Celebrating National Neonatal Nurses Day
National Neonatal Nurses Day is recognized annually on September 15. We would like to thank all of our nurses who take care of our littlest patients’ day in and day out. Your work is much appreciated!
To celebrate, Jamie Milton (pictured above; front row, second from right), RN in the BSA Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, gave us some insight on what her days working in the NICU look like.
What’s your job title?
RN in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
How long have you worked at BSA?
Eight and a half years
How long have you worked in your current position?
I’ve worked in the NICU for eight years. Before I graduated from nursing school, I worked in resource as a nurse technician for six months.
What is your degree in and from where did you earn it?
I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from West Texas A&M University.
Why do you like working at BSA?
I love working for BSA because of the Christian mission. I’m proud to work for a hospital that doesn’t just care for people physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.
What do you do day-to-day?
The NICU is so much more than most people think. I provide care to critically ill or premature babies ranging from less than a pound to over ten pounds! Some days, I cuddle and teach babies to eat from a bottle and other days, I don’t sit down as I’m assisting with procedures, giving medications and blood products and making tiny changes on numerous machines. Along with the Neonatal Nurse Practitioner or Neonatologist and Respiratory Therapist, I attend high-risk deliveries and assist with resuscitation. Every shift, I am there to support and educate parents on how to care for their vulnerable new baby. Even though the population is specific, the roles of a NICU nurse vary greatly and I feel so privileged to be able to walk alongside our families during this tough season.
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Working in the NICU is one of the toughest, yet most rewarding jobs! Seeing our little miracles go home with their families makes everything worth it. Whether their stay was four days or four months, walking a healthy baby out of the unit doors is such a sweet moment.
For more information about giving birth at BSA, visit bsahs.org/having-your-baby-bsa.