She watched NICU nurses save her baby — years later, she changed her career and became one herself

Christine Parasram, who was born under critical care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), transformed her struggle into a heroic story of service. She worked in the same hospital where she was born and comforted parents with her journey as both a NICU mother and child. At the Flushing Hospital, in Queens, New York, the NICU unit is under the supervision of assistant head nurse Parasram. But this was not always the case. The now-mother of two was once the child who was being watched by nurses working late and taking care of her instead of her mother, as reported by TODAY.com.

Filled with immense gratitude for the nurses who ensured Parasram had another chance at life, she decided to switch lanes in her career and return the kindness she once received back to the world. Moreover, even her motherhood experience revolved around this unit of the hospital when she gave birth to her daughter, Emily, about a decade ago. While she would not be able to recall her emotions as a NICU baby, she, as a mom, vividly remembers the anguish and anxiety of leaving her premature baby with the NICU nurses. “We were anxious. We were nervous. We were scared. It’s just the idea of leaving your baby behind, your most prized possession behind. It was very overwhelming,” she told journalist Jenna Hager Bush. 

Even then, Parasram had not considered turning into a full-time NICU nurse. When her baby returned home safe, she knew that NICU would become a significant part of her life. Speaking of the stress she endured at birth, the mom of two revealed how the nurses held her and gave her hope. “The nurses were amazing. Not only was she their patient, but I was their patient as well,” she continued. “I remember them holding my hand and actually going into the NICU ... crying, and just being so overwhelmed, and them just having me in their arms.” 

Parasram, soon after giving birth to her second child, quit her job as a medical assistant at a dermatologist’s office and signed up for nursing school. It was not a whim, as she was willing to put in all the hard work and time needed to pursue this new career. While she studied for school, she also managed her two kids at home. However, for Parasram, it was “definitely worth it,” drawing from the comfort that the nurses once made her feel. She wanted to provide the same to other struggling families. “And it’s an honor to be able to provide that to someone else.” So, she did, and a grateful mother, like her, came to thank her during her live show at TODAY Plaza on May 8, 2025. 

The energy is tense inside NICU units, parents waiting for their babies to return home safe. When they do, Parasram notes, it helps her realize how “rewarding” her job actually is, despite working odd hours and bearing 12-hour shifts. When a worrying parent catches her attention, she takes the time to tell them her personal journey of hope and resilience to encourage them about a brighter future. Flushing Hospital shared the great work that Parasram's been doing on their Instagram (@flushinghospital).