Nebraska Medical Center’s littlest patients dress up for Halloween

The annual Nebraska Medical Center’s Halloween at the NICU has arrived.

In the weeks leading up to Halloween, hospital staff creates costumes for their littlest patients at the Omaha facility. They follow a theme, and this year it's “Game night in the NICU.”

Some of the costumes featured are Mario, Princess Peach, Mr. Monopoly and even Scrabble.

While the costumes and photos are cute, the yearly tradition holds a deeper meaning.

UNMC NICU nurse Jane Grandi-Andersen has taken part in the tradition for five years now.

“It's bringing some normalcy to the bedside, bringing some normalcy into the hospital,” said Grandi-Andersen. “And maybe just for a short while, taking away some of that peripheral stress and anxiety from families and connecting as humans together.”

The festivities help not just the families, but also the hospital staff. Grandi-Andersen said days at the NICU can sometimes be tough, and being able to take a day to celebrate something fun is important for the staff.

One of the patients at the NICU this Halloween season is Jack Elsasser. His mother, Jane Elsasser, talked about how excited she was to see her son dressed up.

“I've just been just very appreciative of the nurses and staff here at UNMC," Elsasser said. "I know it's something that they don't have to do, but it really was something that I was looking forward to, and just brought some joy to days that aren't always the most fun to be at the NICU."

Jack’s big sister and big brother are very excited to see their baby brother in costume. Elsasser is hoping for Jack to be out of the NICU in November, before the holidays begin.

Grandi-Andersen said they are inviting the community to offer suggestions for next year’s theme.