Fall 2015, Volume 31, #3 - National Association of Neonatal Nurses

NANNCentral
Winter 2015-2016 • Vol. 31, No. 3
NANN 31st Annual Educational
Conference in Dallas
Heather D. Goodall, MSN RNC-NIC IBCLC, Program Planning Committee Co-Chair
The NANN Annual Educational Conference was a great
success! The speed networking session, now in its second
year, grew to more than 75
participants and was a terrific
way to network with colleagues from around the
world. A mix of concurrent sessions focusing on evidence-based clinical and advanced practice topics,
as well as current research and quality improvement
projects, were available for everyone from novice to
expert neonatal care providers. A few sessions built
on topics from the interprofessional session and relevant clinical topics that required more than one
session for discussion. Interactive networking sessions with two of our general session speakers
allowed for conference attendees to engage with
these particular experts to build upon their new
knowledge. And designated concurrent sessions
highlighted the work of NANN’s small grant recipients and pertinent topics from NANN’s advocacy and
research committees.
We were thrilled to host dynamic speakers for our
general sessions:
•Dr. Britt Berrett, our opening session speaker,
is the coauthor of The New York Times bestseller Patients Come Second: Leading Change
by Changing the Way You Lead. He is a Dallas
native who served as president/CEO of Texas
Health Presbyterian Hospital, one of the largest
faith-based integrated health systems in the
nation. He is currently the head of a new under-
graduate program in healthcare administration
at the University of Texas at Dallas. In his
keynote address, Dr. Berrett shared his passion
and expertise in creating a culture of excellence while inspiring the leader in all of us, at
any level, to take part in improving the care we
provide as neonatal nurses. His admiration for
the work we do and how much power we have
to make positive change was clearly articulated
during his presentation.
•Kelli Kelley is the founder and executive director of Hand to Hold, a national not-for-profit
organization dedicated to providing education
and support for NICU families and those who
have lost a baby. In her general session, Kelley
gave us a unique look inside her personal
experience as a NICU parent while helping us
gain a better understanding of the parent’s perspective and the importance of family-centered
care. Her story was poignant, a few tears were
shed, and her message was clear: parents look
to their neonatal nurse for guidance and support in the care of their infant. These families
carry those experiences with them forever and
are grateful for the care they received.
•Virginia (Ginny) Beeson retired from the
Navy in 2003 as chief nurse executive at the
National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda,
MD. Currently, she is an independent consultant who works with healthcare organizations
across the country to change their culture to
one that supports a more positive, productive,
and professional workplace. In our closing ses-
sion, she helped us understand the barriers and
behavior patterns that prevent change while
also giving us new ideas and the motivation
to successfully make changes in our practice
and workplace. Her use of humor and personal
stories and experiences helped us see how we
are all facing similar issues and that there are
ways to overcome them.
Everything is bigger in Texas, they say! We sure
noticed that in the exhibit hall, where our many
exhibitors showcased several new products and
cutting-edge technology to improve our work at
the bedside. NANN’s eight special interest groups
convened over breakfast to network and discuss
challenges in their current areas of interest. Many
new ideas for improving our practice were shared
during the author-attended poster viewing. New
knowledge was discussed on the topics of preterm
nutrition and use of breastmilk during our corporate
satellite symposia. Finally, the NANN business
meeting held a special election to fill the last year of
the presidency term and educated us on the state of
affairs and future of our organization.
We experienced the rain, thunder, and lightning
of Dallas, but still got out to see some of the sights
and visit nearby dining and entertainment options.
One of the best aspects of NANN’s conference is
getting the chance to socialize with friends and
colleagues old and new. Next year, the 32nd Annual
Educational Conference will be held in Palm Springs,
CA, and I hope you will join me there October
26–29, 2016, for another exciting, educational, and
inspirational conference!
from NANN’s President
Inspiring Others
Regina Grazel, MSN RN BC APN-C
I am honored to serve as the next president of NANN,
following in the footsteps of many exceptional nurse
leaders. It was a pleasure to meet so many of you at the
annual meeting in Dallas. Whether we were introduced
at the speed networking session, bumped into each
other between the wonderful educational sessions, chatted in the exhibit hall, or sat together at lunch, I enjoyed
meeting you and learning about you. I am truly inspired
by the good work you do every day for infants and their
families.
We were wowed, stimulated, invigorated, challenged,
and refreshed at NANN’s annual meeting this year.
During the opening keynote, Dr. Britt Berrett, a passionate advocate for excellence in health care, appealed to
the leader in all of us by asking us to inspire others.
As neonatal nurses, we are both inspired by and are
a powerful source of inspiration for each other and
the families for whom we care. We take pride in and
F ind us at
are encouraged by colleagues who have demonstrated
excellence, are recognized as exceptional, and have
taken challenges head-on and been met with success.
Some have reached the pinnacle of their careers, while
others have made small but effective or incremental
changes in their units or departments. Some of these
heroes were honored as NANN award recipients at
the annual meeting. For me, the announcement of the
award winners is one of those feel-good moments of
the conference. This is an opportunity to showcase
neonatal nursing’s best. These role models have shown
exceptional service to others in some shape or fashion
and their stories provide inspiration for us all.
We also are inspired by those who challenge us, raise
the bar and expect we will reach it, give us confidence
and encouragement, push us to excel in large and small
ways, and say “I think you can do this” or “You would be
great at this.”
Stay Connected
By words and actions, we are motivated by others.
We find sources of inspiration from those who overcame
a personal hardship, stepped up in times of crisis,
contributed in an extraordinary way, or demonstrated
caring and a strong desire to make a difference.
As neonatal nurses, we have a privileged view
of life’s fragile beginnings as we witness the brave
struggles of infants and their families. Every day we
have the opportunity to positively touch and shape lives
or be touched by those same lives. When we are truly
passionate about what we do, we are inspired to provide
excellent, high-quality care, and we inspire those around
us. We become the role model, coach, teacher, believer,
influencing force, or caring friend who inspires and
unleashes the passion in others.
How will your passion for neonatal nursing and
excellence in care inspire someone today or in the
future?
Post this issue of NANN Central in your NICU or pass it along to a colleague.
NANNP ® Corner
The Importance of Professional
Engagement
NANNP Corner
Susan Meier, DNP APRN NNP-BC
Professional engagement is becoming strategically important as many factors converge,
including a national shortage of qualified neonatal nurse
practitioners (NNPs); decreased enrollment in NNP programs; increasing political resolve to restrain the growth
of rising healthcare costs; the linking of demonstration
of quality outcomes to reimbursement; and continued
barriers to full, independent practice for advanced practice registered nurses. As the healthcare system evolves,
now more than ever it is time for nurses to fully participate in the refinement of nursing as a profession.
Part of NANNP’s mission is to help members grow
and develop professionally. One aspect of professional
growth is engagement. The idea of professional
engagement and success is aligned not only with
improving one’s knowledge, but also with learning
from one another in our relationships (Golden, 2008).
Professional engagement is a positive, fulfilling state
of mind about one’s profession that is characterized
by vigor, dedication, and absorption. The outcomes of
professional engagement are greater levels of personal
initiative that are contagious (Bargagliotti, 2012).
Every NNP is responsible for his or her own
professional development. Taking time to participate
in professional activities within NANNP should be
seen as an investment in one’s self. This investment is
especially important at this time of health reform and
NNP shortages. Not only is there an increasing focus on
value, but the NNP role itself may be threatened by the
influx of other providers into the NICU.
Professional opportunities offer powerful personal
development that could be important to the future
of the NNP. NANNP offers many opportunities to be
professionally engaged. At the most basic level is
membership, which promotes professional growth by
providing the NNP with timely information regarding
issues that impact the NNP role. Membership dues
fund the participation of NANNP representatives at
various key tables so the collective voice of the NNP
can be heard. Other opportunities for engagement
include attending the annual conference; participating
in special interest group discussions via the MyNANN
Communities; presenting a poster or session at a
chapter, regional, or national conference; and serving
as a member of a task force or committee. Professional
engagement also can take the form of utilizing
NANN’s CEU offerings for certification maintenance
or purchasing educational products through the NANN
store.
Professional engagement is important for all NNPs
now more than ever. The national shortage of NNPs
and political healthcare reform pressure to stem costs
and demonstrate quality underscore the importance of
professional engagement. Building NANNP membership
allows for a unified voice for NNPs. NANNP provides
many opportunities for professional engagement at
varying levels of involvement. Recruit a new member,
renew your membership, and get involved today!
References
Bargagliotti, L. A. (2012). Work engagement in nursing: A
concept analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 68(6),
1414–1428.
Golden, C. (2008). In person or online: The importance of
professional engagement. Educause Review, 43(6), 124.
2016 Small
Grants Program
Brighter Tomorrows Story
Contest Now Open
Enter the Brighter Tomorrows Story Contest for a chance to win a
complimentary registration to NANN’s 32nd Annual Educational Conference in
Palm Springs, CA, October 26–29, 2016.
Stories should be relevant to neonatal nursing practice and relate a baby’s
or family’s progress or describe the professional development of a neonatal
nurse. The maximum length for stories is 500 words (stories that exceed the
maximum length will not be considered); photos may accompany stories if
ND
ED
UC
AT
IONAL CONFERENCE
the appropriate permission has been granted and a signed release form is
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER
26–SATURDAY, OCTOBER
submitted with the entry.
29, 2016
PALM SPRINGS, CA |
HOTEL
To print a release form and read stories submitted in previous years,
please visit nann.org/BrighterTomorrow.
To enter, please send your story and release form via e-mail to info@nann.org.
All entries must be received by Monday, April 25, 2016.
Please note: By submitting a story, you give NANN permission to reproduce it in the association’s print and
electronic media. The winning entry will be chosen in May 2016, and its author will be notified immediately
thereafter. The winning story will be printed in NANN Central and posted on the NANN website.
32 ANNUAL
The Small Grants Mentee/Mentor Program is now
accepting applications from all NANN members with an
interest in furthering their research interests or initiating
their own research study or evidence-based practice
(EBP) project. The program provides an avenue for
connecting those with little or no research background
with experienced researchers to enhance their skills
and promote the success of the research study or EBP
project. The deadline to submit your grant application is
Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at 11:59 pm CST.
If you are selected to receive one of the small grants,
you will be required to attend NANN’s 32nd Annual
Educational Conference, October 26–29, 2016, in Palm
Springs, CA, to be recognized and receive your grant.
You also will be required to present your findings at the
2018 NANN Annual Educational Conference.
Visit nann.org for the small grants application.
2015 Conference Scholarship Recipients
Twenty-seven conference registration scholarships were provided to NANN members to attend the 2015 Annual Educational Conference:
Jill Balok
Kathleen Baumgartner
Reena Blackwell
Mitzi Boilanger
Allison Bryden
Lakiesha Burke
Supported by
Margie Campbell
Cheryl Case
Amy D’Agata
Donna D’Almeida
Rachael Edjou
Angie Elizondo
Media Esser
Julie Fullerton
Jacqui Hoffman
Wendy Lindmier
Helen Madaus
Chrissy Munro
Patricia Pennywell
Mary Puchalski
Linda Reid
Annette Sanchez
Greta Simmons
Moni Snell
Lydia Tucker
Erin Van Oordt
Dorothy Vittner
A New Global Initiative, the International
Neonatal Consortium: How Is Our Neonatal
Community Involved?
Wakako M. Eklund, DNP APN NNP-BC
Today’s neonatal nurse is involved in an ever-widening scope of professional
activities to improve the future of neonates. Our role’s expansion occurred alongside
technological advances and the development of new strategic approaches to the care
of patients, such as the increased focus on patient safety and quality. We must be wellinformed in the greater context of today’s health care and its impact on the neonatal
population, whether we are serving at the bedside, in academia, in the policy realm,
or in the industry, so that our understanding of our unique role continues to expand.
This short article will discuss gaps in the current landscape of neonatal research,
especially as related to therapies, and the recent development of a global consortium,
the International Neonatal Consortium (INC), and how neonatal nursing is engaged in
this effort.
As we consider the worldwide research efforts aimed at advancing innovations in
technologies and therapies to improve the healthcare outcomes of various populations,
it’s important to remember that the neonatal population is by far the most understudied
and underprivileged of these groups. Since the arrival of surfactant and antenatal
steroids, which most of us remember occurring a rather long time ago, no new
medications have shown significant improvements in neonatal outcomes (Davis, Connor,
and Wood, 2012).
One study reported that those born earlier than 28 weeks in gestation received 12
unapproved drugs during their hospitalizations (Warrier, Du, Natarajan, Salari, and
Aranda, 2006). Another study demonstrated that 93% of hospitalized neonates were
exposed to at least one off-label medication during their stay (Conroy and McIntyre,
2005). When we combine these numbers with those from yet another report stating that
an extremely preterm neonate may be exposed to more than 60 different medications
(Kumar et al., 2008), we become alarmed at how extensively neonates are exposed
to understudied medications. Some used to believe that it is not ethical to conduct
clinical studies in such a vulnerable population; however, it is now suggested that it is
unethical to continue to subject neonates to understudied therapies. Those who strive
to advance neonatology share a unified desire to develop and improve future research
in its design and methods with input from all those who are concerned with or involved
with neonatal care (Offringa et al., 2015).
The significant need to facilitate and accelerate neonatal research was identified,
and the public-private partnership of the INC was organized under the leadership of
Critical Path Institute (C-path), a nonprofit organization that was established in
2005 to support the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) Critical Path Initiative
program (Brumfield, 2014; Offringa et al., 2015). The INC launch occurred in May 2015
in London at the annual meeting held at the European Medicines Agency (the European
equivalent of the FDA), which hosted participants from regulatory bodies from multiple
continents, various pharmaceutical corporate partners, academic leaders in neonatal
research, international neonatal research networks from multiple continents, special
interest groups, parent organizations, and neonatal nursing organizations. NANN was
one of the two nursing organizations invited to participate in the launch meeting in
London. As NANN’s appointed representative to INC, I remotely joined the meeting
on May 18 and 19, participated in workshops, and also served as a panel member for
an event to discuss the role of nursing in engaging and understanding patients and
families. One of the short-term goals of the launch meeting was to vote to prioritize the
therapeutic areas on which the INC would focus in the next few years. As the NANN
representative, I spoke for neonatal nurses with my vote.
This INC launch marked a significant point in the history of neonatology because of
the extensive involvement of a wide range of partners in neonatal care and because of
how it addressed not only the scientific issues, but also people like families and nurses
who serve as the essential link to bringing successful research results to the bedside.
The INC launch meeting resulted in the development of various working groups to
address priorities.
I participate regularly in the monthly teleconference as a member of the INC
Coordinating Committee, the governing body of INC, during which other members from
across the globe gather to hear updates from various groups and focus on the next
steps. I also recently was invited to serve on the INC Communications Committee to
increase awareness in the wide neonatal community of the significance of this global
entity and how each member group is valued. INC values the voice of neonatal nurses
in its future efforts because we, the neonatal nursing community, understand more than
anyone the concerns, fear, and anxiety felt by the families of neonates facing uncertain
treatments on a daily basis.
Please look forward to further updates on INC and its future progress. New
awareness brings new approaches, and our neonatal world has a bright future
ahead.
References
Brumfield, M. (2014). The Critical Path Institute: Transforming competitors into
collaborators. Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery, 13(11), 785–786. doi: 10.1038/nrd4436
Conroy, S., & McIntyre, J. (2005). The use of unlicensed and off-label medicines in the
neonate. Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, 10(2), 115–122. doi: 10.1016/j.
siny.2004.11.003
Davis, J. M., Connor, E. M., & Wood, A. J. (2012). The need for rigorous evidence on
medication use in preterm infants: Is it time for a neonatal rule? JAMA, 308(14), 1435–
1436. doi: 10.1001/jama.2012.12883
Kumar, P., Walker, J. K., Hurt, K. M., Bennett, K. M., Grosshans, N., & Fotis, M. A. (2008).
Medication use in the neonatal intensive care unit: Current patterns and off-label
use of parenteral medications. Journal of Pediatrics, 152(3), 412–415. doi: 10.1016/j.
jpeds.2007.07.050
Offringa, M., Davis, J. M., Turner, M. A., Ward, R., Bax, R., Maldonado, S., . . . Nelson,
R. M. (2015). Applying regulatory science fo develop safe and effective medicines
for neonates: Report of the US Food and Drug Administration First Annual Neonatal
Scientific Workshop, October 28–29, 2014. Therapeutic Innovation and Regulatory
Science, 49(5), 623–631. doi: 10.1177/2168479015597730
Warrier, I., Du, W., Natarajan, G., Salari, V., & Aranda, J. (2006). Patterns of drug
utilization in a neonatal intensive care unit. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 46(4),
449–455. doi: 10.1177/0091270005285456
Congratulations to the
2015 NANN Award Recipients
Small Grant Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Small Grant Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Small Grant Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research Abstract Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clinical Abstract Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NNP Excellence Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leadership Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distinguished Service Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Navigator Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Robyn Main Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lifetime Achievement Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter of the Year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter Awards for Communications, Advocacy, and Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter Award for Membership Recruitment & Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter Awards for Community Service and Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter Challenge Winner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thao Griffith, PhD(c) BSN RN
Lauren M. Head, BSN RN
Dorothy Vittner, PhD(c) MSN BSN
Kate McGinnis, BSN RN-NIC
Barbara Cirrito, BSN RNC-NIC
Suzanne Staebler, DNP APRN NNP-BC FAANP
Judy Vitali, BSN RNC-NIC CIME CPFI CHBE
Donna Dowling, PhD RN
Shakira Henderson, PhD(c) DNP MS MPH RNC-NIC IBCLC
Michelle Nicoli, RNC-CNRP IV
Robin L. Bissinger, PhD APRN NNP-BC FAAN
Central California Chapter of NANN
Delaware Valley Chapter of NANN
State of Michigan Chapter of NANN
Southeast Florida Chapter of NANN
Fort Worth Texas Chapter of NANN
NANNCentral
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Advocacy Update
Health Policy and Advocacy Committee
Conference Highlights
NANN CENTRAL
(ISSN: 1544-3382)
Joyce Stein, BSN RN, Health Policy and Advocacy Committee Co-Chair
Calendar
NANN Small Grants Submission Deadline
March 1, 2016
Nurse in Washington Internship (NIWI)
Washington, DC
March 6–8, 2016
NANN’s 11th Annual Research Summit
Scottsdale, AZ
April 5–7, 2016
NANN
8735 W. Higgins Road, Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60631-2738
800.451.3795 • 847.375.3660
Fax 866.927.5321
info@nann.org • www.nann.org
NANN Central Content Reviewer: Maureen A. O’Reilly, MSN RNC NNP-BC
NANN Central™ (ISSN: 1544-3382) is published 3 times per year by the National Association of Neonatal
Nurses, 8735 W. Higgins Road, Suite 300, Chicago, IL, 60631, and is distributed to members as a direct benefit
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© 2016 National Association of Neonatal Nurses. All rights reserved. Reproduction, distribution, or translation
without express written permission is strictly prohibited. The statements and opinions expressed in articles and
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20th Annual NICU Leadership Forum
Ponte Vedra, FL
April 24–28, 2016
Abstract call opens for the NANN 33rd
Annual Educational Conference
July 1, 2016
Abstract call opens for the 12th
Research Summit in 2017
July 15, 2016
NANN 32nd Annual Educational Conference
Palm Springs, CA
October 26–29, 2016
Abstract call closes for the NANN 33rd Annual
Educational Conference
November 1, 2016
Abstract call closes for NANN’s
12th Research Summit in 2017 November 1, 2016
Look for chapter meeting dates at www.nann.org.
The Health Policy and Advocacy Committee
(HPAC) thanks all who attended our three
events at this year’s Annual Educational
Conference in Dallas. For those of you who
missed our events, here is a brief recap.
The HPAC events kicked off with the annual
roundtable breakfast on Friday. This is always
an excellent opportunity to learn about the
latest neonatal and nursing legislative issues. The HPAC’s 2015
Advocacy Highlights document was presented. (Go to the Advocacy
page of the NANN website to download a copy.) Two pieces of
legislation were highlighted for NANN members to advocate for
with their legislators: the Protecting Our Infants Act (S. 799), a bill to
support efforts to collect and disseminate strategies and best practices for preventing and treating maternal opioid use and abuse, and
a bill being considered in North Carolina to add testing for severe
combined immunodeficiency to genetic screening at birth. Much
of health care and nursing practice are legislated at the state and
federal level; therefore, both of these bills are opportunities to use
our collective nursing voice to educate our legislators on the many
aspects of neonatal health care.
Next, the HPAC sponsored a concurrent session, “Advocacy: What
Is It?”, led this year by Liz Welch-Carre. This session provided a
brief history and tools to help nurses make advocacy a part of their
professional practice, including tools for engaging and influencing
federal and state policies throughout the legislative process.
Download Welch-Carre’s slides from this session via the 2015
conference page on the NANN website.
The HPAC continued its practice of hosting a booth in the exhibit
hall to network with participants throughout the conference.
This year’s HPAC booth spotlighted the 50th anniversary of nurse
practitioner practice. The display was an excellent example of
nursing’s rich history of continually redefining and expanding our
practice. A map of the United States highlighting each state’s status
regarding advanced practice registered nurse practice authority
(restricted to full practice) was on display. Legislation regarding the
scope of practice for any nursing discipline concerns us all because
it affects the nursing profession as a whole.
All nurses can engage in legislative advocacy. NANN’s annual
educational conference is an excellent opportunity to learn more
about health policy and the role of the neonatal nurse. If you missed
the HPAC events this year, be sure to sign up for our activities next
year to stay informed on the role of NANN members in health policy
decisions. Until then, follow the HPAC in the MyNANN Advocacy
Community and on the NANN website, and look for additional HPAC
activities in 2016.