We are delighted to shine a spotlight on an extraordinary member of our nursing team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware: Nicole Fonseca, RN. Join us in extending our appreciation to Nicole and celebrating her remarkable journey from being a clerk in the PICU to a registered nurse on 2West, showcasing her commitment to pediatric care and her deep-rooted passion for making a difference in the lives of children and families.
Nicole’s path to nursing was unconventional, but it was driven by her passion for caring for others, particularly children. “I was an aide/clerk and was completely content in that role for over 15 years. I had attempted multiple times to go back to school, but being a mom of three small children, the timing just never seemed right.”
Nicole’s journey to Nemours Children’s began in 1998 and was influenced by her sister: “My sister worked in the inpatient pharmacy and would talk about her experiences here and all the children she saw daily. This ignited my desire to want to work with children in the healthcare environment. I consistently looked on the Nemours website for job listings I could apply for. A position as a filing clerk in the Medical Records department was posted, and I applied. I was determined to get my foot in the doors here at Nemours. I finally was able to schedule an interview, and my Nemours journey began!”
Following her time as a filing clerk in medical records, she pursued various roles throughout Nemours Children’s, including as a nursing assistant on 3C South and as a night shift clerk in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). During her time in the PICU, Nicole witnessed the impact of nursing care, igniting her desire to pursue a nursing degree.
“I had been working in the PICU as a clerk for some time. In my role, I was able to work side-by-side with the RNs and doctors on the PICU team, watching and assisting with bedside procedures and care, every day becoming more and more ‘hands-on’ with patient care. I also spent many shifts sitting with patients, getting to know them and their families on more personal levels and becoming more essential to their daily routines and cares. In doing this, I saw the amazing work being done by the RNs and the difference they make every day in the lives of these children. I began to realize that I wanted to do the same.”
Despite the challenges of balancing work, education, and family, Nicole’s determination prevailed. “In 2015, we had a patient with a trach vent that required a sitter at the bedside around the clock. We had been sitting with him for months, and one day, while I was sitting with him, he required a level of care that I was not qualified to give. I called for the appropriate staff members to come to the bedside, and while I waited, it was at these moments that I decided that I needed to go to school and pursue my nursing degree so I could help in times like these. I wanted the knowledge and training necessary to care for my patients on a higher level.”
Supported by her family and colleagues, Nicole persevered, successfully earning her nursing degree and stepping into her role with a renewed sense of purpose. “With the support of my amazing family and wonderful Nemours team, I was able to complete my degree while continuing to work full-time in the PICU. I graduated in 2019 and was offered a position on 2West as an RN in the New Grad Program. In May of 2019, I became a licensed RN. I was ready to live out my purpose here at Nemours. I am currently working on 2 West as a bedside RN and, in the last year, Charge RN.”
Nicole finds immense fulfillment through her work: “I love that every time I walk through the doors here at Nemours, I get to live out my purpose. I love that we work together to serve and care for the children in our community and that I get to be a part of it all. I love the support that Nemours gives me to pursue my dreams in healthcare. The encouragement and support I have received from my colleagues and upper management over the years has gotten me to where I am today. Nemours is my home, and I love being a part of the Nemours Children’s Health family.” She values the support and encouragement from the leadership team, which has helped her advance in her career and pursue her healthcare dreams. “Nemours offers many opportunities to further my education and the support to help me through. Nemours is a great place to work, and the leadership team here is extremely supportive of helping its nurses climb the clinical ladder.”
One of Nicole’s most cherished memories at Nemours revolves around a long-term patient who had never experienced the outdoors despite being over 2 years old. With the appropriate measures taken, proper emergency equipment gathered, and the support of the PICU team, including respiratory and nursing staff, they made it possible for him to venture outside to the Healing Garden at the hospital in Delaware. Witnessing the child’s awe and joy as he interacted with nature for the first time left an indelible mark on Nicole, reinforcing her commitment to compassionate patient care.
“It was warm and sunny with a light breeze the day we took him out. I can remember him squinting and trying to figure out how to adjust his eyes to the brightness of the sun. He reached out his hand, and the sun shined in his palm. I watched in awe as he closed his hands multiple times, as if to grab the sun out of the sky. Watching this little boy experience the world for the first time and the joy that it brought to everyone involved, especially him, was a moment I will forever cherish. Moments like these and patients like him are my WHY! This was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever witnessed.” This heartwarming experience epitomizes the extraordinary lengths the Nemours team goes to ensure the well-being and happiness of their patients and their families.
It is with great gratitude that we highlight Nicole Fonseca, RN, at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware. Join us in expressing our appreciation to Nicole and all the nurses who tirelessly dedicate themselves to the well-being of others.
