About me

Rachael Zastrow is a nationally certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with experience in all four levels of neonatal care. She has been serving in the NICU since 2007, providing expert care in both high acuity Level IV units and smaller, resource-limited Level I and II hospitals across Wisconsin and beyond. Her clinical and leadership journey spans bedside care, education, and national advocacy, including her role as President of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses.

Rachael is currently pursuing her PhD in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, where her research focuses on improving neonatal transition from hospital to home. She is a passionate educator, a trusted voice in maternal-infant equity, and a frequent presenter on the national and international stage.

Above all, Rachael is a mother of three daughters who inspire her daily. Her work through NEST Healthworks and The NEST Foundation reflects a personal and professional commitment to giving every baby and every family the strong start they deserve.

Expertise

Comprehensive Neonatal Intensive Care

Rachael has over 15 years of clinical experience in all four levels of neonatal care, including Level I well newborn care through Level IV intensive care units. She has served in both urban and rural hospitals, managing high-risk deliveries, performing complex neonatal procedures, and leading discharge planning for fragile infants and their families.

Neonatal Transition and Family-Centered Discharge Support

With a focus on health equity and continuity of care, Rachael specializes in building safe, culturally responsive post-discharge programs that help families navigate the challenges of bringing a NICU graduate home.

Rural and Underserved Community Healthcare

Having worked extensively in critical access hospitals and Level II facilities across Wisconsin, Rachael understands the gaps in maternal and infant care outside major metro areas and is committed to closing them through outreach, education, and advocacy.

Advanced Practice Nursing Leadership and Mentorship

Rachael is the Immediate Past President of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) and a former President of the State of Wisconsin Association of Neonatal Nurses (SWANN). She has led national initiatives to support advanced practice providers and continues to mentor nurses and nurse practitioners across the country.

Academic and Clinical Instruction

A former clinical instructor at Marquette University and assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Rachael has taught both undergraduate and graduate nursing students, including participation in an international maternal-child health program in Thailand. She teaches for the State of New York Nurses Association, offering certification prep in pediatric care.

Curriculum and Simulation Development

Rachael has led the creation of NICU simulation programs, clinical rotations, and virtual education experiences that prepare providers for real-world challenges with skill and empathy.

Policy Engagement and Professional Representation

Rachael serves as a liaison to multiple national organizations including the American Nurses Association (ANA), the Nursing Organizations Alliance (NOA), and March of Dimes. She is also active with Synova Associates, LLC and the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), where she engages with NICU leaders and advocates for equitable maternal/ infant health policies.

Rachael