Advocacy in Action: Empowering NICU Nurses to Influence Change

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.

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!