With the emergency team activated, they faced the challenge together, leaning on one another through long hours and uncertainty. What could have been a hardship became a lasting memory, a moment that brought them even closer. 

Chelsea, a nursing supervisor and charge nurse, said, “We activated our emergency teams for snow, which is wild here in New Orleans. We ended up staying in the hospital for four days. After a long day, we all went across the street to the levee and went sledding as a team. It was such a good outlet and bonding moment. It’s something we’ll never forget.”

That spirit reflects the kind of care and connection that defines the CVICU team at Ochsner Children’s. This is a place where a strong culture of collaboration fuels extraordinary care. Here, some of the most critically ill children receive care from a team of nurses whose skill, compassion and teamwork are unmatched.

Nurses Chelsea, Dani, and Bria share what makes this unit exceptional: a shared love for pediatric care and a culture of trust, growth and strong teamwork.

Why pediatrics?

For nursing supervisor Chelsea, it was the variety and depth of pediatric care that drew her in.

“I really love the diverse population that we take care of and the age range we get to care for,” Chelsea said. “I actually thought I wanted to work in the neonatal intensive care unit at first, but I instantly fell in love with this unit. It’s given me so much exposure to new diagnoses and skills.”

Bria, who began her journey as a nurse tech before becoming an RN, was drawn to the emotional connection that pediatric care offers.

“In pediatrics, there’s an extra layer,” Bria said. “You have children who are scared, crying, and tired. It adds that extra component. You’re there to comfort and care.”

For Dani, a bedside nurse, charge nurse, and preceptor, pediatric nursing is the perfect blend of her passions for hands-on care and education.

“Every day I come to work, I get to step into the medical side of things by using my skills, critical thinking and being hands-on,” Dani said. “But I also get to teach. I educate not just my patients and their families but also other nurses.”

From new nurse to mentor

Bria’s journey from nurse tech to RN shows how much this team supports growth.

“I feel like the transition from being a nurse tech to being a new nurse on this unit was so smooth,” Bria said. “As a tech, I was welcomed in and taught so much. So, when I became a nurse, that transition was a lot easier for me.”

Now, she’s looking forward to giving back.

“Something I’m really excited about is becoming a mentor myself in the coming years,” Bria said. “I’ve had so many amazing mentors here, and I want to pay it forward.”

Dani sees that same potential in every new nurse who joins the team.

“If you’re looking to grow as a nurse, this is the perfect place for you,” Dani said. “We’ll help you build your skills and become a well-rounded nurse. And I can promise you, the team will come together to support you.”

A team that celebrates together

The Pediatric CVICU team doesn’t just work together, they celebrate together. From crawfish boils and holiday brunches to a full-blown Halloween celebration, they find joy in being a team.

“For Halloween, the entire pediatric hospital has a big party,” Dani said. “Both the PICU and the pediatric floor decorate. We pick a theme, make all our decorations ourselves and everyone dresses up. We even do trick-or-treating with the kids on the unit. It’s such a special time, and it’s something that is truly unique to our unit.”

Find your place. Find your people.

Thinking about your next move, Bria says it best. Her journey to Ochsner Children’s Hospital is a testament to the power of culture, connection and care. 

“As someone who isn’t originally from New Orleans, I can tell you the culture here is amazing. As soon as I got my job at Ochsner, it solidified everything for me—my desire to be here, to be in New Orleans and to be part of this team. This unit feels different from other places. It feels like a home away from home. Everyone is so supportive. We celebrate each other’s highs and are there for each other during the lows. It’s not just about coming to work and leaving. It’s about being present and part of something bigger. That’s why I’d encourage you to come work here.”

Join the Pediatric CVICU team at Ochsner Children’s Hospital.