Bebe PT

Some days working in the NICU breaks my heart. Some days I’m so swamped I don’t get a second to breathe. Some days I can’t get out of bed because I’m so exhausted. Some days the frustrations of working in healthcare feel insurmountable.

But then moments like this remind why I do what I do. Why I stay late to help a mom baby wear her preemie for the first time, why I work through lunch to catch another care time, why I fight the broken system to make things better.

It’s all for the babies and their families. Getting to support littles from day 1 to help them grow big and strong fills me. Connecting with families to help build meaningful experiences in the midst of a medical setting gives me purpose.

Moments like these are worth the long hours and hard times. They mean the world to me and are why I love getting to be a neonatal physical therapist 🤟❤️🥹

To date probably my favorite text from a nurse when collaborating on a patient 😂😍

But fr though, I can’t do my job without the incredible nurses by my side. We work together, help each other, and advocate for our patients together. I am so grateful for every nurse who gives there all to their patients, and am lucky to work with the best in the game. 🫶

Happy Nurse’s Week to the ones who make the world go ‘round and keep us all safer and healthier! ✌️

Drop some love for your favorite nurses below! 👇

There are words that harm, and words that heal. As healthcare providers, it’s our duty to heal through the power of our words when talking with families.

When I studied for my Certified Neonatal Therapist exam last year, family-centered care was a big emphasis, as it has a powerful impact on both short and long-term outcomes for the baby. Several articles were focused on language in the NICU, and I learned a lot about the impact of everyday language that can be harmful:

1. NICU language, everyday ethics, and giving better news: Optimizing discussions about disability with families. Church et al, 2024.

2. Helping parents cope in the NICU. Haward et al, 2020.

Swipe through to learn more about these harmful words and suggestions on making them better, based on evidence.

And if you’re a nerd like me, comment WORDS below and I’ll send you the articles mentioned above! 🤓