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 between mother and infant? How do these policies affect long-term bonding and family-centered care?

We’re joined by Dr. Kelly McGlothen-Bell, a nursing scientist and expert in reproductive justice and health equity, who brings a wealth of knowledge on the complexities of caring for families affected by substance use during pregnancy. Dr. McGlothen-Bell discusses the stigma surrounding substance use, the emotional and systemic challenges mothers face, and the significant role of CPS interventions, which can create barriers to consistent visitation and strain the mother-infant bond. She also highlights the need for a more integrated, compassionate approach to care, ensuring that families receive necessary services without punitive actions such as child removal when not warranted.

With 31% of births occurring in states with mandatory reporting laws, and nearly half of child removals linked to substance use, understanding the policies at play is critical for healthcare providers. Dr. McGlothen-Bell emphasizes the importance of understanding these policies, advocating for more equitable care, and addressing racial disparities within the child welfare system. The episode also explores how CPS involvement can affect long-term outcomes for families, including stress, relapse, and strained recovery.

Listeners will gain insights into the importance of clear communication, prenatal care, and the role of nurses and social workers in advocating for families both within and outside the NICU. We discuss how healthcare professionals can balance mandatory reporting with compassionate care, ensuring that families navigate the complexities of recovery, legal systems, and childcare with dignity and respect.

This episode is a must-listen for NICU nurses, social workers, and anyone working at the intersection of maternal and neonatal care, as well as those interested in the policy and systemic factors that influence family outcomes in the NICU and beyond.

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 to ensuring newborns get the best possible start. We’re joined by a panel of experts representing different facets of NICU care: bedside nurses delivering hands-on support, neonatal nurse practitioners making crucial medical decisions, clinical educators training the next generation, and researchers advancing innovation. Together, we’ll explore the unique challenges, rewards, and teamwork that drive NICU care forward.

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 into reality? How can we drive change in the industry? In this episode, we're joined by Beth Schinkel and Kelley Thompson, who are at the forefront of pioneering new techniques, technologies, and practices that enhance care and outcomes for critically ill newborns. Join us as they share insights on how to turn your innovative ideas into practical solutions for the NICU.

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 provides a thorough discussion on role preparation and scope of practice for neonatal APRNs and those caring for patients in the neonatal population. NANN underscores the importance of all NICU providers completing a neonatal population-specific educational program and achieving national neonatal population-specific certification.

Joining us is Dr. Suzanne Stabler, co-author of the position statement. Dr. Stabler will share her expertise and offer valuable insights on how APRNs can utilize this position statement to enhance neonatal care in their NICUs.

Tune in to discover the critical aspects of neonatal care and learn how to effectively implement the latest NANN-AP position statements in your practice. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain indispensable knowledge from a leading expert in the field!

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. Host Jill is joined by Adrienne Isaacs, Chair of the Annual Conference Committee, to give you an insider's look at what's in store. Discover the latest in clinical topics, delve into evidence-based education, and participate in hands-on workshops that will enhance your skills and expertise. But it's not all business; NANN's 40th annual conference promises plenty of opportunities for networking and, of course, a healthy dose of fun! Tune in to get a sneak peek at what awaits you at NANN's milestone anniversary conference and mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience.

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 recognize the profound impact of parental involvement. Join the conversation as we amplify the voices of these resilient mothers and emphasize the transformative power of our relationships with parents. Tune in to today’s episode to gain invaluable insights and reaffirm the crucial role parents play in the NICU journey.

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 need to develop formal training requirements specific to neonatology, as well as evidence-based guidelines to standardize its use across all NICUs. How can bedside nurses and advanced practice nurses utilize procedural and diagnostic POCUS in their practice? How do you establish and implement a POCUS program in your NICU? Jill is joined by Jacklin Tong and Christine Manipon, neonatal nurse practitioners at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, on the neonatal POCUS team. There, they continue to educate the value and use of POCUS. Join us today as we discuss the many uses of POCUS in the NICU, developing a program, as well as the clinical challenges one may face with implementing the POCUS program.

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, NANN Board of Director, Secretary Treasurer, and NANN's liaison to the FCC Task Force. Dr. Balasundaram brings her expertise from pioneering a comprehensive family-centered care program in her NICU, shedding light on her experiences and leadership in the FCC Task Force. Together, they'll navigate through strategies, obstacles, and the collaborative initiatives essential for bringing family-centered care to the forefront of NICU practices. Tune in as we embark on this insightful journey!

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 Kelly Thompson and Adrienne Isaacs. Tune in as they navigate the fascinating intersection of NICU nursing, cultural sensitivity, and global healthcare. Discover how these dedicated professionals are contributing to the globalization of neonatal nursing and shaping the future of compassionate care for babies and their families around the world.

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 insights on navigating the delicate balance between patient safety and the well-being of APRNs. Learn about creating a healthier work environment to ensure the safety of both patients and APRNs. Gain essential knowledge for addressing the challenges of APRN shift lengths and fostering a positive, sustainable workplace.