It’s been a remarkable nursing journey for 23-year-old Jay Larsen, a NICU nurse at HSHS St. Vincent’s Children’s Hospital in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Born prematurely, she spent her early months in the same NICU where she now provides care to infants in need. This unique connection to her work is a testament to the power of serendipity in guiding our paths.

For Larsen, working in the NICU is more than a job – it’s a calling. She is dedicated to providing hope to families during their NICU journey and caring for the most fragile infants in the hospital. Because of this, Daily Nurse proudly recognizes her as Nurse of the Week. Her personal story and unique perspective make her a symbol of hope for those she serves.

The walls just outside the NICU are adorned with pictures of graduates who have grown healthy after their time in the neonatal intensive care unit. Although Larsen’s photo isn’t there yet, she hopes it will be soon. Born at just 24 weeks, she was extremely tiny and faced many health challenges during her 99-day stay before finally going home. 

Now, Larsen brings a unique perspective to her work, having been through the same experience as the families she supports. Her journey provides hope to parents facing the uncertainty of a NICU stay, and she is grateful for the opportunity to learn from the nurses who once cared for her. 

As Larsen continues to grow in her role, she looks forward to the possibility of one day working alongside a baby she helped care for in the NICU, completing the full circle of her remarkable journey.

Nominate a Nurse of the Week! Every Wednesday, DailyNurse.com features a nurse making a difference in the lives of their patients, students, and colleagues. We encourage you to nominate a nurse who has impacted your life as the next Nurse of the Week, and we’ll feature them online and in our weekly newsletter. 

The post Tiny Fighter to Guardian Angel: Jay Larsen’s Serendipitous Journey Back Home first appeared on Daily Nurse.