A Team Culture Rooted in Care:
Inside the Ochsner Baptist Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Featuring: Ally L., Registered Nurse
Location: Ochsner Baptist
Working in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) takes more than clinical skill. It takes heart, quick decisions and a team you trust completely.
For more than a decade, Ally L. has spent her days alongside the nurses and families of the Ochsner Baptist NICU. Today, as a registered nurse supervisor, she leads with a deep understanding of what it means to be at the bedside and what teams need to support one another.
Ally began her nursing career in medical-surgical care, where she developed the strong time management skills that still guide her today in a high acuity environment.
“I started my career journey as a nurse in the med surg unit, which really gave me strong time management skills that I’ve been able to apply here in the NICU,” Ally said.
In the fast-paced world of neonatal intensive care, where clinical excellence and emotional support go hand in hand, Ally brings that foundation to her leadership every day. She believes culture is built intentionally through trust, collaboration and showing up for one another shift after shift.
Teamwork That Shows Up Every Day
In the Ochsner Baptist NICU, teamwork is more than a value. It’s what carries the unit through every shift.
Nurses, providers and support staff work side by side, especially in high stakes moments when trust and clear communication matter most.
“I think our culture is something that we’re really intentional about here in the NICU,” Ally said.
That intention shows up in the way the team supports one another. Help is not something you have to ask for. Team members instinctively step in, creating a space where nurses know they are never working alone.
“You never have to ask for help here,” Ally said. “Instead of asking do you need help, people say how can I help you.”
From everyday admissions to more critical moments, teamwork is always visible. The team moves together, caring for patients while making sure families feel supported, heard and truly part of the journey.
Support that Feels Personal
The close-knit culture of the Baptist NICU goes far beyond the work itself. Relationships built on the unit often turn into real life friendships, creating a deep sense of connection and belonging.
Ally experienced that support firsthand during her own health challenges over the past few years.
“If it wasn’t for my work family, I don’t know how I would have gotten through that,” she said. “People just shower you with meals and prayers and cards and gifts. We’re just a family.”
That experience continues to influence how Ally leads, reinforcing her belief in caring for one another as people, not just colleagues.
Investing in Nurse Growth and Leadership
Growth is a natural part of life in the Baptist NICU. Nurses are encouraged to keep learning, expand their skills and explore leadership opportunities within the unit they already call home.
After starting as a bedside nurse in the NICU, Ally stepped into roles as a preceptor and later a charge nurse. Each role offered new perspective and helped her develop as a leader.
“I really liked the charge nurse role,” Ally said. “It exposed me to a lot of different things, like high-risk deliveries and managing the big picture.”
Professional development in the NICU goes beyond job titles. Nurses are actively involved in committees and work groups focused on improving care and advancing practice. Ochsner also supports continued learning through certifications and opportunities to attend conferences.
“We bring the insights back, talk about what we learned and then incorporate that into our everyday practice,” Ally said.
Guiding the Team with Clear Intention
As a leader, Ally is focused on helping nurses feel supported, appreciated and confident as they grow in their roles.
“What motivates me as a leader is just continuing our pursuit of excellence,” she said.
Through strong teamwork, opportunities to grow and a culture of genuine support, the Ochsner Baptist NICU remains a place where nurses can build meaningful, lasting careers while making a real difference for patients and their families.
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If you thrive in high acuity, fast paced environments, value genuine connection and believe in a family centered approach to care, the Ochsner Baptist Neonatal Intensive Care Unit may be the perfect fit for you.
Discover your next nursing opportunity with Ochsner Health today.