Galen Students Give Back During NICU Reunion Event

For nursing students, the “why” that drives them to care for others is a powerful motivator.

For Jennie Phillips, a Galen College of Nursing student, the decision to become a nurse is rooted in a desire to help and care for young children. Her “why” was recently brought to life when Phillips and three fellow students from Galen’s San Antonio campus volunteered at Methodist Children’s Hospital‘s annual NICU Reunion event.

Phillips, who is finishing her final quarter for her Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) diploma and plans to pursue an associate degree in nursing this fall, said her ultimate goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) but that she wants to work in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at some point.

The NICU Reunion, called “NICUland,” was a Candyland-themed celebration for former patients, their families, and hospital staff.

“We welcomed all past NICU patients, their families and our staff to celebrate their lives and the amazing progress that they’ve made since they started their journey here at Methodist Children’s Hospital,” said Rachel Goldsmith, CEO of Methodist Children’s Hospital. “They saw them at a time when they were in distress, when they were needing help from our team here at Methodist Children’s. Now to see them thriving and having so much fun and laughing with their families is such a beautiful thing.”

Galen nursing students Jennie Phillips, Daniela Esquival, Kyla Remigio, and Taylor Walker helped run games and activities, directed families, and connected with parents who had been impacted by the hospital’s care. Phillips said the experience gave her and her fellow students a glimpse into their futures as nurses.

“It was extremely sweet to see the compassion and the relationships that the parents and the kids had made with the nurses,” Phillips said. “Some of the mothers came in crying because a year ago, they didn’t know if their child would even be here to have this experience, so they were crying because they were overjoyed. That was very touching to me, and that’s something that I want to be a part of.”

Phillips said the path to becoming a nurse is not easy, but opportunities like the NICU reunion show her what she is working toward.

“It definitely helped in a sense that I had the chance to see the bond that those patients and the parents have with those nurses. I know that’s what I’m going to have one day. Everything that I’m going through is all going be worth it in the end. Overall, it was just a great experience.”

This was the 13th year in a row that Methodist Children’s Hospital has hosted the annual NICU Reunion.

Are you are interested in finding your “why” with Galen? Visit our nursing programs page to begin your journey to becoming a nurse.