Minnie Zachocki, NICU Nurse
Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital
Nominated by Gina Haverland
There were so many great nurses during our 55 day NICU stay, but Minnie was extra special. She cared for our Ben, who was born at 30 weeks with heart issues. She gave him baths, changed his diapers, & the usual, but also did extra special things – like surprising me when she switched out his Isolette for a crib one morning. A major milestone for a preemie! She also sensed that I was timid in asking things of the doctors, so she would gently encourage and advocate with me. I was also touched by the stories she would tell and advice she would give about caring for our Braveheart Ben. Finally, she always gave me hope by relating her experience of how resilient the NICU babies could be. I never asked for these things, she just knew I needed them. Minnie is caring, empathic, and talented. We will never forget her.