Nursing faculty member Karen Godard organized volunteer nursing students from the Junior Child and Family Nursing course for the third time to volunteer at the 11th annual Saint Alphonsus Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Graduate Anniversary Party, held Oct. 14 at the Riverside Hotel.
Godard and 13 nursing students, wearing bright maroon Saint Alphonsus T shirts, assisted with the registration of families and graduates, assisted with child themed games, and interacted with infants to school-aged children who enjoyed healthy snacks, played games, decorated cookies, and received goodie bags.
Over 500 people attended the popular and festive event. One hundred twenty families attended with children in their Halloween costumes. In addition to allowing families to reunite with former caregivers, a safety exhibit allowed parents to receive free safety information and a bike helmet for their growing graduate.
The Boise State volunteers allowed the professional nursing and medical staff much needed time to visit with the families and graduates, which the staff and families appreciated. The staff has invited Godard to bring another Boise State volunteer crew next year.