Nikki Estess, a nurse at UPH, talks to a camera off-screen in front of a watercolor background. She wears a grey sweatshirt with the company's logo on top.
Nikki Estess, a nurse at UPH, talks to a camera off-screen in front of a watercolor background. She wears a grey sweatshirt with the company's logo on top.
Nikki Estess, a nurse at UPH, talks to a camera off-screen in front of a watercolor background. She wears a grey sweatshirt with the company's logo on top.

A Calling to Care: Why Nurses Choose Unique Pediatric Hearts

Our Team
Feb 3, 2026

A Calling to Care: Why Nurses Choose Unique Pediatric Hearts

At Unique Pediatric Hearts (UPH), nursing is more than a job; it’s a calling rooted in compassion, connection, and whole-family care. As we focus on nurse recruitment in Georgia, we’re proud to highlight what truly sets UPH apart: the people behind the care and the heart that drives our mission every single day.

Founded by nurse and owner Emily Swift, UPH provides pediatric home care services in Georgia, including skilled nursing, personal support services, school and therapy support, and respite care. Beyond the services themselves, UPH has built a culture where nurses feel supported, valued, and empowered to do meaningful, life-changing work.

Nursing With Purpose, Every Day

For Nikki Estess, a registered nurse who has been with UPH for more than five years, no two workdays look the same. Her role goes far beyond clinical tasks and into the heart of family-centered care.

Each day, Nikki provides hands-on nursing care while also educating and supporting families. As she explains, “a lot of what we do is family-based. We take care of the entire family, not just the patient.” At UPH, nurses care for the entire family unit, not just the patient. This approach allows nurses to build trust, form lasting relationships, and become a consistent, reassuring presence in the home.

Over time, that consistency turns into connection. Nurses often become familiar faces that children look forward to seeing, creating a sense of comfort and safety that is essential in pediatric home care.

The Reward of Connection

Pediatric home care nursing requires patience, skill, and compassion, but the emotional rewards are unmatched. Nurses frequently walk into homes during difficult moments and have the opportunity to completely change the tone of a child’s day.

A nurse’s presence can turn discomfort into calm and uncertainty into trust. Knowing that someone dependable is there for them helps children and families feel supported rather than alone. These moments of connection are what transform pediatric nursing jobs into deeply fulfilling careers.

Finding the Right Fit in Pediatric Home Care

Like many nurses, Nikki initially questioned whether pediatric home care nursing would be the right fit. Caring for children with complex diagnoses can be emotionally challenging, and it takes a special kind of heart.

Once immersed in the role, however, the joy and meaning quickly became clear. “The children brighten up my day,” Nikki says, reflecting on the moments that make even challenging days worthwhile. The smiles, small victories, and everyday moments of connection outweigh the difficult days. At UPH, nurses see firsthand how their care directly impacts a child’s quality of life.

We believe the strongest nurses bring both clinical excellence and compassionate care to their work. Skills can be taught, but heart cannot.

A Team That Feels Like Family

One of the biggest reasons nurses stay with UPH is the support system behind them. 

Nurses are never left to navigate challenges alone. Leadership is accessible, responsive, and deeply invested in both nurse well-being and patient outcomes. “It feels like a small family,” Nikki shares. “I always get the support I need. I know I can pick up the phone and say, ‘Hey, I have this going on,’ and I’ll get an answer right away.”

The UPH team works closely together, collaborating and problem-solving to ensure families receive the best possible care. That close collaboration creates a tight-knit environment where nurses feel heard, respected, and supported.

Why Nurses Choose UPH

Nurses who thrive at UPH are those seeking meaningful nursing careers, a relationship-driven work environment, and a family-centered approach to pediatric care. They value teamwork, supportive leadership, and the opportunity to make a genuine difference in the lives of children and their families.

Across the organization, nurses share a common feeling of purpose and fulfillment, arriving each day excited about the impact they are able to make.

Join the UPH Family

If you’re a nurse searching for more than just a shift and looking for purpose, connection, and a place where your compassion truly matters, UPH’s nursing careers may be the home you’ve been looking for. We are always seeking nurses with skill, empathy, and heart to join our growing team across Georgia.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Contact Unique Pediatric Hearts to learn more about pediatric nursing jobs in Georgia and discover how you can make a lasting impact in the lives of children and families, one home, one heart at a time.