IS-050 Uniting Neonatal Nurses Globally While Working Interprofessionally

Abstract

The Council of International Neonatal Nurses, Inc. (COINN) acts as the global voice of the international community on neonatal nursing issues. Our vision is to generate a community of neonatal nurses from all over the world to work together on common problems, sharing expertise and disseminating important information. COINN now represents over 60 countries. This presentation highlights key activities of COINN and the important role neonatal nurses play in shaping health policy and neonatal care and education: Our commitment to the Every Newborn Action Plan- mobilising our member associations to undertake work in low resource settings (LRS). Providing training in LRS with the goal that greater than 75% of all infants not breathing after birth receive bag and mask resuscitation, that all preterm and low birthweight infants receive kangaroo mother care, and that all newborn babies with possible infection receive appropriate antibiotic therapy within a short time after birth. Developing a neonatal nursing workforce database – because neonatal nurses are essential to the care of preterm and ill newborn infants and to have an impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality rates globally, then we need to know where we work and what we do. Part of this work has been made possible through a generous grant from Abbvie. Developing and/or ascertaining education materials for use globally. Recognising and acknowledging colleagues working in low resource settings that are making a huge difference to the lives of newborns and their families – ‘neonatal nursing against the odds ’.