Vanessa Defayette, a nurse at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, was among 10 nurses who were scheduled to be recognized at Fenway Park May 23 during Red Sox Nurse Appreciation Night. Defayette, who works in the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, was nominated for the honor by colleague Christine Moon.
“Vanessa is a wife, mother and amazing NICU nurse,” Moon said. “She uses humor to lighten everyone around her and demonstrates compassion with parents and loving care of their infants in the NICU.
Defayette, who has been a NICU nurse for nearly 20 years, joined UVM Children’s Hospital’s NICU team full-time in 2022. She has gained a reputation at the hospital as a tireless advocate for patients and families who goes above and beyond every shift.