NANNcast

In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of Q-rounds , a virtual rounding software designed to improve communication and transparency during NICU rounds. Dr. Michael Pitt, a pediatric hospitalist and Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota, and Ryan McQuillan, a NICU dad of twins, share the results of their pilot study utilizing Q-rounds. This innovative tool allows fam...

Dr. Katherine Dudding and Dr. Marliese Nist, both nurse scientists, explore the profound impact of pain and stress on neonates, particularly in the NICU, and the critical role of healthcare providers in mitigating these effects. The discussion highlights the challenges of understanding, assessing, and managing neonatal pain and stress, focusing on how early-life stress and pain can affect long-ter...

In this episode, we explore the intersection of neonatal care, substance use disorders, and mandatory child protective services (CPS) reporting, particularly in the NICU setting. NICU nurses and advanced practice professionals often focus on managing neonatal withdrawal and supporting the baby’s immediate needs, but what happens when mandatory reporting policies impact the delicate relationship be...

In today’s special episode, we celebrate Neonatal Nurses Week and honor the extraordinary nurses who are the backbone of the NICU, providing life-saving care to the tiniest and most fragile patients. These nurses are the unsung heroes, offering unwavering support to families at the most critical moments. What many may not realize is that NICU nursing encompasses a variety of roles, all essential t...

Neonatology is constantly evolving, and NICU nurses are more than just caregivers – they're innovators, leaders, creative problem-solvers, and change-makers. In the NICU, every moment counts, and innovation can make a world of difference for our tiniest patients. Many nurses have ideas for better product designs but don't know where to start. How can NICU nurses and APRNs translate these ideas int...

Welcome to this essential episode for neonatal APRNs! As the professional voice for neonatal advanced practice nurses, NANN-AP has developed comprehensive policy statements covering crucial areas like workforce, education, competency, fatigue, quality and safety, and scope of practice. In this episode, we spotlight the newly released APRN Scope of Practice Position Paper. This updated synthesis pr...

In this special episode, we're gearing up to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses in sunny Orlando! Join us as we explore what promises to be an empowering and enriching experience at NANN's celebratory conference. From September 18-20, NANN invites you to join the festivities and immerse yourself in a wealth of knowledge designed to uplift and rejuvenate....

In an upcoming special series, NANN’s journal, Advances in Neonatal Care, shines a spotlight on parenting in the NICU. Under the guidance of editor-in-chief Jackie McGrath and special guest editor Ashley Vance, the inaugural series explores parental perspectives with NICU parents Jessica Barnes and Sarah DiGregorio. Through their stories, listeners are invited to reflect on their own practices and...

Point of Care Ultrasound, or POCUS, is an emerging clinical tool being utilized in the NICU. Recent literature describing the use of POCUS for various clinical applications in the NICU has gained increased interest among neonatal clinicians as focus continues to evolve to meet the needs of the NICU, and tiny babies are starting to see the benefit as use of this tool increases. There is an urgent n...

On this week’s episode, NANNcast explores the field of family-centered care in NICUs. While NICU nurses understand the importance of involving families in the care process, achieving standardization remains a challenge. Join Jill as she sits down with Dr. Malathi Balasundaram, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics Neonatal Developmental Medicine at Stanford School of Medicine, and Luann Jones...

In this week’s episode, NANNCast dives into the global landscape of NICU nursing with a focus on the recent NANN delegation trip to the United Arab Emirates. Join as we explore the intricacies of NICU nursing in the UAE, emphasizing both the similarities and differences in practices. Joining Jill on the episode are 3 NANN members from the delegation- Gail Bagwell, former NANN President, along with...

Explore the updated perspective on APRN shift lengths and fatigue as host Jill Beck discusses the recently revised position statement from the National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NANNP). Joined by former NANNP Council members and co-authors Taryn Edwards and Roxanne Stahl, this episode delves into the research behind the update and offers practical recommendations. Discover insig...

Neonatal nurses and APRNs have all thought of how to design or develop products or technologies better than what is currently being utilized. How can we as NICU nurses and APRNs enter the world of product and technology development and engage stakeholders to innovate change? On this episode of NANNcast, Jill is joined by the leading clinical expert in industry, Dr. Karen Becker and nursing researc...

This year NANN returns to Anaheim, CA for its 39th Annual Conference. Join us on today’s episode with conference co-chairs Kristin Howard and Adrienne Isaacs for a peek into NANN’s reimagined format that will leave you with maximized learning and networking time. Get excited for this year’s powerful career-transforming additions like a new program format with keynotes starting Tuesday afternoon, t...

Working in the NICU is stressful. Then add on trying to balance work and life. In this episode, host Jill Beck connects with Eileen O’Grady, the keynote speaker from NANN’s 2022 Annual Conference and author of Choosing Wellness: Unconventional Wisdom for the Overwhelmed, the Discouraged, the Addicted, the Fearful, or the Stuck. Jill and Eileen discuss the wellbeing of the health workforce, the nee...

Working in the NICU is stressful. Then add on trying to balance work and life. In this episode, host Jill Beck connects with Eileen O’Grady, the keynote speaker from NANN’s 2022 Annual Conference and author of Choosing Wellness: Unconventional Wisdom for the Overwhelmed, the Discouraged, the Addicted, the Fearful, or the Stuck. Jill and Eileen discuss the wellbeing of the health workforce, the nee...

In honor of Mental Health Awareness month, host Jill Beck and Elizabeth McCutchon, EdD, MS, APRN, NNP-BC discuss the state of mental health, how the health care system has failed to support healthcare workers’ mental health, and what we can do about it.

Nearly all newborns run the risk of respiratory difficulties at birth. In this episode, NANNcast host Jill Beck is joined by Katherine Newnam, PhD, RN, CPNP, NNP-BC, to discuss best practices for ventilator management, the best modes of ventilation for the infant, how to minimize damage and inflammation, and more. This is the next installment of NANNcast's APRN series, which covers trending topics...

Carbon dioxide measurement is a fundamental measurement in the NICU.  It is essential to maintain CO2 levels within target levels to ensure positive outcomes.  Guest Chelsea Lee, International Clinical Education Manager at Sentec, shares the benefits of transcutaneous CO2 monitoring technology not only our fragile patients, but in guiding clinical decisions and prompt interventions. 

Learn, lead, and level up with NANN in Las Vegas! NANN's 38th Annual Conference Committee Chair, Kristin Howard, DNP APRN NNP-BC, joins Jill Beck to discuss all the exciting educational and networking offerings at NANN in Vegas.    Register at nann.org/conference

NANNcast host Jill Beck is joined by the authors of NANN's medication safety position statement to discuss safe medication practices in the NICU and how nurses can advocate for safer standards and conditions. NANN recommends a comprehensive approach to medication safety in the NICU that integrates technology, focused healthcare provider medication safety education, standardized medication process,...

The International Neonatal Consortium (INC) is a global collaboration formed to forge a predictable regulatory path for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of therapies for neonates. Wakako Eklund, NNP, NANN member, and INC liaison, joins Jill Beck to discuss how nurses can promote safe NICU research. INC Communications Toolkit for Nurses The culture of research communication in neonatal inten...

Research shows that parents whose babies are hospitalized in the NICU experience trauma, stress, and the loss of their role as primary caregiver due to their time in the NICU. NICU nurses play a crucial role in providing family-centered care to support and empower NICU parents. Nicole Nyberg is a neonatal nurse practitioner and the founder of Empowering NICU Parents, an organization that provides...

Understaffing puts patients at increased risk of missed or rationed care, medical incidents, disparities of care, and morbidity and mortality. In September 2021, NANN released the RN Staffing in the NICU position statement with staffing recommendations based on the acuity of the population served. Dr. Lori Armstrong and Karen Kopischke, the authors of the position statement, join Jill Beck on NANN...

NANNcast host Jill Beck and neonatal nurse and health equity leader Shelly Frisco discuss the detail behind the health disparity data, the impact of these inequities on mother and baby outcomes, and steps all neonatal nurses can take to advocate for and create change. Access the literature cited in this episode here.