Nurses Week Reflection
What It Means to Me to Be a Nurse – A Nurses Week Reflection
By Lisa, NICU Educator
When I was in 8th grade, my world shifted. A close friend passed away from cancer, and something inside me knew—I wanted to be a nurse. I didn’t understand all the details then, but I felt the call: to care, to comfort, and to show up for others during their most vulnerable moments.
That calling never wavered. I found my home in the NICU, where I’ve worked for over 20 years. I earned my NICU certification after a decade at the bedside and completed my Master of Science in Nursing a few years later. Today, I love being a NICU educator, helping others grow in this challenging, beautiful, and ever-evolving field.
Nurses Week is a moment to honor the why behind our work. For me, it’s about showing up every day for the tiniest patients—and empowering others to do the same. It's about blending science, instinct, and compassion into every assessment, every feed, every handoff, every moment.
This week’s Teach Me Tuesday was created with both new and seasoned NICU nurses in mind. It shares 11 key takeaways that I believe every NICU nurse should know—lessons that have shaped me as a nurse, educator, and advocate:
That even a 1°C drop in temperature can significantly increase mortality
That respiratory disease isn’t just a diagnosis—it guides everything from positioning to support
That micro changes in vitals often come before major events
That oxygen is a drug, and SpO₂ targets matter
That NICU medication doses are incredibly precise—every tenth of a mL counts
That neuroprotection starts at birth and requires intentional care
That feeding is not a race—cue-based wins over volume every time
That infection prevention is in our hands (literally and figuratively)
That breast milk is powerful, even as oral care
That skin-to-skin saves lives and supports bonding
And that parents are essential team members, not just visitors
I hope this Nurses Week you feel seen, celebrated, and inspired. What you do matters. You matter. And whether you’re learning the ropes or leading the way, I’m grateful to be part of this journey with you.
Happy Nurses Week,
Lisa 💛
NICU Educator & Advocate for the Tiny Humans
