In the NICU, the orientation of new nurses is an almost constant activity due to the size of the staff. The role of the preceptor in a specialty ICU is a critical responsibility in ensuring patient safety, maintaining the standard of care, and creating the future of the unit. They pass on not only the skills of NICU nursing but also the "art" of compassionately caring for these patients and their families.

This summer has been particularly challenging due to COVID, the nursing shortage, and the large number of new hires. The NICU preceptors are working with new staff members almost every shift they're here to ensure learning, competency, and emotional support for all of these new staff members. Since January, they have supported 30 new RNs, 10 new NA-IIs, and 10 Travel RNs through the process of achieving independent functioning in the NICU with more to come. The intensity and responsibility of this role are very stressful and tiring. The NICU preceptors have gone above and beyond the normal expectations of this role and will continue to do so for the rest of the year.

I believe they are exemplifying the "superhuman" qualities that this award was created to recognize. I think this team is very deserving of the recognition and appreciation bestowed by this very special award.