HCA Florida North Florida Hospital NICU staff handcraft candy costumes for babies
Nurses in the Level III unit selected a sweet-themed dress-up for patients celebrating their first Halloween this week.
By Rebecca Foster ·
Ninety-one percent of the neonatal intensive care unit staff at HCA Florida North Florida Hospital participated in the decision to dress patients in candy-inspired outfits. The nursing team voted on the theme for the babies' first Halloween celebration, a date falling within the current week of October 30.
Once the theme was selected, the nurses constructed each costume by hand. The designs transformed the tiny patients into popular sweet treats. These handmade garments were created specifically for the current patients in the Level III NICU. The unit provides care for newborns born at all gestational ages and birth weights.
The costumes are intended to bring smiles to families and care teams. The hospital stated that the festive attire creates special memories during the hospital stay. While the patients are not yet ready for trick-or-treating, the staff marked the occasion as a milestone for the children.
The effort is part of a wider tradition of compassionate, family-centered care at the facility. The hospital has operated in Gainesville for more than 35 years. It serves families throughout Gainesville and North Central Florida. The Level III NICU offers comprehensive care for babies with complex or critical medical needs.
Specially trained nurses, doctors, and care teams provide around-the-clock support in the unit. This staffing model allows families to receive specialized care closer to home. In 2026, the NICU team received the silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. The award recognized the team's commitment to high-quality patient care and a supportive work environment.
The hospital continues to advance specialized women's and children's care for the region. The candy-themed Halloween event serves as a visible example of the unit's current practices. Families received the handmade costumes as a way to share in the holiday spirit despite the clinical setting.
The celebration involved only current NICU patients. The costumes were made exclusively by the nurses who care for these specific infants. The hospital highlighted the event as a moment of normalcy for families navigating a challenging time.
