Community of Neonatal Nursing Practice (CoNP)

Care of the small and sick newborn requires specialized education and skills. While in many countries neonatal nurses are considered the backbone of neonatal care, this is not universal. In many countries, and in those with the highest neonatal mortality rates, no specific recognition of neonatal specialty or neonatal nursing training exists. Sharing best practices and offering education through an online Community of Neonatal Nursing Practice (CoNP) is an effective vehicle to provide high quality neonatal care. A CoNP addresses educational needs and provides a platform for sharing best practices in the online community of health professionals who provide care for neonates. This article describes the development and implementation of such a community. The training offered a post diploma program with 12 online modules, a neonatal orientation program, and preceptor training. The educational materials allowed both novice and advanced practice nurses to gain knowledge and skills. Competency framework for education, neonatal nursing skills checklist, preceptor manual, curricular outlines for a master's degree in neonatal nursing, and faculty training support were provided. The CoNP served as a repository for case studies, evidence-based practice articles/guidelines, and policy briefs. With an original focus on four countries in sub-Saharan Africa, within two years CoNP has grown to include participants from 158 countries, engaging 332 participants in its training. CoNP serves as a model for neonatal and other nursing health care professionals involved in neonatal care to participate in online activities and resource sharing to improve neonatal outcomes.