Stephanie Russell, NICU Nurse
Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital
Nominated by Jessica Taylor

"I am honored to nominate Stephanie for the Jackson Chance Owl Give Award because she represents the very best of what it means to care for a NICU baby and the family who loves him.

Our son spent 92 days in the NICU, and we had the privilege of working with Stephanie most weekends during the second half of his stay. During that time, she became a source of comfort, encouragement, and genuine positivity for our family. She was simply wonderful.

One of our greatest challenges was our son’s struggle with oral feedings. As his NICU stay stretched on, we were preparing ourselves for the possibility of taking him home on a feeding tube. It was a difficult and emotional reality to face. Stephanie graciously supported us through that uncertainty and worked collaboratively with our family and our outside lactation consultant, who was able to visit our son in the NICU. She was knowledgeable, resourceful, open-minded, and incredibly respectful of everyone involved in his care.

What stands out most to us, however, was Stephanie’s authentic positivity. Her bedside manner was consistently warm and compassionate not only with our son, but with us. She had a way of making difficult days feel a little lighter. She celebrated the small victories, encouraged us when we were discouraged, and always made us feel that our son was more than a patient. He was a little person she genuinely cared about. We were also continually amazed by the generosity Stephanie brought to her work. With a little one of her own at home, she was working full-time caring for other people’s babies while simultaneously taking classes to continue her own education. I honestly don't know how she continues to pour so much of herself into others with such class, grace, and kindness. Yet somehow, she does.

Stephanie reminded us that exceptional nursing is about so much more than clinical knowledge. It is about showing up with patience when someone is exhausted. It is about offering encouragement when hope feels fragile. It is about treating a family with dignity and compassion while caring for their most precious person.

Our son’s 92-day NICU journey was one of the most difficult experiences our family has ever faced. We will forever be thankful that Stephanie was part of it. Her kindness, positivity, knowledge, and unwavering support left an impression on our family that will last far beyond our time in the NICU. Stephanie didn’t just care for our son. She cared for all of us, and we will always be grateful.”