Meet Alyssa Veech | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner & Children’s Book Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alyssa Veech and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alyssa, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in a small town just outside of Buffalo, New York. When I was 17 years old, a serious illness landed me in the hospital for two months. The amazing care I received at such a pivotal point in my life inspired me to become a nurse and care for others. Fast-forward to my nursing career in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, when I noticed a profound lack of literature for NICU parents. I was witnessing a real disconnect between new mothers and their sick babies, many of whom describe this period of their lives as being consumed by feelings of helplessness and a drastic loss of control.

I wrote the children’s book “Small But Mighty” as a means of strengthening the bond between mother and NICU baby – a way for mothers to actively participate in the language development of their babies through reading. Having thoroughly enjoyed this creative writing process, I continued to write, and ultimately illustrate, several more books for children. My move to South Florida in the spring of 2021 inspired such books as “Mindy the Manatee” and “Good Morning Jupiter,” which will be available this summer!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I graduated from the University at Buffalo with my BSN in 2012, accepting a job as a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. I fell in love with the NICU and decided to earn my MSN as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner from Stony Brook University (2015). I worked as an NNP in the NICU while continuing my education at the University of Pittsburgh, where I earned my doctoral degree as a Doctor of Nursing Practice (2016). This was an incredibly challenging period of my life as I was working full-time in the NICU, gaining experience as a new nurse practitioner, and going to school full-time for my doctorate. However, my hard work paid off as I was the first Doctor of Nursing Practice employed by my hospital and only at the age of 25. I then went on to receive the 2019 Nurse of Distinction award from my hospital.

An important lesson that I would pass along to others is to choose a career path you are passionate about. Without a strong desire for more knowledge and a true passion for the care of NICU babies, I’m not sure I would have survived all the schooling! I also found it important to foster strong working relationships with those in the NICU community. There is always something new to uncover or a different perspective to consider.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For me, my number one destination is the beach. Growing up near Buffalo, New York, I was always in desperate need for some sunshine and the sound of ocean waves. A trip to the beach would be a priority! I would also share my love for Cuban coffee and a trip to the beautiful Art Deco District. Although I have been to Miami many times, there is SO much more I am excited to explore the longer I live in South Florida.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would love to recognize the NICU at Jupiter Medical Center! I work with an amazing team of nurses and doctors, all dedicate to the care of sick babies. My experience in the NICU is what inspired me to start writing NICU children’s books.

Website: www.alyssaveech.com

Instagram: @authoralyssaveech