Robin Wolfe
December 2025
Robin
Wolfe
,
BSN, RN
NICU
Advocate Children's Hospital
Oak Lawn
,
IL
United States
The night was filled with twists and turns, yet Robin remained a steady presence—educating, supporting, and delivering exceptional care.
One of the first lessons we learn as nurses is that a patient can be perfectly stable from 7:00 to 6:30, but when that clock strikes 6:30 (AM or PM), if something is going to go wrong, that’s when it happens. These moments reveal the true character of our coworkers, and the ones who will ride the wave with you through the chaos of report shine.
This past month, I had the privilege of giving and receiving reports from one of our highly respected night-shift nurses, Robin. On my first shift, Robin greeted me calmly, coolly, and collected, yet quickly shared the challenges of her night—especially since 6:30 AM. Throughout the night, our patient had maintained stable sats and pressures, but as morning approached, he was requiring increased support in multiple aspects of care. Robin’s report was thorough, thoughtful, and specific, but what stood out most was the humility and compassion with which she spoke about the family, who were slowly coming to terms with their newborn’s critical condition.
My own shift proved to be physically and emotionally demanding, and by evening, I was counting down the minutes to 7:00 pm. But, of course, at 6:30, the situation escalated again. Robin came by to check on the patient before shift change. An orientee and preceptor had been assigned to provide learning and development. Instead of being relieved to have an easier night, Robin volunteered to precept in order to allow for that desired education, but also to provide continuity of care for the family.
Robin immediately jumped into action. Amidst the chaos, she recognized that this mother had not yet held her two-day-old baby. Robin made it her top priority to create that moment safely. We didn’t know how long this baby would live, but Robin refused to wait until the last possible moment. She initiated that bond early, offering the family a memory of love and connection in the midst of uncertainty.
The night was filled with twists and turns, yet Robin remained a steady presence—educating, supporting, and delivering exceptional care. She translated complex medical information into compassionate, understandable language for the family, creating calm in the storm. Robin guided them through the most difficult night of their lives with grace, empathy, and skill.
Robin was incredible that night—and every night. I am honored to work alongside her and learn from her, even when we’re on different shifts.
This past month, I had the privilege of giving and receiving reports from one of our highly respected night-shift nurses, Robin. On my first shift, Robin greeted me calmly, coolly, and collected, yet quickly shared the challenges of her night—especially since 6:30 AM. Throughout the night, our patient had maintained stable sats and pressures, but as morning approached, he was requiring increased support in multiple aspects of care. Robin’s report was thorough, thoughtful, and specific, but what stood out most was the humility and compassion with which she spoke about the family, who were slowly coming to terms with their newborn’s critical condition.
My own shift proved to be physically and emotionally demanding, and by evening, I was counting down the minutes to 7:00 pm. But, of course, at 6:30, the situation escalated again. Robin came by to check on the patient before shift change. An orientee and preceptor had been assigned to provide learning and development. Instead of being relieved to have an easier night, Robin volunteered to precept in order to allow for that desired education, but also to provide continuity of care for the family.
Robin immediately jumped into action. Amidst the chaos, she recognized that this mother had not yet held her two-day-old baby. Robin made it her top priority to create that moment safely. We didn’t know how long this baby would live, but Robin refused to wait until the last possible moment. She initiated that bond early, offering the family a memory of love and connection in the midst of uncertainty.
The night was filled with twists and turns, yet Robin remained a steady presence—educating, supporting, and delivering exceptional care. She translated complex medical information into compassionate, understandable language for the family, creating calm in the storm. Robin guided them through the most difficult night of their lives with grace, empathy, and skill.
Robin was incredible that night—and every night. I am honored to work alongside her and learn from her, even when we’re on different shifts.