Darcie Schroeder, NICU Nurse
Central DuPage Hospital/Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital
Nominated by Jessica Abraham
Darcie is an incredible NICU nurse. Our son, Quinn, was born suddenly at 26 weeks due to HELLP syndrome. Once I was able to visit Quinn, Darcie was introduced to me as Quinn’s primary nurse. The first thing I asked her was if Quinn was in pain. She answered honestly, but kindly. And that was how she always answered my many, many questions – with kindness and honesty. And in an environment like the NICU that was exactly what I needed.
During Quinn’s 110-day stay, he suffered from NEC and several serious infections and we had many frightening days and weeks where his future was uncertain. Darcie was always positive but did not sugar coat the situation. I watched Darcie tend to my son during long 12-hour shifts that she barely had a moment’s rest from. She helped me through so many milestones from the first time I held him at nearly 3 weeks to the day he left the NICU and came home. She gave me confidence to be his mother in a situation that I was scared and panicked in.
Darcie is not only an excellent NICU nurse to the sickest babies, but she also helps parents become advocates for their children in a terrifying situation. Every nurse and doctor Quinn had at CDH treated Quinn with incredible care. I feel incredibly blessed he was born at this hospital and under Darcie’s care.
Quinn is now a nearly 3-year rambunctious boy. He is sweet and wild and funny. He loves attention and knows exactly how to get it. I am so grateful to Darcie for helping me bring my sweet boy home. She is so deserving of this award.