Conference Chairpersons
Debbie Fraser Askin, MN, RNC-NIC
Sherri Lee Simons, MSN, CCRN, RNC-NIC
Patsy J. Hammonds, RN, MS, NNP-BC, NA-BC
Janet L. Thigpen, MN, APRN, NNP-BC
Diane Youmans, RNC, MSN

Additional Opportunites for CEs
There will be additional opportunities to earn continuing education credit through industry-sponsored symposia. Check back for updates and further information.

Neonatal Pharmacology
Topics for this session include:

• Is Nitric Oxide the Answer for Preterm Lung Disease?
• What's Good for Mom is Good for Baby…Or Is it? Perinatal Complications Associated with Maternal Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) During Pregnancy
• Premedication for Rapid Sequence Intubation in the Neonate
• Neonatal Issues in Medication Safety
• Controversies in the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Neonates
• Update on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prophylaxis
  

Practical Sim: Prepare for NRP 2012

Join your fellow NRP hospital-based instructors and regional trainers for information and hands-on learning about the 2012 NRP provider course curriculum. Create and conduct newborn resuscitation scenarios using simple manikins and low-tech methods suited to the community hospital setting. Practice the basics of debriefing and take home tools to build your skills.
Note: This is not an NRP Instructor course.

Stepping into REAL Patient Safety from the Front Line

Patient safety is on everyone’s mind. It affects all of us yet we all have a different understanding of what it really means. Our speakers help you understand the Patient Safety movement and what it means to you on the “front line.” They discuss some of the common improvement methodologies and look specifically at teamwork and communication skills that help you deliver a higher quality of care that is safe and consistent for every patient every day.

Caring for the Late Preterm Infant

Given the increasing rate of late preterm births in North America, many questions have arisen about what kinds of problems these infants experience and how best to care for them. Ms. Fraser examines the top six problems experienced by the late preterm infant and provides strategies to address these problems.

Avoiding the Talons of the Legal Eagles in Perinatal Nursing

Perinatal nurses are involved in the care of some of health care’s most vulnerable patients. Today, individual nurses may be named in medical malpractice cases, either as agents of the hospitals in which they practice or as independent practitioners in their own right. Nurses must have a working knowledge of the legal issues surrounding their practice, and must be prepared to testify according to accepted standards of care. Dr. Juretschke reviews concepts implicit to all nursing practice and highlights the perinatal nurse’s risk for legal liability in the practice setting. Steps in the legal process and the role of the nurse as fact witness, defendant, and nursing expert are discussed.

Writing for Publication

For some, publishing is a job requirement, for others, a personal or professional goal. Whatever your motivation, this workshop provides you with the tools you need to get started. Taught by the editor of Neonatal Network®, a broad range of issues related to getting your manuscript published are addressed. These issues include, but are not limited to: selecting a topic and journal, collecting your research, referencing, copyright ownership, permission to use the material of others, and the editing process. Questions are encouraged. Bring your ideas, outlines, or manuscripts for a consultation with an editor.

Reaching the Neonatal Nurse: Innovative and Evidence-Based Teaching Strategies

This fun-filled interactive workshop provides NICU nurse educators, CNSs, and preceptors with ideas for creating memorable learning activities for neonatal nurses. Participants acquire ready-to-implement innovative and evidence-based teaching strategies for training new nurses, providing continuing educational activities, and for competency assessment. The grand finale includes roundtable sharing of innovative ideas from the audience, so bring examples of your creative teaching techniques.

8:15-9:15am

GS141

Difficult Transition Babies

Fetal transition to air breathing is one of the most dramatic and complex processes in biology. Birth asphyxia and respiratory distress after birth result from a breakdown in these coordinated events. Dr. Jain also discusses targeted approaches to neonatal resuscitation.

Refreshment Break-Please visit Exhibits and Posters (Coffee, Tea)

10:00-11:00am
GS142

Fitting the Pieces Together: Complex Perinatal Case Studies

Ms. Thompson outlines perinatal cases that demonstrate a team management approach to care for our most complex patients. Cases will be presented from three perspectives: Postpartum, Labor and Delivery, and High Risk Antepartum.

Simplexity: How Simply Complex is Mother-Baby Nursing?


“Simplexity”, a term developed by Jeffrey Klueger, refers to how and why “simple things become complex and how complex things become simple.” This concept can clearly be used to describe the needs of our clientele as they experience the complex physiologic and emotional transitions of childbirth, but also speaks to the experience of mother-baby nurses working in rapidly changing systems. The concept invites us to redefine how we look at our workplace and to use that new view to improve our professional lives.

Lunch available for purchase in the Exhibit Hall

Fetal Monitoring: The Baby’s First Words

Our speaker examines the latest updates in fetal monitoring. Interpretation and management of difficult cases, including second stage management, oxytocin administration, and communication with appropriate terminology are discussed.

Breastfeeding: Making It Happen!

Our speaker discusses what health professionals can do (or not do) to facilitate breastfeeding within the hospital setting.

Taking the Punch Out of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a national epidemic in the U.S. It is estimated that more than 20 percent of abuse begins during pregnancy. Our speaker helps the practicing OB nurse ask the right questions, without fear of the answers. Specific strategies to help victims of domestic violence are discussed.

When to Get Really Hyper about Bilirubinemia

Dr. Shultz discusses physiology, presentation, differential diagnosis, management, and complications. She also addresses how hyperbilrubinemia affects care of the infant and the most effective teaching strategies for parents.

OB Drills

Our speaker discusses the benefits of using drills for staff education. Methods of getting the staff to enthusiastically participate in improving departmental processes will also be discussed.

Crack and Ice, and other Drugs, in the Cradle

Whether it’s “slurping on embalming fluid” or “crack in the cradle,” neonates are increasingly exposed to drugs during pregnancy. Ms. Simons explores the trends in perinatal substance abuse and the effects of maternal substance abuse on the infant. Interventions that really work are presented.

Nursing Practice—Fact or Fiction: Show Me the Evidence!

No longer can nursing practice be based on the adage "we've always done it that way!" Ms. Mullaly guides participants on a quest to access, evaluate, and integrate the use of the best available evidence to improve patient outcomes and practice. Sign up for this workshop and stay on the cutting edge!

“They Want What Test?” A Look at Neonatal Labs

“Bands and segs…was that central or peripheral? Wait, I didn’t know there was a difference!” Using a case study approach, our speaker will attempt to demystify common neonatal labs. Hints for interpretation and some clinical pearls concerning sampling are also presented

Antepartum Management of Multiples

In this session, Ms. Dekle examines current statistics on multiple pregnancy. She discusses the importance of nutrition and addresses complications of multiple pregnancy. Preterm labor statistics and prevention techniques are also discussed.

Breastfeeding Babies with Special Needs

Breastfeeding babies with special needs can be challenging. Topics of discussion in this session include how to get a milk supply established if the infant is not breastfeeding well (or at all). Policies and protocols that support breastfeeding in the NICU and Special Care Nurseries, and methods of supplementing babies with special needs are addressed.

Discharge Brunches: Reducing Chaos and Increasing Smiles for Nurses and Patients

Ever have difficulty getting discharge teaching and discharge to happen effectively and in a timely fashion? In this dynamic workshop our speakers provide participants with a creative and innovative way to take the chaos out of those processes. Successful strategies to "put the meat" into discharge processing will be enjoyed by all!

Top 10 Reasons to Call the Baby’s Doctor—Now!

As a nurse, your day to day struggles seem endless. Do you ever struggle knowing whether to “bother the doctor”? Dr. Shultz discusses some of the most common and important reasons to call the pediatrician and how to present the information that you want to share with the doctor in a way that is a “win-win” for both of you.

8:15-9:15am
GS241

Coming Next from JCAHO: Kangaroo Care at Birth for Healthy Infants

Kangaroo Care is not just for preterm infants any more because full term infants stay warmer, have better breathing patterns, and spontaneously search out the nipple and latch on when put skin-to-skin within one minute of birth and left undisturbed for one to two hours. Learn why, when, and how you can meet the new JCAHO criteria to improve term infant breastfeeding and birth recovery.

The 39-Week Rule: Just Because We Can, Should We Deliver Sooner?

In today's perinatal units, the percentage of cesarean and induced births is increasing. Recent recommendations are to limit elective procedures to 39 weeks or greater. Dr. Poole addresses current recommendations and their impact on perinatal outcomes.

Is It Safe? Creating a Culture of Patient Safety

Nearly 100,000 patients die each year in U.S. hospitals from medical error. Dr. Scott addresses concepts in creating a culture of patient safety. Specific actions taken by Memorial Health University Medical Center to reduce its incidence of preventable medical harm are examined. Potential errors that may take place in the office of a primary care provider are also discussed.

Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: It Is More Than an Elevated Blood Pressure

There are multi-system implications when hypertension complicates pregnancy. Dr. Poole focuses on current management of hypertension complicating and the maternal-fetal implications of such management.

Psychotropic Medications Used During Pregnancy

Dr. VanDenBerg focuses on medications commonly used to treat various psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety in patients who are pregnant. He discusses the potential risks and benefits to both the mother and infant associated with the various classes of medications used for these psychiatric states.

A New Look at Old Diseases: STDs

A striking increase in the incidence of major sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is having a significant impact on a growing population of perinatal patients. The impact of these diseases on the mother and infant, is addressed. Come take a tour of some of the most serious and common STDs and the only thing you’ll catch during this fun workshop is knowledge!

Newborn Assessment

The more you know about newborn physical assessment, the better you can differentiate normal variations and minor congenital anomalies from more problematic findings. Knowing what to look for makes it easier to accurately read subtle signs and symptoms. Dr. Wright helps hone your assessment skills, reduce the risk of newborn complications becoming catastrophic problems, and plan early interventions for optimal outcomes.

Staying Calm and Effective with OB Emergencies

During any clinical crisis situation, quick recognition and effective intervention are key to a good outcome for mother and baby. Dr. Royek provides an understanding of how complications during pregnancy render the pregnant woman vulnerable to acute decompensation. Learn the tools and strategies you need to effectively manage common obstetric crises.

Postpartum Hemorrhage: Do You Know How to Handle the Situation?

Postpartum hemorrhage contributes to significant maternal morbidity and mortality. Delayed recognition and response further complicates the situation. Dr. Poole reviews common causes of postpartum hemorrhage and discuss current treatment options.

Care of the Late Preterm Infant

A dramatic increase in the number of late preterm infants combined with evidence of increased morbidity and mortality in this population has led care providers to begin to pay special attention to this group of newborns. Ms. Fraser examines the reasons for the increase in the number of late preterm infants. Areas of risk and evidence-based suggestions for developing a plan of care specific to this population are provided.

Inflicted Traumatic Brain Injury

Dr. Evans explains the signs and symptoms of: Inflicted Traumatic Brain Injury, formerly known as Shaken Baby Syndrome.

Riding the Crest

Ms. Tyson’s powerful presentation compares the wave's natural cycle of crest and ebb to those cycles in our professional and personal lives. Her focus is on to the issues and events that can encourage productivity and help create momentum as well as those things that can cause us to "crash." Ideas are shared for dealing with the powerful "undertow" of negativity and stress so that we can rebuild and go further than we have ever gone before! This presentation will empower you: at the bedside and in every aspect of your life.

The BIG Problem of Obesity in Pregnancy

The prevalence of obesity is a major health concern in the U.S. Dr. Royek explores the prevalence of obesity in pregnancy and associated complications for both the mother and the baby. While obesity in pregnancy can cause serious pregnancy-related complications, it is a risk factor that can be modified to improve birth outcomes. Learn how women of childbearing age and their health care providers can work together to assess and address this important health issue before, during, and after pregnancy

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly: Guidelines for Working Together


Do you work with people that are challenging that make teamwork “Mission Impossible”? Ms. Simons discusses the challenges you may encounter in your unit and how best to respond to them. You will leave the workshop renewed, energized, and excited to get back to work (REALLY)!