By Zoe Walsh, zwalsh@iuhealth.org, Communications intern for the IU Health Metro Region
NICU nurse Jonah Jerrils found his passion for patient care after discovering he loved working directly with people. At IU Health North, he’s motivated by helping vulnerable infants grow stronger and finds his role deeply rewarding.
Finding the right path in healthcare can take time, and sometimes it leads somewhere unexpected. For Jonah Jerrils, a registered nurse in the Riley Children’s Health Neonatal Intensive Care unit (NICU) at IU Health North, discovering a passion for patient-facing care has been a meaningful part of his journey.
During his undergraduate years, Jerrils worked in a pharmacy, where he realized how much he enjoyed face-to-face interaction with patients. Encouragement from a friend helped steer him toward nursing, ultimately bringing him to IU Health North, a place where the team has made a lasting impact on him.
“The people are excellent to work with. I feel like we all get along for the most part and support each other as best we can,” he says.
Working with infants and watching them grow stronger is what motivates Jerrils each day.
“It's just nice to take care of a patient population that, on their own, can't do anything for themselves. So, it’s just really rewarding to see them grow and get healthy,” he explains.
As a registered nurse in the unit, Jerrils supports newborns and their families in many ways, doing everything from bottle feeding and diaper changes to helping parents take care of their baby. While some days can be challenging, the reward is worth it.
“It’s a very rewarding role,” he says.
Looking for a career where your compassion makes a lasting impact? Explore nursing careers at IU Health. Visit iuhealth.org/careers.
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