Chronicling The NICU JoURNEY
The Tides of Hope program allows families and loved ones to chronicle their child’s unique and emotional journey through the neonatal intensive care unit. Administered by NICU staff, each bead added to the Tides of Hope necklace represents an obstacle overcome or a milestone met.
Upon graduation from the NICU, the final bead to embellish the necklace is a freshwater pearl. Much like the infant, this pearl was once a tiny grain of sand that slowly and patiently developed into a beautiful, precious gem.
14,000 Families Impacted
“My Tides of Hope necklace makes me feel so proud of my son”
“With my necklace, I can keep my daughter with me every second of the day”
”It provides an unspoken bond with the other parents”
HoSPITAL IMPACT
“Over the past seven years, Tides of Hope has not only enhanced the overall family experience in our unit, it has provided a wonderfully special remembrance of the milestones, challenges and joys unique to each family's journey”
Susan Ryckman, Former VP Operations & Chief Nurse Executive, Golisano Children's Hospital
BOND with PATIENTS
Provides meaningful touch-points between family & caregiver
DEMONSTRATE EMPATHY
Shows compassion for not just the child but for the parents
Patient Satisfaction
Serves as key contributor to overall patient satisfaction
A nurse at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida is using her focus on newborns in need and a passion for jewelry design to help infants and families cope with being in the facility's neonatal intensive care unit…