My son was born at 31 weeks after I developed a placental abruption. This was my husband and I’s first child, and we felt, and truly were, unprepared for his premature arrival. Navigating these feelings, while also assuming the NICU parent role took a toll on us. After recovering from my C-section, I spent all day every day in the NICU at my son’s bedside. During our 45-day stay, I came to know many nurses, but there was only one Laura. I knew from the day I met her she was an excellent nurse. In fact, my husband and I placed her on our primary nurse list that very day.

Now, what set Laura apart? All of the nurses we came across could care for our son, but Laura did more than that, she took care of us. Laura knew the stress that my low milk supply, work, etc. was taking on me. She also empathized with my sadness over the abrupt end to my pregnancy. Laura took care to involve my husband. My husband commented that a lot of nurses, although probably unintentionally, don’t involve the dad as much. This was meaningful to him. We sought opportunities to learn with Laura that we did not with other nurses. For example, when she was on shift, we asked her to coach us on how to bottle feed, bathe, etc.

This nomination form asked for a specific situation that prompted the nomination. Although it is hard to pick just one, when the date to get discharged to take our son home drew closer, it was quite a rollercoaster. We had a few setbacks there at the end. Although that was disappointing to us, the real problem lay in the doubt that set in. He was coming home soon, but what if some of these issues reoccurred at home? I know all new parents worry when taking their child home but having made a 6 week stop in the NICU, these feelings truly take on a life of their own. One day when we were experiencing setbacks, I broke down. Laura sat with me, helped me work through a particularly difficult bottle-feeding session, and cried with me. She explained that sometimes for unknown reasons this happens, and it is simply a sign he isn’t quite ready and should stay for a bit longer. She explained that she can feel helpless at times. She knows how badly parents like us want to see the day when we can take our child home. This moment I will never forget. She stopped, she sat, and she expressed a level of understanding that no one else could. She made me feel seen and heard, and she truly grasped my simultaneous excitement and fear. This was our last shift with Laura before going home. At the end of that day, we said goodbye, and tears were had— I even saw my husband’s eyes get watery. She said the words I had overheard her say to other families, “Have a beautiful life.” It is with great pleasure that I nominate Laura for this prestigious award for the impact she has had on me and my family.