for Distinguished NICU Patient and Family Care
2024 Nominations now closed
2025 Nominations will open in August
2025 Nominations will open in August
Rules and Eligibility
- Nominations will be accepted from August 1, 2023- August 27, 2023
- Chosen award recipient will be notified on September 1st and will have 5 days to respond to accept award
- Nominee must be a NICU staff member currently working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit within the United States
- Nominee must be willing to provide a statement of acceptance and media release
- Selection of award winner will be completed by an award committee based on the below criteria/values
Criteria/Values:
- Makes an impact in the lives of their patients and families, and the communities in which they live
- Shows dignity and respect for the intrinsic worth of all individuals
- Exhibits kindness in everything they do
- Is a vocal advocate for NICU families
- Goes above and beyond to nurture a safe and healthy environment for NICU babies and their families
Award details:
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Award recipient will receive:
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2024 Nurture Award Recipient
Sheri Ricciardi
Nominated by Ashley P
Sheri was my son’s OT while in the NICU. She was there for the very first visit all the way to sending him off to his new life at home. He was admitted from May 29th, 2023-Sept 14th, 2023. She was there to offer us encouragement, support, listen and be a friend. She spent a good amount of time visiting with me even when she didn’t need to see Carter. I have Epilepsy and had a seizure in my son’s room one day. Sheri heard code blue in his room, and she ran to us. During all the commotion in his room she went in to make sure he was ok, scooped him up and comforted him in the hallway. When I woke up the first thing, I said was where’s Carter? My husband said, “he’s ok he’s with Sheri.” It brought a tear to my eye because she truly was always there when I needed her. She didn’t have to come to my room, she didn’t need to step in and comfort my son, but she did because she cared and wanted to. I work for UH and frequently send her emails with updates and pictures. She’s an amazing example of the type of caring person moms and dads need during their NICU journey. It’s scary to see your child hooked up to machines, wires and tubes. She explained things to us and gave plenty of hugs. THANK YOU, SHERI! We will forever love you!
2023 Nurture Award Recipient
Jacqueline Crono
Nominated by Alyssa P
"I have had the honor of working with Jacqueline for our entire NICU career and while that may have only been 2 years (& counting), I have never seen such a compassionate and dedicated nurse. Since our first day as nurses I have watched Jacqueline go above and beyond for each patient she has and treats each baby like they are her own. She is the voice for the voiceless and continuously advocates for her patients and every patient on our unit. Within the past few months, Jacqueline has taken her first primary patient and she has truly inspired me. While the outcome was looking grim for this patient, Jacqueline never gave up. One day she pulled me aside and informed me that she was taking on this patient as a primary. I was so excited for her, but also terrified because this was a patient that would take months of care and dedication and hard work. I will never forget what Jacqueline said to me that day, she said “This baby and their family need someone constant and someone to support them. I know this baby will make it through all they need is some love and care.” And sure enough Jacqueline continuously provided phenomenal care and never once gave the patient or family a chance to lose hope. I am proud to say that baby is doing well today all thanks to Jacqueline. She truly inspires me everyday to be the best I can be and I can only hope one day to be as fearless and selfless as she is. In only 2 years Jacqueline has managed to touch the hearts of so many babies as well as their families and I think it’s about time she is recognized for all of her hard work."
2022 Nurture Award Recipient
Heather Ivers
Nominated by Miranda C
"During Katherine's 8 month stay in the NICU, Heather became one of our primary nurses. It was truly a blessing to have someone with both personal and professional NICU experience helping to guide us on our journey. I absolutely loved having someone know our baby so well. It made me feel less "mom guilt" over the quick trips home to my other children. She answered the endless questions and walked us through so many things repeatedly with such gentle care. The reassurance from someone who's been there; and knows how you feel was priceless. She made sure to never let us feel "useless" even during the times when all we could do was hold and talk to Katherine. She helped ease so many fears of doing something wrong or not knowing what to do. Heather helped train, our oldest daughter, Justice in all cares so she could be a primary care provider when we brought Katherine home. Heather is a big reason why Justice has decided to go to school and become a nurse herself. She was there with us through our scariest time when Katherine had to be flow out to a level 4 NICU and always believed in our little warrior would pull through and get back to our home NICU. Heather made sure updates she sent on the Ease app were personal not clinical and they are memories we cherish. She was our biggest cheerleader and will forever be part of our story. I don't think there is a word in any language that encompasses how grateful we are for her care of our family."
2021 Nurture Award Recipient
Leeanna Eck
Nominated by Chantelle Haynie
We first met Leeanna about 5 days into Emmie's NICU journey. I could tell from that first day she was going to be our primary nurse. That day she greeted me and made me feel comfortable. She caught me up on what was happening with Emmie and when the MD's would be doing rounds. She got me a comfortable chair, made sure she was available anytime I needed her and went above and beyond to make me feel like I was an essential part of Emmie's team. (When your baby is first in the NICU it can feel like you are just in the way. So nurses who make you feel like your baby needs you are invaluable.) The way she handled Emmie's daily routine was comforting. She was gentle and loving. She talked to her while she took care of her to tell her what was happening. Like she was a person. The 3rd day we had her as our nurse we learned that Emmie had a heart condition that would require open heart surgery. It was life altering. She held me while I cried. She didn't try to tell me everything would be fine. She just listened and also made sure she explained things so I could grasp what the MD was saying. She helped me make mementos for Emmie. Like doing her hand and footprints. She celebrated the small milestones and advocated for us. Emmie was doing well maintaining her temps so she suggested we try dressing her. She got her MD onboard. She pushed to get her O2 down so she could attempt breastfeeding. She helped me with breastfeeding and made sure I had lactation support. She helped me learn how to bathe my tiny 3lb baby. She took the time to catch up with me and see how I was doing. Even when she was busy taking care of 2 other babies. She was there the day a Emmie went in for her open heart surgery. She came in early to sit and cry with me before they took her back. We were allowed to stay in Emmie's bed space while she was gone for the 9 hrs her surgery took so we felt like we were with family. (Which is what the staff had become in the 3 months Emmie had been in the NICU before her surgery) She stood with us when the team wheeled Emmie out of surgery and into the PICU. She came to check on us daily while we were in the PICU. Emmie was there on Halloween and Leeanna made her a darling Halloween costume. (A rainbow since she is our rainbow baby) She cared for Emmie when we got back to the NICU and made sure we had a proper graduation celebration on the day she left. She made a cake and had a cap and gown ordered. It was so sweet. We have become even closer to Leeanna after the NICU. She has become my daughters' adopted aunt. She is getting married in November and both of my girls are going to be the flower girls in her wedding. Leeanna loved us like she was caring for her own family during our NICU stay. Thank you just doesn't encompass the gratitude I feel towards her and all she did.