NICU Transport Nurse Details Her Job Caring for Infants While Flying in a Helicopter Hundreds of Feet in the Air

Being a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse is demanding under any circumstances — but for Janice Berry, the job often happens hundreds of feet in the air.

Berry works at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., as a NICU transport nurse. Instead of remaining in one unit, she travels by helicopter across the region to pick up critically ill newborns and bring them safely to the hospital.

With 27 years at Children’s National Hospital, Berry spent her first 12 years working inside the NICU before transitioning to transport duty. She told WTOP News that she has logged thousands of helicopter flights throughout the area.

“Thankfully with a helicopter, it really cuts a two-and-a-half-hour driving time down to about 40 minutes,” Berry said.

Each transport begins with a detailed briefing from the pilot, covering aircraft conditions and weather. Berry and her team then prepare specialized equipment, including a portable isolation unit designed for fragile newborns.

“We generally have a basic idea of what’s going on with the baby, what kind of equipment, what size team that we’re going to need for that transport,” she explained. “Sometimes it’s just myself and a paramedic and either the driver or the pilot. Sometimes we’ll need respiratory therapy, and occasionally we’ll bring a doctor with us as well.”

During the flight, Berry’s focus never wavers. Even in turbulent conditions, the team constantly monitors the infant and the environment to ensure safety.

“When we’re on the aircraft, we’re looking out for any potential problems,” she said. “All of us are part of that team that helps keep this patient safe and are able to mitigate those safety concerns.”

After more than a decade working bedside in the NICU, Berry appreciates that transport nursing brings something new every day.

“Since we are based in the NICU, I go out as a children’s nurse, meet the families, talk to them about Children’s National Hospital and the wonderful care that we’re going to give this baby and help to reassure them,” she said. “Because generally, this is not a normal birth plan for anyone to have their child transported right after delivery.”

For Berry, the most rewarding moments come well after the helicopter lands — when she sees the long-term impact of her work.

“I was invited to a first birthday party recently for someone I transported,” she shared. “It was pretty amazing to see that full-circle moment — my little guy doing great.”