Show Notes
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.
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In this episode, Jennifer Sedlmeyer, March of Dimes Senior Director of Professional Education, and Juviza Rodriguez, March of Dimes Senior Director of Consumer Health, explore how March of Dimes helps strengthen neonatal nursing practice through professional education, staff training, and family-centered resources. March of Dimes partners with NICUs nationwide to provide evidence-based learning opportunities that support nurses in delivering high-quality, compassionate care. Jennifer and Juviza discuss how these programs equip neonatal nurses to effectively educate and support families throughout the NICU journey. Through trusted educational materials, family support initiatives, and resources that ease the transition from hospital to home, March of Dimes helps parents build confidence, engage in their infant's care, and make informed decisions. Join us as we examine the impact of these efforts on neonatal nursing, family empowerment, and outcomes for babies and their families.
Part of the Advances in Neonatal Care (ANC) special series on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the NICU, this episode explores how AI is emerging across neonatal care through EHR summaries, clinical decision support, and monitor outputs. Join Dr. Sheila Gephart, Dr. Sunny Hallowell, and Dr. Benjamin Galatzan as they discuss how nurses and neonatal APRNs can prepare for the future by recognizing where AI appears in workflow, treating AI output as clinical support rather than clinical truth, and using a nurse-as-verifier approach to protect neonates, nursing judgment, documentation integrity, and accountability. To learn more about AI in neonatology, access the latest edition of ANC here: https://www.ovid.com/jnls/advancesinneonatalcare/toc/current.
Thinking about attending the NANN Annual Conference, or are you already registered? Join the Annual Conference Committee (ACC) and Advanced Practice (AP) Summit Committee Chairs as they answer frequently asked questions and share what attendees can expect this year. Learn how to maximize your CE credits, explore educational sessions and networking opportunities, discover conference highlights, and pick up practical tips to help you get the most out of your conference experience. Whether you are a first-time attendee or conference veteran, this episode will help you arrive informed and ready to make the most of NANN's premier educational event. Register for the NANN Annual Conference here: https://apps.nann.org/meeting/?productid=227637729!
What if one nurse's observation could transform the way families experience healthcare? In this episode, Dr. Samantha Sobie, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Clinical Specialist at AngelEye Health, shares how a simple concern about NICU discharge education evolved into a doctoral project focused on improving health literacy and empowering families. Together, Jill and Dr. Sobie explore why health literacy matters, the unique role nurses play as educators and advocates, and how innovation and technology can improve patient outcomes. Whether you are a bedside nurse, healthcare leader, or student, this conversation is a reminder that meaningful change often begins with one person willing to ask, "Can we do better?".