Imagine diagnosing a TEF on a 700 gram baby, and seeing him graduate from college?

Imagine holding a 28 week gestation baby who weighed 350 grams in the palm of your hand who had to die because you didn't have equipment small enough to sustain his life?

Imagine taking turns with a father holding his daughter for the first time, and she has a lethal congenial anomaly?

Imagine supporting the mother of a 24 weeker who is trying to put her baby to breast after weeks of hospitalization? We both cry when he latches on.

Imagine the horror when you realize the baby with PPHN does best when you are taking care of him?

Imagine how unsettled you feel when you realize therapeutic touch makes a big difference in the NICU.

Imagine the privilege of mentoring a motivated and smart nurse through developing expertise.

One more: Imagine preparing the family for death with discussion about removal from life support, and the very worst happens: the baby survives.

Denise Maguire, RN, PhD(c) Clinical Outcomes