Conference Purpose
The purpose of this conference is to provide clinically current information on the technical, medical, and nursing aspects of neonatal care as well as the legal and ethical implications related to that care. The educational sessions provide information to nurses and other health care professionals who care for newborn, premature, and sick infants and their families. Specific objectives for each presentation are listed in the conference program.

Conference Chairpersons
Debbie Fraser Askin, MN, RNC-NIC
Carol Harrigan, RN, MSN, NNP-BC
Patricia J. Johnson, DNP, RN, MPH, NNP-BC
Sherri Lee Simons, MSN, CCRN, RNC-NIC

Additional Opportunites for CEs
There will be additional opportunities to earn continuing education credit through poster viewing and evaluation.

Introduction to Simulation and S.T.A.B.L.E. Scenarios

Hospital facilities are increasingly incorporating simulation techniques into the classroom setting to improve learning, train for emergencies, and improve patient safety. Simulation of neonatal stabilization offers an opportunity to practice the process of stabilization in a safe, non-threatening environment prior to an actual patient encounter. This interactive seminar provides an overview of simulation including the principles for accomplishing simulation using a holistic construct of cognitive, behavioral, and technical skills, how to prepare students for working with a mannequin, debriefing do's and don'ts, and what to expect from high fidelity simulation mannequins.

The S.T.A.B.L.E. Program will be introducing simulation scenarios in 2010 both for augmenting existing learner course presentations, as well as for course renewal for select participants. These scenarios will be summarized and representatives from Gaumard will be on hand to demonstrate their high fidelity neonatal mannequins, Newborn and Premie HAL. Participants will have an opportunity to work with the mannequins at the various simulation stabilization stations.

Leader of the Pack: Real Leadership that Works!

This action-packed session will help provide you with the REAL skills, tools, and confidence to lead any group or unit effectively. Now that you are the top dog, you'll need to learn about: recruitment and retention, managing change, mutual support, and great ways to care for yourself and those around you.

All Stars Wanted! Nurses as "Most Valuable Players" on Interdisciplinary Teams Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice

Much research and attention has been paid to searching and critically appraising and grading the evidence, but what about the role nurses play in translating and implementing evidence (or lack of evidence) into everyday clinical decision making? Neonatal and perinatal nurses are key in bridging the gap between research and evidence. Because of their advanced clinical knowledge and expertise, nurses are "first string starters" on a team looking to change practice.

This interactive workshop provides participants with the tools to navigate the EBP process. Participants will engage in formulating well-designed and clinically relevant neonatal/perinatal PICO questions, and will learn to integrate the evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences and values. The role nurses play as EBP champions, facilitators, mentors, and expert leaders in incorporating EBP into practice will also be discussed.

The Power of the Written Word: Documentation in Today's Litigious Society

Our speaker provides an overview of documentation strategies. She discusses the use of different documentation styles, and the use of appropriate abbreviations and symbols that will help nurses produce a clearer medical record that may prevent lawsuits or help make the case in the nurse's defense.

Principles of Neonatal Pharmacology Rx=3.75

Drug treatment for sick, often premature neonates, must consider the unique illnesses of newborns as well as developmental changes in body composition, organ function, and drug metabolism and elimination. Dr. Ward discusses these considerations and how to incorporate them into drug therapy in the NICU.

Electronic Fetal Monitoring

This session begins with a discussion regarding electronic fetal monitoring terminology and interpretation recommended by AWHONN and ACOG. Recent changes recommended by the NICHD are inlcuded. Fetal hypoxia, acidosis, and intrauterine fetal resuscitation measures are also discussed and illustrated by legal case studies.

Neonatal Care Through The Ages: A Clash of Science and Art

Dr. Polin will open the conference by discussing the evolution of newborn care throughout history to current practice. The competing influences between science and the art of medicine are discussed.

Neonatal Ventilation: Can We Avoid Injury?

Despite modern ventilators, new ventilator strategies, and better surfactants, 35 percent of VLBW infants who require assisted ventilation still develop chronic lung disease. Dr. Goldsmith examines how newer ventilator techniques and quality improvement projects might reduce the incidence of BPD.

Pharmacogenomics (Rx=1)

Inherited differences in drug metabolizing enzymes, receptors, and transporters are being discovered each year. These differences, together with developmental changes in the expression of these proteins help to explain "biologic variation" in responses to drug therapy. Tests for many of these inherited differences are available, but developmental changes in gene expression may complicate their interpretation in newborns. Join us to explore!

Implementing Protocols

There are many challenges faced by those wishing to implement protocols in the intensive care units. These include unit culture, power structure, and general resistance to change. Dr. Meredith focuses on these critical elements of change dynamics and offers approaches and tools to overcome these hurdles.

Noninvasive Ventilation: The Devil is in the Details

CPAP and non-invasive ventilation are being used with increased frequency to avoid intubation and conventional ventilation. However, some units have much greater success than others with these techniques. Dr. Goldsmith discusses details which may help improve the success rate of non-invasive ventilation.

NEC: Probiotics? Prebiotics? Way too Many Biotics!

Free Radicals: What Are They and Why Should I Care?

Free radicals are responsible for peeled apples turning brown, old cars rusting, and the pathogenesis of some neonatal disorders. Our speaker defines free radicals and the physiologic impact and focuses on oxygen radical diseases of the newborn and current findings from the literature.

The Top Ten Syndromes in the NICU

Dr. Pearson discusses common clinical findings, etiologies, testing, and management of infants with the ten most common syndromes that present in the neonatal period.

Managing Complex Human Milk Feeding Problems in the NICU

In this workshop, Dr. Meier focuses on preventing, identifying, and managing slow weight gain in human milk-fed NICU infants, including those born prematurely and those with surgical problems such as chylothorax. The emphasis is on using research-based technologies and practices to optimize the overall dose of human milk received by the infant without compromising growth. The role of NICU nurses and families in these procedures are highlighted.

Fluid and Electrolyte Controversies in the Preterm Infant: A Physiologic Approach to Clinical Care

Dr. Polin discusses the developmental limitations of renal function in the preterm neonate, and provides a physiologic rationale for maintenance of fluid and electrolyte therapy for high risk infants.

Drug Levels: When To Do Them and What To Do With the Results (Rx=1)

Effective use of drug levels begins with an understanding of when therapeutic drug monitoring is applicable. The pharmacology of the drug influences when to measure the concentrations and how often. Pharmacokinetic principles can guide estimations of dosage adjustments to reach desired concentrations.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep: Bereavement Photography

Dr. Alberti discusses the purpose and mission of the "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" program. Included in this session are: a description of the process, who qualifies as a candidate, and what the photographer will need in the way of information. Questions are welcome.

Statistics for Clinicians: Interpreting Effect Sizes for EPB

Dr. Mays discusses mobile evidence appraisal tools (MEAT) clinicians can use to (a) identify critical information in the results section of a journal article, (b) translate that information into an effect size and confidence interval, and (c) use the data to make a decision about the whether the evidence is statistically significant and clinically meaningful. Join us for this intriguing workshop.

Neonatal Sepsis

Our speaker presents the latest data on neonatal sepsis, including pathogen drug resistance, pathogen-specific therapy, and data regarding empiric therapies.

How Attention to Preterm Infant Brain Development Shapes Parents' Confidence and Behavior in the NICU

Findings from an NIH-sponsored study suggest that teaching parents and NICU staff how to support preterm infants' developing brains enhances parental confidence and sense of attachment during intensive care. Our speaker details how media trainings influenced caregiving behaviors in four Level III NICUs. Outcome data and excerpts from the media programs will inform discussion about best ways to use and communicate what is now known about fetal and neonatal neuroscience.

The Top Ten Syndromes in the NICU
(repeat of #115)

Pulmonary Hypoplasia (advanced) Rx=.25

Lung hypoplasia remains a complex cardiorespiratory disorder which complicates the course of neonates that are often the most vulnerable to critical care. Our speaker discusses the pathophysiology of common lung hypoplasia disorders and offers approaches to management.

Noninvasive Ventilation: The Devil is in the Details
(repeat of #112)

NEC: Probiotics? Prebiotics? Way too Many Biotics!
(repeat of #113)

The Basics of Neonatal EKG Interpretation

Can you rapidly identify neonatal atrial, junctional, and ventricular rhythms? How about the different types of heart blocks? Ms. Pilcher includes identifying parameters, incidence, etiology, treatment, and complications associated with arrhythmias in the neonatal population. Hints will be provided to help identify and remember the less common rhythms.

What's the Matter with Kids Today? Thriving with Generational Differences at Work

What are these new nurses thinking? It wasn't that way when I started. What are we going to do with them! Ms. Simons will tour you thru the generation differences from Baby Boomers to Generation X, Y & Z. You'll leave more prepared to work effectively with your team members (and perhaps those in your personal life!). You won't want to miss this trip!

Evidence-Based Practice: Making It Happen!

Dr. Melnyk discusses the state of evidence-based practice (EBP) across the nation. She describes the steps of EBP and strategies for implementing and sustaining EBP in clinical settings.

Neonatal Neurointensive Care: Understanding How Your Care Affects the Brain

Dr. Ludington details the elements required to provide neuro-intensive care in the NICU. Participants review which nursing care strategies directly and indirectly affect brain maturation, alter developing neuroplasticity, and promote genetic expression that impacts the rest of the patient's life. Concepts related to neuronal firing, neuronal networking, neurotransmitters, and experience-dependent gene behavior are covered, as well as appropriate nursing care interventions for each area. Participants leave with actionable knowledge that can have a huge impact on the patients they care for.

How to Access Evidence-Based Information on the Web (or How to be Smarter Than Your Computer and Find the Needle in the Haystack)

Our speakers guide you through accessing information from various websites and search engines. Unique approaches to searching for evidence-based literature cam be found through formal library searches, choosing the right search engine, and the use of MeSh, focus and explode, and OMIM.

The Ins and Outs of PICC Lines

PICC lines have been used for three decades to provide IV access in the NICU. These lines are associated with complications now being addressed by implementing EBP protocol driven changes. Dr. Johnson reviews the common issues, problems, and EBP solutions associated with percutaneous central venous catheter use in the NICU patient.

Hospital-Acquired Infections: Preventing Them So No One Has to Pay

Nosocomial infections are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in patients who require newborn intensive care. In this evidence-based workshop, our speaker reviews various strategies, such as physical co-location of mothers and neonates and kangaroo care, to assist clinicians in preventing nosocomial infections. Participants will leave this session excited and ready to put their expertise to work in helping to prevent infections within their units.

Sources and the Potential Power of Stem Cells

Dr. Muller-Burke discusses current information surrounding embryonic and alternative sources of stem cells. She examines the potential of stem cell research related to basic science, pharmacologic and transplantation applications, in addition to the ever-changing political landscape shaping policy for stem cell research.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management

Pulmonary hypertension may complicate a number of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases of the newborn. It may also occur without underlying lung or heart disease. Accurate diagnosis is critical because management strategies are based on the diagnosis and underlying pathology. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management are discussed as well as clinical scenarios.

Using Technology to Transform Your Clinical Practice

It is critical for the neonatal nurse practitioner in all areas of practice to have a working understanding of the language of technology, the use of technology, and how technology affects the way we communicate with our patients and their families. Participants will be invited to take a journey on the use of technology as a way to transform the way we communicate, interact, and provide care to our patients daily in our practice. Emphasis is on the use of mobile technology and applications for use in clinical practice (This session does not cover electronic records.) Participants will leave with tools that can be applied immediately to their practice.

At the Edge of the Envelope: Nonseparation and Private NICU Rooms

In this session, our speaker explores cutting-edge research on the influence that a unit's physical layout has on infant outcomes. Additionally, housing practices for mothers and their neonates who require intensive care are discussed. The participants leave this session with new ideas and concepts on conducting practices within perinatal services.

Using Technology to Transform Your Clinical Practice (repeat of #216)

Sources and the Potential Power of Stem Cells (repeat of #214)

Avoiding Legal Landmines in the NICU

Malpractice concerns have long been a part of neonatology. Dr. Fanaroff provides a brief introduction to general legal principles followed by an overview of medical malpractice in the U.S. He reviews actual cases involving nurses and nurse practitioners and analyzes them in order to identify areas of significant malpractice risk in neonatology and methods of minimizing that risk.

TeamSTEPPing into Safety: How to Keep You and Your Patients Safe

Patients and staff members are at risk every day they step into a hospital unit. Our speaker provides participants with the tools and strategies to lessen the likelihood of errors. Steps to enhance mutual support, communicate better, increase situational awareness, and provide timely leadership are explored. You will leave this workshop feeling more confident that you can better protect your patients, coworkers, and yourself!

Sherri Lee Simons, MSN, CCRN, RNC-NIC

Hypotension (advanced)

Dr. Alhadheri reviews the different causes of and clinical management of hypotension.

Neonatal Ethics: Parent-Provider Conflicts

Ethical dilemmas have been a part of neonatology since it's inception as a speciality. Our speaker provides an overview of core ethical principles in neonatology and discusses the 1982 Baby Doe case and the subsequent "Baby Doe" laws which are still relevant today, over 25 years later. Then we will look at two difficult ethical situations in neonatology-when parents demand care and providers refuse to provide it, and providing care against parents' wishes. Finally, Dr. Fanaroff discusses the ethical guidelines promulgated in the recent update to the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). The importance of a compassionate, respectful, team-based approach to care will be emphasized.

PDA: To Treat or Not to Treat?

Dr. Alhadheri discusses the pathophysiology of patent ductus arteriosus and controversies in its management.

Refreshment Break (Coffee, Tea)