Heather Niemyer is my preceptor for my preceptorship in the NICU at BUMC-P. Since before I started, she began reaching out to me to let her know how the unit works and how many experiences I will get to have with her there. Heather is an exceptional nurse who wants all of her mentees to exceed. She has introduced me to many of her co-workers who she had precepted before. They had nothing but good things to say about her and I see how great of nurses they are.
Heather makes sure I learn and exceed in my time there. She has opened my eyes, had my back, and pushed me to do things I may be nervous about. She makes me believe in myself and always is encouraging and motivating me. I have never felt so confident in my own knowledge and skills before nor have I ever felt such a pure-hearted nurse. She cares about not only me or her co-workers but her neonates and their families. I have seen Heather work her magic.
One story truly stands out to me. We had taken care of this neonate and the mother and father were often there. The mother had a traumatic delivery and Heather was right there by her side as she poured out her heart about her experience and fears. Heather made sure she knew that she was cared for and that she was being an exceptional mom to her neonate. Heather was constantly there whenever the call light went off and whenever anything was needed. The mother requested that Heather and I, whenever working, be their nurses and it was a truly heartwarming experience.
I oftentimes find that nurses will grow accustomed to the emotion-filled area that is the NICU and lack their own emotion sometimes. I believe that it is truly important not to lose that. Heather does not. She truly shows she cares about her neonates and their families and what she does. She does not let the gruesome, bad days of the job harden her heart. I hope to be as amazing a nurse as Heather is. She goes above and beyond for everyone, including me. She is always right there ready to help me and answer any questions I may have and push me to be the best nurse I can be. I am truly thankful to be following her throughout my preceptorship in this wonderful unit. Heather deserves this recognition and much more.