UTMB Galveston nurse recognized in NICU Nurse of the Year Program

University of Texas Medical Branch's Yolanda Leyva has been named one of 10 NICU nurses selected as a finalist in the second annual Nominate a NICU Nurse program.

The initiative was sponsored by national nonprofit organization Project Sweet Peas and 4moms, makers of innovative baby gear, to recognize the contributions of hard-working NICU nurses and other NICU-related caregivers nationwide.

The nurses' co-workers, friends and families of NICU babies nominated their favorite nurses and caregivers with stories about what makes them so special. The winner and finalists were selected based on several factors, including the quality and passion of the nominators, accomplishments of the nurse and the MamaRoo need at their hospital, as well as the number of times they were nominated.

As one of the 10 finalists, Leyva received a swag box and five MamaRoo Swings for UTMB Galveston.

"I was completely surprised and honored to even be nominated," Leyva said. "Reading through all the nominations was truly special. It's nice to be reminded how important the work we all do in the NICU really is to our families, patients and co-workers."

Project Sweet Peas is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization coordinated by volunteers, who through personal experience have become passionate about providing support to families of premature or sick infants and to those who have been affected by pregnancy and infant loss.

The MamaRoo Swing, which features natural, parent-inspired motions, is designed to safely contain and comfort fragile NICU babies when their families can't be there.

"4moms is thrilled to be honoring the incredible work that Yolanda Leyva does at UTMB Galveston Hospital," 4Moms CEO Gary Waters said. "We hope our donation of MamaRoo Swings to the NICU will further help Yolanda and her colleagues with their lifesaving work at UTMB Galveston."