NICU Full-Circle: From Preemie, to NICU Mom, to NICU Nurse

In the busy halls of Flushing Hospital, Assistant Head Nurse Christine Parasram is more than a caregiver—she’s living proof of the miracles that happen in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Her story, shaped by resilience, compassion, and full-circle healing, now inspires families and future nurses alike.

Christine Parasram stops by the TODAY plaza to share her remarkable story of being born prematurely and receiving care at the neonatal intensive care unit, to then becoming the mother of a NICU baby, to becoming a NICU nurse. Then, she gets a surprise visit from one of her patients and fellow nurses.

A Life That Began in the NICU

Christine’s journey started long before her first nursing shift. Born at just 32 weeks, she spent her earliest days in Flushing Hospital’s NICU, fighting for life as a fragile newborn. Today, she returns to those very halls—not as a patient or a visitor, but as a NICU nurse guiding others through some of their most vulnerable moments.

“It feels amazing,” Christine says, emotion in her voice. “I’m part of their journey now. It truly feels like I was meant to be here.”

From NICU Mom to NICU Nurse

Years after her own NICU stay, Christine’s connection deepened when her daughter Emily was born prematurely, weighing just over two pounds. “We were nervous, scared, and overwhelmed,” she recalls. “The idea of leaving our baby behind every night was unbearable.”

What carried her through was the unwavering support of the NICU nurses. “They didn’t just care for Emily—they cared for me. They held my hand, hugged me while I cried, and told me everything would be okay,” Christine shares. “My daughter wasn’t their only patient—I was too.”

Two months later, Christine brought her healthy baby home—but she couldn’t forget the care she’d received. With a toddler and newborn in tow, she made a life-changing decision: to go to nursing school. “It wasn’t easy,” she admits. “But I remembered how they made me feel, and I knew I wanted to do that for someone else.”

A Nurse Who Understands

Now an assistant head nurse, Christine uses her lived experience to comfort NICU parents. She often shares photos of her now 10-year-old daughter, reassuring them that better days are ahead. “These babies may be tiny, but they grow by the second,” she tells them.

Her job is demanding—long nights, emotionally charged moments, and shifts so intense there’s no time for a break. But for Christine, it’s all worth it. “It’s a labor of love,” she says. “There’s never a dull moment—and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

She credits her NICU team as her second family. “We lean on each other. We struggle through the hard shifts together. We give it our heart and soul,” she says. “We’re the dream team.”

As part of TODAY’s Nurses Week celebration, Christine was surprised with a reunion—several of her former patients came back to thank her. Among them was 22-month-old Anisa, born at 31 weeks. Her mother tearfully thanked Christine: “Thank you for being that extraordinary nurse. For your compassion, your kindness, and your hard work.”

Christine smiled through tears. “Seeing these babies grow and thrive—that’s what keeps us going.”

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The Path to Becoming a NICU Nurse

Inspired by stories like Christine’s? Here’s how to pursue a career in neonatal intensive care nursing:

• Earn a Nursing Degree: Most NICU nurses complete an ADN or BSN program.

• Pass the NCLEX-RN: You’ll need to pass the national licensure exam to become a registered nurse.

• Get Pediatric or Neonatal Experience: Many start in mother-baby, pediatrics, or Level II nurseries.

• Pursue Certifications: The NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) is essential, and advanced certifications like RNC-NIC are highly valued.

• Continue Learning: NICU nurses often attend ongoing training to stay up-to-date with technology and best practices in neonatal care.

Brandy’s Story: From Teen Mom to NICU Mentor

Christine’s story isn’t the only full-circle moment born from the NICU.

My name is Brandy Pinkerton, and I was just 17 when I became a NICU mom.

I was a kid—scared, overwhelmed, and navigating motherhood way too early. My son was born six weeks premature, and while he did incredibly well, the experience left an imprint that changed my life forever.

The NICU nurses never made me feel judged or small. They treated me with dignity and respect, even though I was a teen mom. They made me feel seen. I’ll never forget that.

That experience lit a fire in me—and now, 23 years later, I’ve spent my career as a NICU nurse giving that same care to others. I’ve walked with families through their hardest moments, held their hands through the unknown, and offered the same nonjudgmental support I once received.

You never know what impact your kindness and presence will have—not just on families in crisis, but on future generations. I’m living proof. The NICU shaped my story, and now I help shape others.

Together, nurses like this remind us that NICU care is more than medicine—it’s heart, humanity, and hope. And sometimes, the tiniest patients grow into the most powerful healers.

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