I help to resuscitate babies when their hearts stop and little bodies simply can’t take any more.
I beat myself up trying to think what we could have done better or different when all medical options have been exhausted.
I hand those sweet little lives to their parents as they take their last breaths when science and medicine is no longer enough.
I give them medication to make them comfortable in their last moments here on earth.
I help make molds and keepsakes that their family will cherish forever.
I share memories with the family and we laugh and cry in the midst of it all. The NICU becomes their home.
I hug their family members as they walk away from their baby’s room for the last time, hoping my words brought them some comfort.
I sometimes cry in the car on my way home, in the shower or as I try to fall asleep before going into work to take care of other little lives.
I lean on my coworkers. Those other NICU nurses I’m so blessed to work besides. I look to them for knowledge, wisdom, and support.
Yes, my “job” is a NICU Nurse. But it proves time and time again to be so much more.
***this picture was most definitely shared with this momma’s permission as she loves to share her son’s journey and the fighter that he was! This picture was taken after he left us here on earth and it was such a blessing to be there with him in these moments. I know his other NICU nurses in the background feel the same way!
I don’t know about you, moms and dads, but this post was an eye-opener for me. God bless these nurses who put their hearts on the line every day for babies whose lives are on the line. Our local children’s hospital and the hospital where I gave birth both have great NICU’s and I am going to be praying for those nurses!
Did you have a baby in the NICU? Leave a comment about the care the nurses gave your little ones!