She Watched Nurses Save Her Preemie Baby’s Life—So, She Became One Herself

Image: New York Post

Shelcie Holbert's path to becoming a nurse started in an unexpected place — a New York City hospital. In June 2018, Holbert, then 23 and six months pregnant, traveled to New York from North Carolina for a short business trip. Just one day into her stay, she found herself rushing to the emergency room with intense abdominal pressure. She was transferred to Mount Sinai West, a hospital known for its expertise in preterm labor.

A week later, Holbert gave birth to her daughter, Rosalie Grace, who weighed just 1 pound, 9 ounces. Rosalie spent three intense months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), battling for survival. This challenging period changed Holbert’s life forever.

Community Support During the Toughest Times

Holbert and her husband, Jacob Wallace, had no family in New York, but the kindness of local moms made a huge difference. These generous strangers stepped in, offering places to stay, meals, gift cards, and clothes for the struggling couple. Reflecting on this support, Holbert said, “I felt like I could never repay the people who donated to us, shared our story, or cared.”

Finding Her Calling in Nursing

Holbert’s time in the NICU not only gave her a new outlook on life but also inspired her to change careers. She transitioned from a cosmetics saleswoman to a labor and delivery nurse, determined to pay forward the compassion she received. She recently joined Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she assists in Caesarean sections and advocates for women and children.

“I love it,” Holbert said of her new role. “Being in the NICU for months put me ahead in nursing school. It gave me a deeper understanding of patient care that I can now share with others.”

Balancing Family and Career

Balancing nursing school while raising three children wasn’t easy, but Holbert pushed through. She credits her NICU experience for preparing her for the challenges of her career. “It took me some time to finish because being a mom and going to school is not the easiest thing ever,” she admitted with a laugh.

Rosalie, now six years old, is a vibrant big sister to Noah, 4, and Chloe, 2. Holbert, now a single mom, says her oldest daughter still loves to visit New York, the city where their remarkable journey began. The pair visit about once a year to reconnect with the lifelong friends they made during those difficult months.

“She loves to go back,” Holbert said, adding that Rosalie is proud of her roots and often talks about becoming a “baby doctor” one day.

A Story of Gratitude and Resilience

Reflecting on her journey, Holbert shared, “I’m constantly extremely thankful for everything and that would not have been possible if people did not care.”

🤔Nurses, have you had a patient or personal experience that inspired your career path?