Hooper '26 Shares Impactful Experiences as a NICU Nurse
September 11, 2024By Fatima Magana '22
ALLIANCE — In celebration of National Neonatal Nurse Week (September 14-20), which recognizes the exceptional nurses who care for babies and children, the University of Mount Union is proud to highlight the important work of one of its own, Cassie Hooper ’26.
Hooper currently works as a nursing assistant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at University Hospital's Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and helps care for children at Akron Children’s Hospital in their pediatric oncology unit.
“I began working in the NICU unit at Rainbow Children’s in July of 2023, learning from nurses and bonding with the babies,” said Hooper. “[Though], as a middle schooler, I interacted with nurses at Akron Children’s Hospital, which inspired me to follow in their footsteps.”
Hooper explains that she has learned from both of her roles, as each involves using the skillset she developed in Mount Union's nursing program. While she helps care for critically ill babies at Rainbow and aids in their recoveries, she has also learned about how blood transfusions happen as part of her work at Akron Children's and has built strong bonds with coworkers at both hospitals.
“While both units can be stressful, NICU provides a more stimulating experience, and pediatric oncology requires a long-term commitment,” said Hooper. “It can be difficult seeing the things I have seen; therefore, it is important to take time to reflect and do things that make me happy.”
Hooper '26 preparing to care for babies in need of special care.
Hooper in a lab at Mount Union.
Hooper learning to care for a child in a lab.
Hooper '26 applying her skills in a lab.
Hooper '26 tending to a baby's needs during a lab
As she reflects on her journey as a nursing student, Hooper explains that if she were to meet herself from her freshman year, she would advise her not to stress about courses and a job because within a year, as a sophomore, she was working her dream job in the NICU unit.
“My favorite memory was [interacting with] a 12-year-old with a new cancer diagnosis when I complemented the bracelets she was making,” said Hooper. “Within minutes, I walked by again, and she handed me a bracelet; I was excited that she thought to make me a bracelet, and I carry the bracelet on my badge.”
Whether she is caring for a baby in the NICU or gaining hands-on experience as a nurse technician, Hooper has not only learned valuable lessons but has also impacted the lives of her patients just as they have impacted her life. Working with babies and young children early on in her collegiate experience has determined the path Hooper's career will take upon graduation as she hopes to continue working with this group of patients long-term as a nurse.
Learn how you can invest time to lead your career as a nurse at Mount Union.