Erika Nolin, RN, shares the vital role she plays at Mass General for Children, especially in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where she leads holiday-themed photo shoots that create lasting memories for families during some of their most challenging moments. She also reflects on what inspired her to pursue nursing and what sparked the idea behind the NICU photo shoots. What inspired you to get into nursing? "I’ve wanted to be a NICU nurse for as long as I can remember. While I’m not entirely sure where the initial spark came from, I’ve always had a deep love for babies and frequently imagined myself wearing scrubs throughout grade school. I was determined to become the first in my family to graduate from college, and I worked hard to achieve that goal. As I grew older, my desire to pursue a career centered on helping others only grew stronger. I wanted my professional life to hold meaning beyond just financial stability. I hope to make a lasting, positive impact on others while building a future for myself and my family." What led you to start the NICU photo shoots? "No family expects their baby to arrive early or require the level of specialized care that some of our tiniest patients need. It can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. Most NICU stays last weeks, sometimes even months, and the journey is often filled with uncertainty, stress, and hope. Recognizing and celebrating each baby’s milestones, especially their first holidays, provides families with meaningful moments of joy and a sense of normalcy. These celebrations can lift spirits and create lasting memories during a difficult time. My colleague, Mariah, and I were proud to coordinate bringing these photo shoots to life and make them what they are today. It is a privilege to support our patients and families in this way, and our whole team is grateful to celebrate these moments alongside them. It’s a magical experience that I’m really proud to be a part of. The Mass General NICU is a special place." #NursesMonth (fb)

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