In this week's episode, Cara is joined by Katrina Mullen, RN, to discuss her extraordinary journey of taking custody of her patient, Shariya, and her newborn triplets. Katrina recounts the emotional moment she was asked to step in, sharing her extensive background as a neonatal nurse with over 25 years of experience. She vividly describes the challenging conditions the triplets faced, born prematurely during the pandemic, and her initial interactions with their young mother, Shariya. Katrina delves into how she became the primary nurse for the triplets, building a trusting relationship with Shariya, who often felt alone and overwhelmed. A critical moment arose when one of the triplets needed urgent medical attention, prompting Katrina to take Shariya and the babies into her home. The episode also highlights Shariya's incredible resilience, her early graduation from high school, and her aspirations for the future.
Guest Overview
Katrina Mullen, RN is a seasoned neonatal intensive care nurse with more than 25 years of experience providing expert care to thousands of premature and critically ill infants across several hospitals. In addition to her professional dedication, she is a devoted single mother to five sons, the adoptive mother of a former teen patient, and a proud grandmother—affectionately known as “LaLa”—to triplet grandchildren born at just 26 weeks. Katrina’s unique blend of clinical excellence and personal experience offers a compassionate, deeply informed perspective in the care of NICU families.
Key Podcast Takeaways
- 00:00:22 - Katrina Mullen recounts the moment she was asked to take custody of Shariya and her triplets, highlighting the urgency and emotional weight of the situation.
- 00:03:39 - Katrina shares her background as a neonatal nurse and her deep connection to caring for babies, emphasizing her experience and dedication over 25 years.
- 00:07:12 - Katrina describes the challenging conditions of the triplets when they were born prematurely at 26 weeks during the pandemic, and her initial interactions with their young mother.
- 00:10:52 - Katrina explains how she became a primary nurse for the triplets and developed a trusting relationship with Shariya, who was often alone and overwhelmed.
- 00:15:34 - Katrina details the critical moment when one of the triplets, Samari, needed urgent medical attention, leading her to take Shariya and the babies into her home.
- 00:27:06 - Shariya's journey of resilience and growth is highlighted, including her early graduation from high school and her aspirations for the future, despite the challenges of being a young mother.
