171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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May 2007
Feature Story
NNICU prepares for 2008 reunion
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NNICU) is an environment similar to a ride on a roller coaster, said Tracey Driggers, RN, BSN, a 12-year veteran of MUSC's NNICU, in a recent presentation to the Children's Hospital board.
"It has highs and lows, and is full of beeps, dings, and buzzes," Driggers noted. "The days vary from good to bad, busy to slow, and happy to sad."
As one of only five Level III nurseries in the state, MUSC's 36-bed NNICU specializes in the care of critically ill infants, including those born prematurely. The unit receives babies from all over the state and has its own flight team, Meducare, to help transport critically ill children. Specializations include general pediatric surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, and opthamology. Of just five extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) beds in SC, MUSC has three.
"This is a job that holds no routine," admitted Driggers. "It can keep one humble from a spiritual and emotional standpoint." A good day for a newborn in NNICU might be working up to tube feedings, coming off the ventilator, being stable enough for parents to hold. "A bad day may be a baby deteriorating rapidly from overwhelming sepsis, and having to call the parents in to the bedside because of uncertainty if the baby will survive," she explained.
"Every NNICU nurse has a story to tell and a special spot in her heart for babies she has cared for that have passed," said Driggers. Dealing with death is part of the job; Driggers described a "protective barrier" that staff members develop to help avoid being overwhelmed by it.
"I believe that sometimes my real job, my real purpose, is only being there to help the families through," she continued. "Birth and death are two of the most significant times in a person's life. Sometimes the two are very close together. I have the honor of being there with those families as they go through it.
The many heartbreaking endings are tempered by just as many joyous ones. The NNICU staff frequently receives flowers and other goodies on birthdays and remembrance anniversaries from grateful parents and caregivers.
"The cards and pictures that accompany the deliveries are priceless," added Driggers during her presentation. "They are a validation that what we do is worth it."
Every other year, for the past several years, the NNICU has celebrated this joy with an annual reunion, a day when MUSC caregivers come together with these families and friends to honor life.
"It's the most emotional day on the planet," says Driggers, who has begun planning for the April 2008 reunion. "I don't even wear makeup on that day, I cry so much," she giggles.
The 2006 reunion drew 1,500 attendees, more than double the previous reunion. Driggers expects more than 2,000 for next year's event.
Organizers usually go back four years in NNICU archives to invite past patients and families to the event, which includes lots of food and drinks, jump castles, pony rides, face-painting, music and entertainment by a live DJ, puppet shows, goody bags, safety demonstrations and more.
Historically, the unit has held fundraisers for the event, selling t-shirts, bags and other items. The planning team "hits the pavement hard," says Driggers, to request donations for the big day from local restaurants.
"It's grown a lot and is getting much more support from the administration," she says. "My goal is to have some big sponsors, perhaps a grocery store sponsor for the main event. I want to make it a bigger and bigger party for these families."
Another feature she'd like to add to the event: a remembrance board similar to the one covered with photos, letters and cards just outside the NICU. "It reminds parents and staff that, though not all babies survive, it's ok to have hope," she says.
"I am lucky to get paid to do what I love the most- take care of critically ill babies and their families," Driggers said in her speech to the board.
As she likes to remind herself, on days when planning for the reunion gets frenzied: "They're not coming to the reunion to go on pony rides. They're coming to see us."
For more information or to help with the spring 2008 reunion, email Driggers at reunion@musc.edu or call the reunion hotline at (843) 792-5700.
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