Gut Instincts: Breaking Down Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in the Modern NICU

In this episode of NANNcast, 'Vaccines, Trust, and Tiny Immune Systems,' Dr. Aimee Bernard and Dr. David Higgins dive into practical strategies for discussing vaccines with families in the NICU, clinic and community, building trust with hesitant parents, and addressing common concerns about immunization schedules. They explore why the Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended at birth, how a baby’s immune system is equipped to handle multiple vaccines, and the difference between natural infection and the guided protection vaccines provide. The conversation also highlights trusted resources for families, tips for evaluating information, and the vital role neonatal nurses play in vaccine education and advocacy. Tune in for expert insights, science communication strategies, and actionable takeaways to support informed vaccine decisions.

Neonatal resuscitation is evolving beyond the delivery room. In this episode, Dr. Beth Ann Johnson, Dr. Taylor Sawyer, and Dr. Chris Cooper discuss how the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is expanding its scope through innovative new courses. Learn about updates for caring for newborns with congenital heart disease, unique considerations for resuscitation in the NICU, and how the new Neonatal Education for Prehospital Professionals (NEPP) course will extend life-saving skills to first responders and transport teams. 

Join Dr. Chris Cooper and Dr. Henry Lee as they discuss the science behind the NRP 9th Edition - what changed, why it changed, and how these updates influence neonatal resuscitation practice. Hear how new evidence informed guideline revisions, what teams can expect in training and implementation, and what these shifts mean for nurses and NNPs at the bedside.

Sweden leads the world in reducing neonatal mortality, at 1.8/1000 live births in 2021, and a 20% reduction in infant mortality over the last ten years. Listen in to hear Taryn Edwards, Dr. Media Esser, and Ashley Richardson talk about participating in a NANN delegation and lessons learned from Sweden. Highlights include: nursing education standards, advanced approaches to neonatal care, family-integrated care models, and evidence-based practices.

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.