Playing it Safe; Safe Nutrition Practices in the NICU

This webinar was presented live on July 28, 2021.

This webinar is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals working in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). You will learn about safe NICU practices and the program of training for technician certification in the handling of human milk and formula. The presentation also covers the interdisciplinary process of developing feeding guidelines for preterm infants, including information on early vs. late fortification of feedings and a GI surgery baby specific feeding protocol. Additionally, the implementation of a revised hospital-wide nutrition screen that includes the NICU population will be reviewed. This informative webinar will provide attendees with essential knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective nutrition care to preterm infants in the NICU setting.

CPE Level: Level 2
CPEU: 1.0

Performance Indicators:

• 6.1.6 Develops and implements strategies, techniques and tools for process improvement in consultation with others.
• 1.5.2 Stays current of, complies with and models organization policies and standards.
• 6.1.1 Recognizes and identifies systems errors and risk reduction measures.

Learning Objectives

1. Define the risk reduction and benefits a well-defined training program provides in the establishment of formula - human milk preparation designated lab in a health care facility.
2. Summarize the process to introduce change in practice in a feeding protocol in the NICU.
3. Describe how to incorporate criteria for preterm infants into a hospital wide pediatric nutrition screen policy.

Speaker

Patricia J. Becker, MS RDN CSP FAND

Patricia Becker is a board-certified specialist in pediatric nutrition and a Fellow of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. For the past 20 years Pat has worked as a pediatric dietitian taking care of children from conception to adulthood, specializing in pediatric, preterm and neonatal undernutrition. She works as a neonatal dietitian at Dayton Children's Hospital.

Susan Konek, MA, RDN, CSP, LD, FAND

Sue Konek has worked in pediatric nutrition and as a clinical nutrition manager for over 25 years. She has actively engaged in work of the Academy as PNPG Chair, President of the Delaware Affiliate, and member of the House of Delegates and Quality Management Committee. Since retirement from her position as Director of Clinical Nutrition at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Sue has continued to support pediatric nutrition and clinical management in a number of clinical management support roles. As a consultant, she has provided training in the Human Milk/Formula Technician Certificate Program of the Columbus State Community College. She is a member of the PNPG Pediatric Malnutrition Committee.