NANNcast

National Association of Neonatal Nurses
NANNcast

Brought to you by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, NANNcast will provide listeners with advice, tips, and expertise to better inform neonatal nurses, industry partners, and families of NICU patients.

  1. FEB 19

    Q-rounds: Revolutionizing NICU Care with Real-Time Communication

    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.

    33 min
  2. FEB 4

    ANC Special Series Feature - Navigating Pain and Stress: Insights from Nurse Scientists

    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.

    1 hr
  3. JAN 8

    Mandatory Reporting in the NICU: Supporting Families with Substance Abuse

    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.

    31 min
4.8
out of 5
54 Ratings

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Brought to you by the National Association of Neonatal Nurses, NANNcast will provide listeners with advice, tips, and expertise to better inform neonatal nurses, industry partners, and families of NICU patients.

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