Introduction
Alexandra VanAken is a nurse practitioner who cares for patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Alexandra, who goes by Ali, has more than 15 years of experience as a registered nurse, including 13 years of experience in the NICU and five years with the Benefis Mercy Flight Neonatal and Pediatric teams.
Ali’s brother was in the NICU when she was 12 years old, and that experience shaped her career ambitions. She has a thorough understanding of what the families of NICU patients need during their care journeys.
Determining what each family needs and values is Ali’s first step in developing a care plan and strategy that leads to the best possible experience in the NICU.
“I feel fortunate to be part of the journey and have an opportunity to make an impact on the lives of my patients and their loved ones,” she says.
In her free time, Ali enjoys spending time with her family. Her three children are busy with competitive sports, so she is looking forward to connecting with her own hobbies when things slow down someday.
Education
University of Connecticut, Master of Science, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
