April 2026 Honoree
Darby Miller, BSN, RN
Our son was born premature at 34 weeks, 4 days, and as first-time parents, hearing that he was going to have a NICU stay was absolutely terrifying. You hear all kinds of horror stories of babies going to the NICU and not having the best outcomes and really struggling. We felt absolutely clueless and in the dark about what to expect.
When I was finally stable enough to go to the NICU to see him, I can tell you I was not prepared for what I was seeing. Tubes and machines and lines on this little tiny baby I'd never gotten to hold were overwhelming.
Darby was the first face I saw standing over and caring for my son, and I immediately felt a sense of calm wash over me. She looked at me and immediately recognized my tears of shock and heartbreak and jumped right in, showing me the most care and compassion I've ever seen. I wasn't her patient; she didn't know me from a hole in the wall, but she cared, and it made all the difference.
She very patiently explained everything to us, answered our questions, calmed our fears, and let us jump in when it came to taking his temperature and changing his diaper. The next day, she went out of her way to make sure I got time to do skin-to-skin and hold my baby for the first time. These moments are imprinted on my heart forever.
It was nearly impossible to be discharged and leave him at the hospital, but I felt so incredibly calm knowing Darby was the saint watching over him. I felt like she cared for and about him as much as my husband and I. I felt like I could go home and rest because I was confident in who was with him. That makes all the difference.
Darby is beyond knowledgeable, patient, and oh-so kind. She goes the extra mile for her babies and their families. She was born to be a NICU nurse - you can just tell. It radiates from her!
When I was finally stable enough to go to the NICU to see him, I can tell you I was not prepared for what I was seeing. Tubes and machines and lines on this little tiny baby I'd never gotten to hold were overwhelming.
Darby was the first face I saw standing over and caring for my son, and I immediately felt a sense of calm wash over me. She looked at me and immediately recognized my tears of shock and heartbreak and jumped right in, showing me the most care and compassion I've ever seen. I wasn't her patient; she didn't know me from a hole in the wall, but she cared, and it made all the difference.
She very patiently explained everything to us, answered our questions, calmed our fears, and let us jump in when it came to taking his temperature and changing his diaper. The next day, she went out of her way to make sure I got time to do skin-to-skin and hold my baby for the first time. These moments are imprinted on my heart forever.
It was nearly impossible to be discharged and leave him at the hospital, but I felt so incredibly calm knowing Darby was the saint watching over him. I felt like she cared for and about him as much as my husband and I. I felt like I could go home and rest because I was confident in who was with him. That makes all the difference.
Darby is beyond knowledgeable, patient, and oh-so kind. She goes the extra mile for her babies and their families. She was born to be a NICU nurse - you can just tell. It radiates from her!
Thank you, Darby, for your exceptional compassion, advocacy, and dedication to your patients. You truly make a difference.
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