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Episodes

NANN's podcast series provides listeners with advice, tips, and expertise to better inform neonatal nurses, industry partners, and families of NICU patients.

  • Mind the Gap: The Fight for Neonatal Drug Development

    September 10, 2025

    Today’s episode confronts a sobering reality: neonates are often an afterthought in drug development. Join leading experts Mary Short, Dr. Wakako Eklund, and Dr. Kanwaljit Singh as they shine a light on the critical gaps in neonatal drug research and what it means for nurses and APRNs at the bedside. 

    You will learn why most medications used in the NICU are not specifically designed for newborns, how off-label use puts our most vulnerable patients at risk, and why FDA-approved, age-appropriate formulations are essential for safe and effective care. More importantly, we explore the crucial role that neonatal nurses play in this space, including the assurance of medication safety, influence of clinical trials and policy, and importance of parent education. 

    Whether you recently learned about neonatal drug development or are ready to step into advocacy, this episode offers practical guidance on how to get involved and grow your impact through collaboration, storytelling, and leadership. 

    Note that free CEU is available through NANN’s iLearn platform: “Bridging the Gap: Empowering Neonatal Nurses in Drug Development for Neonates.” 

  • NRP Uncovered: Science, Collaboration, and the Nurse’s Voice

    August 28, 2025

    Have you ever wondered how the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) guidelines are created—and more importantly, who decides what changes and why? In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of the science and collaboration that shape NRP. From the rigorous evidence review conducted by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) to how these findings are translated into bedside practice, you will learn precisely how research becomes reality. 

    Together, Dr. Gary Weiner and Amanda Williams break down the multi-layered process of evidence evaluation, guideline development, and educational translation, while highlighting the critical role nurses play in shaping the NRP used daily. Whether you are new to NRP or a seasoned instructor, this episode will inspire you to see the program through a whole new lens and recognize the power of your voice in shaping neonatal care. 

    Discover why NRP is more than a textbook—it is a living, breathing, global collaboration grounded in science and strengthened by the people who use it. 

  • Desert Vibes and NICU Insights: Your Guide to NANN in Palm Springs

    August 21, 2025

    What happens when you blend cutting-edge neonatal education, unforgettable experiences, and a little desert sunshine? You get NANN's 41st Annual Conference!

    Join Annual Conference Committee (ACC) Chair Adrienne Isaacs and ACC Chair-Elect Jenna Staggs for an insider’s look at what makes this year’s meeting a must-attend. Featuring powerful keynote speakers, an interactive APRN Summit, a fascinating NICU case study, and international collaboration with the 2025 Sweden delegates—NANN's 41st Annual Conference offers more than just CE credits.

    Tune into this episode to learn more about the meeting’s fun activities, including:

    • NANN-chella themed party
    • Scavenger hunt
    • Trivia session
    • Escape room
    • Badge blinging and bracelet making
    • Poster sessions and research opportunities

    No matter your reason for attending NANN's 41st Annual Conference, you will be sure to leave with newfound knowledge and inspiration, an expanded professional network, and incredible memories!

  • Advocacy in Action: Empowering NICU Nurses to Influence Change

    July 2, 2025

    In this episode, NANN's Health Policy and Advocacy Committee (HPAC) Chair, Susie Taylor, and Immediate Past Chair, Michele Sweet, explore the vital yet often overlooked role of advocacy in neonatal nursing. Together, they demystify what advocacy means, why it matters, and how NICU nurses and APRNs can influence healthcare policy beyond the bedside. The conversation highlights common barriers, like lack of time, confidence, or fear of speaking out, and offers practical, accessible ways for nurses to get involved, from writing letters to engaging with professional organizations.

    Through real-world examples, such as the successful effort to prevent tariffs on enteral syringes, Susie and Michele demonstrate how everyday bedside experiences can fuel powerful legislative change. They also share informational resources, such as NANN’s advocacy platforms, March of Dimes updates, and hospital-based government affairs teams. The episode emphasizes the power of storytelling, the importance of collaboration, and how even one nurse's voice can drive policy decisions that protect and improve patient care, especially for the most vulnerable newborns.

  • From Idea to Impact: Leading Research, Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), and Quality Improvement (QI) Projects in the NICU

    June 11, 2025

    Sarah Yingling, a nurse who led a quality improvement (QI) project in her unit, and Dr. Elizabeth Schierholz, a neonatal nurse practitioner, nurse scientist, and Sarah’s mentor, share how bedside nurses and APRNs can overcome the intimidation often associated with research, evidence-based practice (EBP), and QI in the NICU. Sarah recounts her journey from a simple conversation about improving care for small babies to leading a large QI project focused on neuroprotective and family-centered care. Together, they provide practical advice on engaging with research, EBP, and QI, break down nursing barriers, and emphasize the importance of mentorship and small, actionable steps. Whether you are a new nurse or a seasoned professional, this episode demonstrates that meaningful change in patient care is within reach for all.

About NANNcast's Host 

Jill Beck, MSN RNC-NIC 
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Jill Beck has been a certified NICU nurse for 18 years and is currently a clinical staff nurse in a Level IV NICU at Nemours/AI duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware. There, she is also an ECMO specialist and a member of the NICU team in the Advanced Delivery Program. Jill loves research and QI, and her passion began at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital's NICU in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where she was a lead member of the Quality Improvement Committee. There, she worked on various QI initiatives across many disciplines and acted as a mentor for staff for their ongoing research. As a lead investigator on QI initiatives, Jill had the opportunity to share her results with fellow NICU nurses at the local, national, and international levels.

Jill Beck is a proud fellow of NANN's 2018 Emerging Leader Fellowship program, which has taught her invaluable lessons and given her the confidence to pursue the impossible. Through the fellowship, she developed the concept of NANNcast and now serves as the podcast's host. Jill aims for NANNcast to be a platform for sharing new innovations and hot topics in neonatology with the hope of creating better patient outcomes for tiny babies!

Get involved with NANNcast

Interested in suggesting a topic or being a podcast guest?

Contact Natalie Glaid, Operations Coordinator at nglaid@nann.org 

Advertising opportunities available:

Contact Olivia Diehl at odiehl@nann.org