There is no one more deserving of this award than Vicki Holtan. Vicki has been a NICU nurse for over 40 years. She serves as a NICU charge nurse, transport nurse, PICC nurse, and mentor for all staff. I first met Vicki when I started in the NICU as a nurse intern, 5 1/2 years ago, but I really got to know her when I started in the NICU as a new grad RN. When I first started as an RN, Vicki and I were on the same weekend. I still remember how welcoming she was to me all those years ago. She took me under her wing, where I still am to this day. Vicki became my "work mom," and everyone on the unit knows this about Vicki and me. We have a mother/daughter relationship. Vicki instills the utmost confidence in those around her. She loves to educate and seeks out new opportunities for those who need them. I will never forget an experience I had with Vicki over 4 years ago. We had a patient who needed to go to nuclear med to receive a scan. This patient needed an IV and was going to be transported off the unit. I remember being so nervous, as I had never gone to nuclear med, and had only started a handful of IVs in the NICU, but Vicki was right by my side the entire way. She has given me, and so many others, tips and encouragement with IV placement for our tiny NICU patients. With this particular patient, I got the IV on my first attempt, and she said, "I knew you could do it!" Comments like these are so uplifting. We then took this patient to nuclear med, and the scan was completed, and everything went great - with the help and guidance of Vicki of course. I knew that no matter what happened during this scan, Vicki would be there to help and lead. This is just one example of how supportive Vicki is. Whether someone needs help with a critically ill patient or a feeder/grower, Vicki is always quick to jump in and help. Vicki has served as a tremendous mentor for me during the entirety of my nursing career thus far. She has helped me with nursing skills, assessments, and critical thinking, mentoring me every step of the way, from a new grad, to now as a NICU charge nurse - the list is never-ending. But more importantly, she has helped me develop into the person I am today. She spreads wisdom and positivity everywhere she goes. The NICU would not be what it is today without Vicki. I would not be who I am today without Vicki.                                                        
Vicki has a special way of listening to others. Whether it is a patient's family member, or a fellow nurse, Vicki is always a listening ear. I have seen so many times, through patient room windows, Vicki sitting down and having a meaningful conversation with NICU parents about their journey, concerns, etc. Vicki has a special way of making people feel calm and cared for.

Over the course of Vicki's nursing career, I can only imagine the transformation that has occurred in medicine, specifically neonatology. However, Vicki is never settled when it comes to learning. She is always wanting more - more research, more explanation, etc. She treats every day as an opportunity to learn and teach those around her. I love hearing her stories of practices they used to do in the NICU 20+ years ago, and how nursing and medicine have advanced. As medicine advances and changes, one thing remains consistent - the way Vicki advocates for her patients. Vicki uses her experience, wisdom, and words for good. She is always advocating for what's best for each and every patient. Whether it’s a ventilator setting, a medication, or feedings - Vicki uses her voice to advocate for our patients who can't advocate for themselves. Our patients are in the best hands with Vicki.                       

Vicki not only advocates for our patients, but for fellow nurses as well. She is the voice of the unit when it comes to many issues. She uses her voice for good - for positive change. Whether it’s a new grad, or a NICU nurse with 20 years of experience, Vicki treats them the same and advocates equally. Vicki has helped all our NICU staff grow into who they are today. Whether it's helping with a new grad's first NICU admission or helping her fellow PICC nurse with a difficult PICC, Vicki is always there to help, encourage, and lead. Vicki is always being a cheerleader for those around her. Vicki is the definition of a team player - she fills in where needed and is always looking for ways to help. 

Vicki has devoted her entire life and career to the specialty of neonatology. She has also devoted her life to those around her. She is truly one of a kind. Her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy are evident every single day. The Essentia Health NICU is a better place with Vicki in it. Nursing is a better career with Vicki in it. This world is a better place with Vicki in it.