Celebrating Sarah Walder: A Beacon of Compassion in the NICU
9/6/2023
Sarah Walder, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Aspirus Wausau Hospital
In the realm of health
care, few callings are as noble as that of a nurse. Their unwavering
dedication, empathy, and commitment to healing make them the backbone of
medical care. Sarah Walder, a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner at Aspirus Wausau
Hospital (AWH), stands as a shining example of this noble profession. As we
celebrate American Medical Association’s Women in Medicine Month, we have the
privilege to spotlight her remarkable journey and the immeasurable impact she
has made in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Sarah's journey into
nursing was paved with a burning desire to make a difference in the lives of
others. "I became a nurse because I knew I wanted to take care of people.
I knew I wanted to make a difference," she shares, radiating the passion
that fuels her every day. However, it was a personal experience that led her to
specialize in the NICU and solidify her commitment.
The pivotal moment
that changed her trajectory was the birth of her oldest daughter, who was
diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia. Witnessing her child's struggle and the
crucial care she received in the NICU in Milwaukee not only strengthened
Sarah's resolve but also planted the seeds for her to become a beacon of hope
for families facing similar challenges.
The heart of Sarah's
work lies in the NICU, where she tirelessly cares for the tiniest of patients.
"The best part of my job is probably just taking care of a really sick
baby and then seeing them go home when everything's all done," she reflects
with a warm smile. Her own experience as a mother of a NICU baby gives her a
unique perspective, enabling her to connect with parents in profound ways. She
understands the rollercoaster of emotions, the hopes and fears, that accompany
NICU parents' journeys.
Amid the tender
moments of triumph, there are also heart-wrenching challenges. Sarah shares
that one of the most difficult aspects is witnessing parents unable to take
their babies home immediately. Yet, through her compassion and unwavering
support, she guides them through the uncertainty, offering solace and
understanding in their most vulnerable moments. The joy of seeing a child
thrive and finally go home stands as a testament to her dedication.
For those who aspire
to tread the noble path of medicine, Sarah offers sage advice: "Never give
up, keep trying, keep moving forward." Her journey exemplifies resilience
and determination in the face of challenges. Beyond the scrubs and stethoscope,
she believes that being a neonatal nurse practitioner is an intrinsic part of
who she is, shaping her identity and guiding her purpose.
“Being a neonatal
nurse is who I am, not just what I do,” says Sarah.
As we celebrate Women
in Medicine Month, let us applaud Sarah Walder for her compassion, dedication,
and the profound impact she brings to the lives she touches. Her journey,
marked by personal experience and an unyielding commitment to her profession, embodies
the spirit of women in medicine who inspire and elevate the world of
healthcare.
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