10 ways to show how much you appreciate NICU nurses

Nurses are on the front line, caring for your fragile baby in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These nurses not only care for your baby’s medical needs, they also listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and advocate for your baby. Their passion for helping you, your family, and your baby makes your journey in the NICU better. Their tireless efforts may sometimes go unnoticed.

Here are some ways to show how much you appreciate your NICU nurses:

1. Arrange a small gift basket to help them relax after a hard day’s work (facial supplies, lotions, candles, bath salts)
2. Give them comfy socks or blankets they can use for work
3. Create a collage or handmade card using photos of your baby/babies
4. Bring a meal, or give them a gift card to their favorite place to eat
5. Nominate them for a nurse-of-the year award
6. Send them updated picture of your baby/babies, showing them how much they have grown since they were in the NICU
7. Personalize badge clips or lanyards that they can wear
8. Organize an event that reconnects former NICU families with the NICU nurses  
9. Write online reviews or share on social media how their care impacted your family
10. Bring baked goods, coffee, or treats to the NICU