it would take too much time for her to drive to the hospital from her home in Ankeny, so she suggested the ambulance crew pick her up at her neighborhood gas station off of the interstate on their way to Mason City. Chris arrived back in the NICU with the twins before 7 a.m., and both were stable and doing well. After giving report and having a cup of coffee, she remarked, “So, who's the lucky one that gets to take me back to my car?”

Over the years, there have been many times when Chris has shown true C.O.R.E. values of Iowa Health System at Blank Children’s Hospital and at hospitals statewide. At the same time, she continues to mentor as a team leader of the Neonatal Transport team and maintain a great sense of humor.