Mary Phelan, BSN, RN

Mary was one of the amazing nurses who took care of our baby when she was in the NICU. She was never flustered or frustrated when we or our family members asked questions, and she immediately jumped up to help our baby when her oxygen levels dropped. She gladly offered education and encouragement for my husband and me to talk to our baby and touch her while she was in the incubator. She reminded us that our daughter could hear us and that our verbal encouragement was important for her healing. It was important for our healing, too. She cared so deeply for our sweet J and was rooting for her the whole time. All of the nurses were rooting for our baby to make it, and they were all absolutely incredible! But because Mary was with her for two shifts in a row, we got to know and trust Mary greatly. When our baby passed away, I didn't get to see Mary because it wasn't her day to be on shift. But when I saw Mary weeks later, she immediately recognized me (a feat, since I hopefully looked much different than from my early postpartum appearance), hugged me, and told me that she was so sorry for us that our baby had gone to heaven. The compassion that Mary displayed for J--and for us as her parents--was exactly the kind that deserves a DAISY Award. Thank you to Mary for pursuing your passion, even though on most days it has to be tremendously difficult. NICU babies need NICU nurses like her.