NICU transport nurse cares for infants during helicopter flights

According to People, Janice Berry is a neonatal intensive care unit transport nurse at Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C., who cares for infants while flying by helicopter across the region. Berry has worked for the hospital for 27 years, spent 12 years in the NICU before moving to transport work, and told WTOP News she has taken thousands of helicopter flights.

A typical day begins with a pilot briefing on the aircraft and weather and packing a portable isolation box that NICU babies need. Berry said the team generally has a basic idea of the baby's condition, equipment needs and the size of the team required; sometimes it is just her, a paramedic and the driver or pilot, and other times respiratory therapy or a doctor will join. She added that the helicopter can shorten what would be a two-and-a-half hour drive to about 40 minutes.

On board, Berry said the team watches for potential problems and works to mitigate safety concerns in potentially turbulent conditions. Based in the NICU, she meets families before transport to reassure them about the care their baby will receive, and she said one of the most rewarding parts of the job is seeing families thriving later — she was recently invited to a first birthday party for a child she transported.

Key Topics

Health, Janice Berry, Children's National Hospital, Nicu Transport Nurse, Helicopter Transport, Portable Isolation Box