Neonatal Resuscitation Education
Date: January 28, 2025
Reason for Alert: Consideration of the American Red Cross Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) Program
Introduction: The American Red Cross has introduced the Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) program, a new option for neonatal resuscitation education. AWHONN has been part of the content development process for this education and deem this program to be equivalent to the Neonatal Resuscitation Program® (NRP®) offered by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Global Programs and Services. As part of your facility’s ongoing evaluation of neonatal resuscitation needs, AWHONN encourages consideration of NALS as a viable and innovative option.
About the NALS Program: The NALS program is designed to meet the needs of hospitals and clinicians caring for newborns. Key features of the program include:
- Equivalence in Scientific Foundation: NALS was created using the evidence-based science of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), ensuring consistency in the quality of neonatal resuscitation education.
- Innovative Learning Design: The program incorporates cutting-edge educational methods to enhance learning and retention for participants.
- Broadened Clinician Reach: NALS aims to address gaps in neonatal care by training a wider range of clinicians, thereby supporting efforts to improve outcomes in regions with limited access to maternity and neonatal care. This includes supporting those in emergency departments, birthing centers and emergency medical services (EMS) environments. Additionally, NALS provides guidance related to post resuscitation care, resuscitation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and births outside the delivery room.
- Comprehensive Healthcare Offerings: The American Red Cross also supports resuscitation education for Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS/ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), providing integrated solutions for healthcare providers.
Regulatory Considerations: It is important to note that licensure requirements for healthcare facilities, including hospitals and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), may specify a specific neonatal resuscitation educational program. AWHONN recommends consulting with state regulatory agencies to include NALS as an equivalent option to demonstrate competency in neonatal resuscitation.
AWHONN and the American Red Cross collaborated on the development of the education because of the complementary synergies that exist between the organizations. The American Red Cross has deep expertise in building and delivering a widely used and respected suite of resuscitation programs and is a member of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), the authoritative source on resuscitation knowledge, science, and treatment recommendations. The NALS courses are designed to improve performance by incorporating the five characteristics of a high-reliability organization. Backed by the latest evidence-based science from ILCOR, the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council ensures the educational content is consistent with recommendations from the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, among others. The American Red Cross is solely responsible for administering the NALS course and updating the content over time, as medical advancements may require.
Combining AWHONN subject matter expertise with American Red Cross scientific and education expertise, resources, and platform infrastructure will accelerate innovation in this area. The NALS (Foundations and Comprehensive) courses introduce innovative eLearning methods, including adaptive learning and case delivery, to initiate strategic thought in tailored learning experiences, as well as instructor-led scenarios in a blended learning format.
Call to Action: AWHONN encourages facilities to evaluate their neonatal resuscitation needs and consider NALS as an equivalent option. The program offers an opportunity to enhance access to neonatal resuscitation education while maintaining high standards of care.
References and Resources: For additional details or inquiries about the NALS program, visit American Red Cross Healthcare Education at www.awhonn.org/education/nals.
