Did you know... According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 10 infants born in the U.S. is admitted to a NICU- that's about 400,000 babies every year.  Welcome to this week's episode of the All One Nurse podcast. In this episode, Nurse Shenell interviews Ashley O'Neil, FNP-C, who shares her inspiring nursing journey, the challenges she faced in nursing school, and her experiences as a NICU mom. Ashley discusses the importance of mental health, coping strategies, and how her personal experiences have shaped her approach to patient-centered care. She emphasizes the need for advocacy and support for NICU families and highlights her podcast, children's book, and Guide, which are aimed at helping others navigate similar journeys. Takeaways Ashley always wanted to help people from a young age. She faced significant challenges during her accelerated nursing program. Mental health is crucial for nurses, especially during tough times. Coping strategies include therapy and goal-focused approaches. Ashley emphasizes the importance of advocacy for NICU families. Her experiences have shaped her approach to patient care. She created a podcast to support NICU families. Ashley wrote a children's book about her NICU experience. It's important to document your baby's journey in the NICU. Taking it one day at a time is essential for healing.   Enjoyed this episode? Leave a positive 5⭐ review!  Mentioned in this episode:  Connect with Ashley O'Neil, FNP-C, on the following: Website: It's a NICU World!  Purchase Now:  It's a NICU World Book on Amazon| https://a.co/d/3V2Ts2u ️It's a NICU World: Your Guide During Your Baby's NICU Stay | https://a.co/d/i3lQJfR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askanicumamapodcast2024/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090593168796 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@journeytohealing2016 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-o-neil-msn-crnp-fnp-c-684186128/ ️Tune in & subscribe to Ask A NICU Mama podcast here⬇️⬇️⬇️   On Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-a-nicu-mama-podcast/id1734994752 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1AFP5jFTCrpmXwt4fA94Bu?si=0b31d1f28a04403e Should everyone in the Nursing Community hear this message? Refer Shenell Thompkins on the Nurse Converse podcast here: ➡️ Nurse Converse Podcast Survey. Let’s CONNECT! Stay connected with Shenell Thompkins, your host of All One Nurse! TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@all_one_nurse Instagram: