Jennifer Carter has been a NICU nurse for twenty-four years. Moments into hearing her story, you could tell Jennifer was living in her purpose. At the very start of our time together, it became evident that Jennifer was an angel.
Jennifer had an immediate light about her, a light that radiated from both her and the two beautiful daughters she’d brought along, Mikayla (18) and Rebecca (23).
As her story unfolded, we learned that Jennifer had never intended to be a NICU nurse. She was enjoying cardiac and had no interest in working with kids. In one of her final rotations of nursing school, she was in pediatrics. It was in her time working with the kids that she reflected on God speaking to her heart. (Holy moment, hello!)
One of Jennifer’s instructors told her, “You’re just there to do what you can with the knowledge God gives you. And he’s going to take it from there.” Twenty-four years later, we sit together, talking with Jennifer about how she has followed this path God designed for her and the impact it’s made along the way.
And get this! Jennifer’s daughter Rebecca now works with her as a Patient Tech. When asked about her favorite part, Rebecca told us that she “loves spending time and feeding the babies. It is fun to watch them grow!”
The interview helped us understand more about the AngelEye patient platform. AngelEye is a secure camera system featuring a live feed that integrates parents into the care team of their NICU baby. Jennifer shared with us the importance of this technology and how it will support bonding and reduce anxiety for the family.
This year, the Cat Country Radiothon has partnered with the Sacred Heart Foundation to raise funds for this impactful installation. On behalf of the hospital and NICU nurses everywhere, Jennifer shared her inspiring story and how she feels these cameras will make a difference.
“One benefit I can think of is the mom’s milk supply. They’re at home because we encourage them to go home and get rest. Sometimes, at night, when the mom is pumping, their milk supplies are lower. Just seeing the baby can increase that supply. With these cameras, they will be able to see them and bond.”
We asked Jennifer how long NICU babies will stay in the unit, and she shared, “anywhere from 3 hours to months at a time.”
Jennifer brought her two daughters along to share their story as NICU babies. She had experienced loss through multiple miscarriages and had always wanted children. Mikayla and Rebecca came into Jennifer’s care and were adopted by her out of the NICU. The adoption stories behind her daughters helped us understand the value of early-stage care on a whole new level.
Throughout the interview, it was evident that God played the main role in Jennifer’s story. She shared experiences with us that were nothing short of miraculous when it came to seeing what God can do in the NICU.
“We focus a lot on what parents can do to bridge the gap. We are confident that these cameras will help with that!”
Jennifer shared the reality that “The doctor’s role is to give you all of the information and options. It’s hard for the mother not to hear the worst case and lose hope.”
We discussed the family’s benefits of being able to see the progress and early days of development through the AngelEye lens. Another layer of bonding is made possible, and hope is being restored.
Leaving the interview, we had tears in our eyes over the heart work that Jennifer is doing and the impact Ascension Sacred Heart is making with its efforts towards early-stage care.
Jennifer’s gift of service to babies in the NICU, the AngelEye program, and our community’s support left us with hope for the future.
If you are interested in learning more about the AngelEye Cameras, click here for more information.
The Cat Country Radiothon will be held on August 16th, and you can find more information here on their website here.
