Mind the Gap: The Fight for Neonatal Drug Development

Today’s episode confronts a sobering reality: neonates are often an afterthought in drug development. Join leading experts Mary Short, Dr. Wakako Eklund, and Dr. Kanwaljit Singh as they shine a light on the critical gaps in neonatal drug research and what it means for nurses and APRNs at the bedside.  You will learn why most medications used in the NICU are not specifically designed for newborns, how off-label use puts our most vulnerable patients at risk, and why FDA-approved, age-appropriate formulations are essential for safe and effective care. More importantly, we explore the crucial role that neonatal nurses play in this space, including the assurance of medication safety, influence of clinical trials and policy, and importance of parent education.  Whether you recently learned about neonatal drug development or are ready to step into advocacy, this episode offers practical guidance on how to get involved and grow your impact through collaboration, storytelling, and leadership.  Note that free CEU is available through NANN’s iLearn platform: “Bridging the Gap: Empowering Neonatal Nurses in Drug Development for Neonates.” 

Have you ever wondered how the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines are created—and more importantly, who decides what changes and why? In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the science and collaboration that shape NRP. From the rigorous evidence review conducted by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) to how these findings are translated into bedside practice, you will learn exactly how research becomes reality.  Together, Dr. Gary Weiner and Amanda Williams break down the multi-layered process of evidence evaluation, guideline development, and educational translation, while highlighting the critical role nurses play in shaping the NRP used daily. Whether you are new to NRP or a seasoned instructor, this episode will inspire you to see the program through a whole new lens and recognize the power of your voice in shaping neonatal care.  Discover why NRP is more than a textbook—it is a living, breathing, global collaboration grounded in science and strengthened by the people who use it. 

What happens when you blend cutting-edge neonatal education, unforgettable experiences, and a little desert sunshine? You get NANN's 41st Annual Conference! Join Annual Conference Committee (ACC) Chair Adrienne Isaacs and ACC Chair-Elect Jenna Staggs for an insider’s look at what makes this year’s meeting a must-attend. Featuring powerful keynote speakers, an interactive APRN Summit, a fascinating NICU case study, and international collaboration with the 2025 Sweden delegates—NANN's 41st Annual Conference offers more than just CE credits. Tune into this episode to learn more about the meeting’s fun activities, including: NANN-chella themed party Scavenger hunt Trivia session Escape room Badge blinging and bracelet making Poster sessions and research opportunities No matter your reason for attending NANN's 41st Annual Conference, you will be sure to leave with newfound knowledge and inspiration, an expanded professional network, and incredible memories! Register for NANN’s 41st Annual Conference now at https://nann.org/education/nann-annual-conference-registration/.

In this episode, NANN's Health Policy and Advocacy Committee (HPAC) Chair, Susie Taylor, and Immediate Past Chair, Michele Sweet, explore the vital yet often overlooked role of advocacy in neonatal nursing. Together, they demystify what advocacy means, why it matters, and how NICU nurses and APRNs can influence healthcare policy beyond the bedside. The conversation highlights common barriers, like lack of time, confidence, or fear of speaking out, and offers practical, accessible ways for nurses to get involved, from writing letters to engaging with professional organizations. Through real-world examples, such as the successful effort to prevent tariffs on enteral syringes, Susie and Michele demonstrate how everyday bedside experiences can fuel powerful legislative change. They also share informational resources, such as NANN’s advocacy platforms, March of Dimes updates, and hospital-based government affairs teams. The episode emphasizes the power of storytelling, the importance of collaboration, and how even one nurse's voice can drive policy decisions that protect and improve patient care, especially for the most vulnerable newborns.

Sarah Yingling, a nurse who led a quality improvement (QI) project in her unit, and Dr. Elizabeth Schierholz, a neonatal nurse practitioner, nurse scientist, and Sarah’s mentor, share how bedside nurses and APRNs can overcome the intimidation often associated with research, evidence-based practice (EBP), and QI in the NICU. Sarah recounts her journey from a simple conversation about improving care for small babies to leading a large QI project focused on neuroprotective and family-centered care. Together, they provide practical advice on engaging with research, EBP, and QI, break down nursing barriers, and emphasize the importance of mentorship and small, actionable steps. Whether you are a new nurse or a seasoned professional, this episode demonstrates that meaningful change in patient care is within reach for all.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains one of the most challenging and poorly defined conditions in neonatal care. Internationally recognized neonatal researcher Dr. Josef Neu joins us to unpack the evolving science behind NEC—challenging traditional definitions and shedding light on the complex interplay between preterm gut development, the intestinal microbiome, and modern NICU practices. We explore the impact of antibiotics, feeding delays, and acid suppression on microbial balance, the critical role of maternal milk and skin-to-skin care, and the nuanced differences between donor and mother’s milk. Dr. Neu also discusses the latest evidence and controversies surrounding probiotics as well as introduces how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and multiomics are helping to identify distinct subtypes of intestinal injury. This episode offers cutting-edge insights and practical strategies for NICU nurses, APRNs, and providers committed to improving the early detection, prevention, and outcomes of NEC for vulnerable preterm infants. 

In this episode, we explore the vital work of March of Dimes in supporting maternal and neonatal health, especially in the NICU. Guests Ashley Stoneburner and Dr. Amanda Williams discuss key clinical challenges, including rising preterm birth rates, disparities in maternity care access, and the impact of Medicaid cuts. We dive into the NICU Family Support Program, which provides essential resources like emotional support, mental health screenings, and educational tools to over 52,000 families across 70 NICUs. The episode also highlights the integration of Mammha, a behavioral health platform, and innovative initiatives like Mom-Baby Mobile Health Clinics. Additionally, we discuss how NICU providers can advocate for policy changes through events like March for Change and March for Babies as well as leverage resources like PeriStats to improve outcomes. Tune in to learn how March of Dimes is leading efforts to enhance care for mothers, babies, and families.

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 families to stay informed in real-time, whether they are present in the NICU or participating remotely, ensuring they never miss important updates about their baby’s care. The conversation highlights the positive results from Q-rounds, including increased nurse and family presence, better coordination, and improved efficiency in rounds. The use of Q-rounds has also fostered stronger relationships between healthcare teams and families, providing more opportunities for meaningful interactions and human connections. Ryan shares how daily participation in rounds allowed him to better understand the specialized care his children received, while Dr. Pitt discusses the importance of clear, accessible communication, especially when it comes to explaining medical jargon in a way that reduces confusion and anxiety for families. The podcast concludes with a look at the future of Q-rounds, as it expands beyond the NICU to other areas of the hospital and beyond, with the goal of making family involvement and communication the standard of care in neonatal units across the country.

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-term cognitive, emotional, and social development, especially for preterm and ill infants. The speakers emphasize the importance of a human-centered approach to care, advocating for intentional, individualized interventions that prioritize the comfort and developmental needs of babies, such as nurturing touch and parental involvement. They discuss the limitations of current stress and pain measurement tools and the need for more nuanced data to improve care. The episode stresses the significance of creating a supportive environment in the NICU, including the integration of neuroprotective practices like two-person care during procedures to reduce stress. Furthermore, the conversation notes the necessity of systemic changes, such as standardized pain protocols, advocacy for better staffing ratios, and ongoing education and research to enhance clinical practices and policies. To learn more about this topic, check out the January/February issue of NANN’s journal, Advances in Neonatal Care (ANC), for a special series on stress and pain in neonates, written by Drs. Dudding and Nist.

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.