Nurse Born Premature Now Works in the Hospital System Where She Was a Patient
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a place of both hope and heartache, where the tiniest and most vulnerable patients receive round-the-clock care. For Savannah Westfall, a nurse and clinical supervisor in the NICU at Phoenix Children's Hospital, the experience of caring for these fragile infants is deeply personal. Her unique perspective, shaped by her own premature birth, offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by families with babies in intensive care.
A Personal Connection to NICU Care
Savannah Westfall's journey in neonatal care at Phoenix Children's Good Samaritan began long before her nursing career. Born prematurely at 28 weeks gestation, Westfall experienced firsthand the critical care provided in the NICU. This early start in life has profoundly influenced her approach to patient care and family support in her professional role.
Her early struggles inspired her career. "For me, it kind of comes full circle," she said. "It’s an incredible opportunity that I’ve been blessed with."
The emotional impact of having a child in the NICU is something Westfall understands intimately. She recalls that her own mother was unable to hold her for an extended period after birth, a common experience for parents of premature infants. This personal history allows Westfall to empathize deeply with the families she encounters in her work, as she recognizes the fear, uncertainty, and emotional turmoil they face.
Westfall sees her work as more than a job—it’s a calling. "It’s nice to be able to give those families that feeling of hope that things do work out," she said. "I like to provide them with that reassurance that it takes a village and now we’re a part of your village."
Her dedication is unwavering: "I’ll never leave the NICU. This is where I’m meant to be, and this is where I’ll stay."
Savannah’s journey from premature infant to NICU nurse and clinical supervisor exemplifies the power of personal experience in shaping professional practice. Her unique perspective allows her to provide compassionate, empathetic care to both the tiny patients in her charge and their worried families.
