'I Knew I Belonged the Very First Day'

Starting when I was 7 years old till 13, my family fostered young infants for respite care. I found out that I liked caring for babies and was pretty good at it, but I didn’t know that could lead to a career.

My best friend lived next door. His mother, who was like a second mom to me, was a nurse. I learned from her it’s a job where you get to help people and there’s a career trajectory.

I considered physical therapy, sports medicine and nutrition. I loved the science, but they didn’t speak to me. I jumped into nursing. I looked for neonatal intensive care unit jobs after graduation but there weren’t many opportunities for new grads. I started in a community hospital, and worked in telemetry and critical care. I was promoted to charge nurse and, after that, house supervisor.

Finding a Home

I learned CHLA has a transition program to pediatrics for nurses with experience in adult settings. I applied for the NICCU and got it!

I knew I belonged the very first day. I was nervous, wondering what it would be like, especially as a male nurse. Everyone in the unit was so inviting and happy to have me on board, it felt like home. It felt like family.

I get the opportunity to treat sick kids and be part of helping them get healthier and, for a lot of them, go home for the first time. I’m proud to tell people I’m a NICCU nurse at CHLA.

Teamwork

At 58 beds, the NICCU is like a small hospital. You work as a team with doctors, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dietitians and more. There’s a lot of partnership. You get to know the people you’re working alongside. Not all places have that.

If I’ve had a hard day, I have caring coworkers who will stop and ask, “How are you doing?” One thing I love about CHLA is we have other great departments that help comfort us, like the Office of Well-Being and Spiritual Care, and even the Dog Therapy Program.

I see hospital administration as a long-term career goal, so I decided getting my MBA was the best course going forward. Little did I know I’d be nursing and trying to attend school during the pandemic. But CHLA is a very supportive environment if you want to get more education or training.

I honestly can’t imagine ever leaving CHLA. It’s a special place.