Image from Together is Better by Simon Sinek
As a kid, did you want to grow up and help people? Maybe make the world a better place? If so, take a deep breath and realize you’re living your dream. That might make you laugh if you’re reading this as you run into the hospital before dawn, or as you rush out at the end of the day, late once again.
Hear me out.
Shed all the RVUs and stress for a moment and realize that lives are better because of you. You, as neonatal therapists, are more powerful than you know.
The more we grow as a group, the more I realize how much our unique perspective is needed in the NICU. Not just needed, but elemental. As much as we may think others see things the way we see them, it’s just not true. We complement existing knowledge and add facets to research and bedside care that no one else can.
Of course, therapists have worked in the NICU all along (some of our Members have 40+ years of experience) – but finally building a united voice on such a strong foundation is leading us toward an even brighter future.
Dr. Jenene Craig, one of the incoming co-chairs for NANT 11, said it best after attending her first NANT Conference years ago, “I’m so glad I’m alive to see this.”
When I witness your passion, knowledge, and drive, I know we are on the verge of something more amazing than we can envision.
Ten years in, it feels like elation, excitement, growth, and connectedness all in one. It feels like a movement to improve global neurodevelopmental outcomes driven by a collaborative and supportive community. It feels like a mission.
I can’t wait to see how you continue to change the world.
One tiny life at a time.
