Part five of a series introducing the passionate health care team behind our growing Level 4 NICU
Our neonatal intensive care unit originally opened in 1973, and by 1986 it was one of the largest units on the East Coast. Just a few years later, Michelle Nguyen joined the nursing team and she’s been helping infants – and their families – thrive ever since.
As we near the opening of our new NICU space in the Children’s Tower next month, she shares the highlights of her career as a NICU nurse
How long have you worked in the CHoR NICU?
I’ve been working in the NICU for 35 years, since right after graduating from VCU Nursing School.
Why have you stayed this long?
I am grateful for having had the opportunity to meet so many little miracle babies that have entered the NICU.
What made you choose this career and when did you know this was what you wanted to do?
I began leaning toward becoming a nurse in the 4th grade, and then later felt like pediatrics would be a good fit for me. I didn’t know a lot about the NICU until I accepted an externship there after I graduated from nursing school. Once I started, there was no turning back. The babies had my heart, and I accepted a permanent position right away.
Is there a moment in your career that stands out to you as being extra special?
I have experienced so many amazing experiences throughout the years, but moving to the Critical Care Hospital (where the 40-bed CHoR NICU will continue to operate) was a highlight as well as the birth of the sextuplets a few years ago.
What do you hope families in the NICU take away from their interactions with you?
I hope my interactions with the families of our babies will give them a feeling of calm in the midst of a stressful and uncertain time. I want them to know that our entire team is working hard to help every baby through their NICU journey.
What are you most looking forward to about the new NICU space in the Children’s Tower?
I am looking forward to the NICU expansion because this will provide our families with more privacy and the ability to remain present with their babies in a comfortable environment.