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SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023
● THE FREE PRESS
NATIONAL NURSING WEEK
MAY 8-14, 2023
OUR NURSES. OUR FUTURE.
Registered nurses Destiny Wing, Ashley Kubic andTracyTuron provide care and compassion in the neonatal intensive care unit. (Photo by Natasha Woloschuk)
NICU NURSES OFFER CARE, COMPASSION AND A BIG DOSE OF CHEER TENDING TO THE TINY BY NATASHA WOLOSCHUK F or most Manitobans, those who will never experience the care, “When it comes to our babies, we are not just helping them for a shift; we are helping them for a lifetime.”
the way.” Nurses in the NICU typically look after one to three patients at a time depending on the medical needs of the babies. Feedings are supported every two to three hours, and assessments are completed almost as frequently, allowing the dedicated members of the care team to identify concerning changes or developments quickly. “Identifying even the smallest changes in our patients is very important to keeping them alive and ensuring the best possible outcomes,” said Ashley Kubic, a registered nurse who has worked in the HSC NICU for three years. “Our patients aren’t able to speak for themselves, so monitoring for even the most subtle changes is our responsibility. Catching things early, notifying the physicians and providing interventions as soon as possible is our goal.”
compassion and chaos of a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), images from popular television medical dramas are likely their only glimpse into daily reality within these highly specialized units. Unlike those fictional Hollywood scenes, the NICU is often loud and very busy, with activity around the clock as staff move efficiently between patients, checking vitals, performing
Tracy Turon, a registered nurse at Health Sciences Centre’s NICU
“We’re providing care to some of the most vulnerable patients, as young as 22 weeks old, who are still developing and often cannot feed or breathe without support. The NICU is a very stressful place for babies and parents, and it is our job and privilege to help them every step of
tests and offering support to families. “Most of our babies need constant monitoring, and with that comes constant alarms and beeping and so much equipment,” said Tracy Turon, a registered nurse who has worked at Health Sciences Centre’s NICU since 1997.
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THANK YOU MANITOBA NURSES We are proud to support you!
NIKI ASHTON Member of Parliament Churchill—Keewatinook Aski Niki.Ashton@parl.gc.ca 1-866-785-0522
LEAH GAZAN Member of Parliament Winnipeg Centre Leah.Gazan@parl.gc.ca 204-984-1675
DANIEL BLAIKIE Member of Parliament Elmwood—Transcona Daniel.Blaikie@parl.gc.ca 204-984-2499
Newborn premature baby in the NICU intensive care. (Stock photo)
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