Feature
A Life-Changing Journey: NANN’s Inspiring Trip to Sweden
By Mary Elizabeth Armstrong, NNP-BC, and Megan Ursem, BSN, RNC-NIC
A group of 22 dedicated neonatal nursing professionals from the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN) embarked on an unforgettable journey to Sweden from February 2 to 7.
NANN President Taryn Edwards led the 2025 delegation to Sweden. Like previous NANN delegations, we were traveling for a high-level, in-depth international exchange. Delegations occur yearly, with information found on the NANN website under professional development. Sweden was chosen for this visit in part because the country leads the world in reducing neonatal mortality. Just 1.8 infants per thousand per live birth died in 2021, and the country reduced infant mortality by 20% in the past 10 years.
Our goal was to observe and learn from our Swedish counterparts, taking in the programs, methods, and approaches being used to increase survival rates for neonates.
This wasn’t just any professional trip—it was a chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by some of the world’s leading neonatal care experts. Over 6 incredible days, we explored Stockholm, visited cutting-edge hospitals and immersed ourselves in Swedish culture.
After a long flight, we arrived in Stockholm, Sweden’s breathtaking capital, known for its charming islands, rich history, and world-class medical institutions. We settled into our home base, the Scandic Park Hotel, ready for what was sure to be an eye-opening experience.
On our first evening together, we gathered for an orientation and welcome dinner, where we got to know our fellow delegates and heard all about the exciting itinerary ahead. The energy in the room was contagious. Everyone was eager to dive into the week’s experiences.
Seeing the Sights in Stockholm
Before our professional visits, we spent a day soaking in the beauty and history of Stockholm. Our first stop was Stockholm City Hall, famous for hosting the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Standing in such a historic building, we couldn’t help but imagine the incredible minds who had walked those halls before us. From there, we made our way to The Royal Palace, the official residence of Sweden’s king and queen.
Wandering through some of its 600-plus rooms, we got a peek at the country’s royal history. Next up was the Vasa Museum, home to an incredibly well-preserved 17th-century warship that spent over 300 years underwater. It was massive, intricate, and completely awe-inspiring—a real piece of Sweden’s maritime past.
To wrap up the day, we strolled through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town. The cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and charming little shops made it feel like we had stepped back in time.
This tour was the perfect way to ease into the Swedish experience before beginning our professional visits.
Karolinska Huddinge
The next day, February 4, it was time to get down to business. We headed to Karolinska University Hospital, one of the top medical centers in the world. It has locations in two cities, and we went to the one in Huddinge.
We started the day with an introduction to their neonatology department, where we learned about Sweden’s infant- and family-centered care approach. This philosophy prioritizes the baby’s comfort while keeping parents deeply involved—something we found incredibly inspiring.
In smaller groups, we toured the Karolinska Huddinge NICU. The state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge neonatal care practices were nothing short of amazing.
Later, we sat in on a session about the Swedish Neonatal Quality Register (SNQ). Infants admitted to the NICU in the first month of their life are included in SNQ data. We learned how Sweden uses data collection and analysis to improve neonatal outcomes. We also heard about nursing education and mentorship programs at Karolinska Institutet, a globally respected, research-led medical university. This got us thinking about how we could use some of these innovative ideas at home.
One of the most interesting things that we learned about NICU care in Sweden is that as many as a third of a baby’s NICU hospital days are home-care days. On home-care days, the late preterm infants (and those who correct to late preterm status) are cared for at home by their parents with nurses visiting 2–3 times per week. Sweden’s paid parental leave policy is one of the most generous in the world, making it possible for parents to have the time needed to care for their babies in the NICU and at home. It was so wonderful to learn that late preterm infants can thrive at home when they have the proper support in place.
Uppsala University Hospital
The next day, we traveled to Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden’s oldest university hospital, for another immersive learning experience.
One of the most impactful sessions focused on their small baby unit, which is designed for critically ill and extremely premature infants. We also learned about their approach to 24/7 family involvement and skin-to-skin care, which truly puts parents at the center of their baby’s healing journey.
In the afternoon, we explored the hospital’s pediatric home healthcare program, which ensures that babies and families transition smoothly from hospital to home. Seeing how well Sweden has integrated hospital care with home-based support gave us plenty to think about.
Before wrapping up, we got an inside look at Uppsala University’s neonatal nursing education programs. We were inspired by the country’s commitment to training the next generation of neonatal specialists.
Karolinska Solna
On our last day of professional visits, we went to Karolinska University Hospital’s location in Solna to take a closer look at care for extremely preterm infants. The level of organization, technology, and long-term follow-up support our Swedish counterparts provide to these tiny patients was truly remarkable. Sweden’s outcomes for infants born at 22- and 23-weeks' gestation are truly remarkable.
One of the day’s most eye-opening discussions that day focused on patient safety management in the NICU. The Swedish approach to risk management, safety protocols, and quality improvement was something we all wanted to learn from and implement in our own hospitals.
After touring the Solna NICU, we had time to explore Stockholm on our own. Some of us revisited favorite landmarks; others took time to relax, reflect, or squeeze in some shopping.
That evening, we came together for a farewell dinner, celebrating the friendships we had made and the wealth of knowledge we had gained. It was a night filled with laughter, gratitude, and excitement about how we could apply what we had learned when we returned home.
An Unforgettable Experience
On Friday, it was time to say goodbye to Sweden. Some NANN delegates headed straight to the airport, while others stayed to explore more of this incredible country and the surrounding areas.
As we parted ways, one thing was clear: this trip wasn’t just about professional development. It was about building connections, broadening our perspectives, and bringing back innovative ideas that could transform neonatal care in our own hospitals. This is a life-changing experience that will stay with us for years to come.
Sweden’s dedication to family-centered care, safety, and continuous learning left an unforgettable mark on all of us. We returned home with new inspiration, renewed passion, and a drive to keep improving neonatal care for the tiniest and most vulnerable patients we serve.
Bibliography
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NANN delegates pause for a picture in Sweden.
In addition to visiting three hospitals, NANN delegates had an opportunity to explore Sweden, including its old town, Gamla Stan.