Cynthia Ertl, NP

Cynthia Ertl, NP, is a UW Health neonatal nurse practitioner. She cares for critically ill infants, including preterm infants and newborns up to the first year of life, with support in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, also called the NICU.

Cynthia has a special focus on extremely premature infants. Her clinical interests include family-centered care, family and clinical education, maternal-infant bonding and evidence-based care, which means using the best available research to guide care.

Cynthia began her career as a registered nurse and describes caring for babies in the NICU as a life-changing experience. She supports babies and families through the hardest and happiest moments, from a baby’s first breath to the day they go home. She believes a trusting relationship comes from clear communication, careful listening and education.

Cynthia is also involved in research topics that aim to help families feel more confident through education and to understand the benefits of early breast milk exposure for premature infants. Outside of work, she is an Irish dancer with an Irish dance company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She also enjoys painting, reading books and gardening.