President's Message

Lori Brittingham, MSN RN CNS AACNS-N

It’s been a busy few months for NANN. At the mid-year board of directors meeting in February, the board spent a considerable amount of time discussing product strategy. The information solicited during that session will be used along with the results from NANN’s Member Needs Assessment to determine a future direction for product development. NANN is invested in supporting your practice and improving outcomes for our patients and families.

Last month, NANN visited Cuba as part of an official delegation aimed at sharing information with our Cuban counterparts regarding healthcare systems, education, and the care of mothers and neonates. Our 13-person delegation included staff nurses, neonatal nurse practitioners (NNP), clinical nurse specialists, faculty, and researchers. The delegation visited two neonatal intensive care units, an obstetrics and gynecology hospital, two community clinics, and a maternity hospital. We also had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the Cuban Nursing Society and the School of Public Health. We learned much about healthcare in Cuba, shared in the rich culture of the Cuban people, and forged new friendships. What an amazing week!

NANN’s 12th Annual Research Summit commenced in Phoenix, AZ, in late March. Throughout the week, participants presented their research and evidence-based practice projects. Congratulations to all of the presenters and a special thank you to Mead Johnson Nutrition for their support in this tremendous annual meeting.

I recently had the opportunity to visit the State of Michigan Chapter (SMANN) at their 25th Annual Conference in Frankenmuth, MI, and was reminded of the incredible work that NANN nurses do at the local level. A special thanks to SMANN for welcoming me, and congratulations on a very successful conference!

There are a number of exciting upcoming opportunities for you to consider. NANN is currently accepting nominations for the Leadership, Navigator, Robin Main Excellence, and NNP Rising Star awards. What better way to showcase the extraordinary accomplishments and contributions of your colleagues. The Brighter Tomorrows Story Contest highlights inspiring stories shared by neonatal nurses. Share your stories with us. The winner of this contest will receive a complimentary registration for this year’s 33rd Annual Conference. The deadline to submit applications for both of these opportunities is May 1, 2017.

NANN’s Small Grants Program application deadline has been extended. The Small Grants Program provides an avenue for members to pursue research and evidence-based practice (EBP) interests. Application deadlines are Friday, April 14, 2017 (research) and Friday, April 24, 2017 (EBP).

The Nominations Committee currently is accepting nominations for the President-elect, Director-at-Large (2 spots), and Staff Nurse Director-at-Large positions, as well as three NANNP Council positions. Please consider sharing your voice, experience, and expertise with us.

Registration for NANN’s 33rd Annual Conference will open in May. This year’s conference will be held in historic Providence, RI. We’re looking forward to meeting in the northeast and are excited to spend time in New England during the beautiful fall season!

Our Sponsor