Rady Children’s NICU reunions give families and caregivers an opportunity to reconnect
During the days, weeks or months a young patient spends in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, doctors, nurses and volunteer caregivers become like a second family. The NICU team pours their hearts into caring for every patient; however, the opportunity to stay in touch with the families once they’re released and begin their lives at home is often limited.
NICU staff at Rady Children’s recognized that many parents would appreciate the opportunity to reconnect with their care team as much as their caregivers would enjoy seeing their former patients’ progress. So they launched an annual NICU reunion.
“It’s a day to celebrate how far these babies and their families have come—they’re born facing all these challenges and they work so hard and show so much strength during their time here,” says Ruth Campbell, RN, NICU supervisor. “Everybody involved with their care does such an incredible job taking care of them, and we don’t always get to see how they’re doing once they’re discharged, so it’s really cool to get together and touch base.”
NICU nurse Linda Black, RN, has been heavily involved with planning the reunions since they started in 2011. The event was paused during the pandemic, and this year marked its much anticipated return. This year’s reunion was open to families of kids who had been in the NICU between 2021 and 2025.
It’s also a day when both staff and former NICU families can let their hair down and have fun. For instance, Black dressed in a duck costume while helping out at one of the event’s activity booths.
Campbell notes that the reunion lets staff and families connect at a time when every second isn’t as critical.
“A lot of the families seem less stressed—they’re home now and you can see that their smiles were even different,” she says. “Their body language seemed more relaxed, and it’s a joyous, happy time.”
Aside from the games, arts and crafts, dancing and other fun activities, guests signed an appreciation board for the NICU staff to bring back to their office. Campbell says it’ll serve as a daily reminder of why they do what they do.
“Parents wrote notes to staff members, providers and nurses expressing their gratitude, and the kids drew pictures,” she says. “It’s so meaningful to see the true impact you have on these babies and families.”