Robbie Hennig, NICU RN is the epitome of the attributes the DAISY Award encompasses. Not only does Robbie excel and stand out in his NICU clinical skills, his ability to display compassion, exemplary service and his continued commitment to excellent in our NICU as well as the entire WCS division make him a mentor and leader to follow.

In the short period of time Robbie has been a part of our NICU team and is deeply rooted in his commitment and involvement in making our NICU the best. Not only has Robbie become a preceptor and mentor of both nursing students, float pool staff and new NICU staff, he has become extremely involved in unit based activities and committees.

Robbie is also a leader in his resuscitation nurse role, and works side-by-side with other RNs, Nurse Practitioners and Neonatologists to grow and develop this new and expanding position. He is part of the VON collaborative group; working on projects such as the “Breathe” workgroup, family-centered care and evidence based practice. Robbie’s commitment and involvements in our unit are overwhelming. He is a truly engaged and devoted staff member whose first priority is the care of our patients and their families.

The following is an email that we recently received from the Grandfather of a baby whom Robbie had cared for many times prior to him sadly passing away. This letter shows why Robbie is so deserving of this award. This Grandfather, dealing with the loss of his grandchild while being a support to his daughter and son-in-law in there time of need, took the time to write this letter to show just how much Robbie’s skills, care and compassion made an everlasting imprint in their lives during this unbelievably difficult time:

My Grandson was cared for in the Neonatal unit in building D until his demise. He was born very early and weighed in at about one pound 3 ounces at birth. When I visited my daughter and son in law at the hospital, they talked a lot about a nurse named Rob. They talked a lot about his encouragements and compassion.

This past Sunday, at my grandsons’ memorial, I was very surprised and impressed to learn that Rob and five other care givers took the time to come to the memorial event. During the event, I had the opportunity to visit awhile with Rob. I found Rob, as my children did, to be the most caring and compassionate person I have ever met. We spoke a little of his chosen occupation. He told me how rewarding it is to him, and how sometimes how heart breaking it could be.

I mentioned to Rob that in my children’s assessment of him, I thought he might be related to Superman. After visiting with him for a short while, I told him in my book he is definitely related to Superman. I am sure as hard as hospital care givers work, they have much better ways to spend their days off, yet there they were. They supported my family while in the hospital, and amazingly they were there supporting them in their hour of grief.

In this day when many sports figures no longer fit the profile as role models due to arrests, money issues etc. this country has had a shortage of role models. I am here to say Rob and the other care givers that gave their time for my family easily fill in some of those gaps. Rob was an inspiration to me. I hope the rest of my life; I can practice just some of the traits I saw in this man.

In short, Rob has become MY role model.


In all honesty, I cannot begin to put to words what this grandfather feels about Robbie any better than he already has. This is who Robbie is and who he continues to strive to be each and every day, not only in his personal life but most importantly to our patients and families…..in his NICU life. Robbie is a true inspiration to all those around him. He makes you want to be a better person, a better nurse.