2017 Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist Course

The AARC's Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist course is a comprehensive course developed to enhance the critical skills necessary for respiratory therapists who work in the neonatal and pediatric critical care environments. This is an excellent course to assist those respiratory therapists preparing to challenge the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) Neonatal-Pediatric Specialist examination.

In addition to preparing the respiratory therapist for the NBRC NPS examination, this course is an excellent tool for those who are new to neonatal-pediatric care. With content geared toward respiratory care and critical care for both the neonatal and pediatric population, this course is a comprehensive orientation to the respiratory therapist's role in caring for the critically ill neonatal and pediatric patient.

This course was sponsored in part by an unrestricted educational grant from

Seminar Information
Seminar Date:
January 01, 2017
Expiration Date:
December 31, 2017 11:59 PM
Seminar Objectives
  • Discuss general critical care practices, such as assessing patient status and changes in status, anticipate care based on laboratory results, anticipate care based on imaging and reports of imaging, anticipate effects of pharmacologic agents, anticipate care based on nutritional status, prevent ventilator associated pneumonia, and recognize and manage patients with infections and sepsis in the neonatal/pediatric population.
  • Discuss respiratory critical care procedures, such as managing airways, administering specialty gases, manage ventilation, and deliver pharmacologic agents in the neonatal/pediatric population.
  • Identify necessary components to prepare for disasters, including patient protection and equipment and supply management in the neonatal/pediatric population.
  • Identify components of acting as an interdisciplinary team member in the neonatal/pediatric population.
  • Discuss performing critical care procedures and troubleshoot systems such as chest tube drainage, bronchoscopy, hemodynamic monitoring, and inhaled delivery of vasodilators in the neonatal/pediatric population.
  • Discuss issues with patient autonomy, surrogate decision making, and end of life in the neonatal/pediatric population.
Welcome to the NPS course

Welcome and overview of the course from the 2014-2016 AARC Neonatal-Pediatric Section Chair Natalie Napolitano. The welcome video is approximately 3 minutes in length. It is recommended that you take the pre-course practice examination (see the document in the "papers" tab) prior to accessing the course materials.

Course faculty conflicts of interest are disclosed below. Brand names of products and pictures of products may be used only as examples of available technology. No endorsement of any one product or device is intended.

Alex Brendel: no relationships to disclose

Ira Cheifetz: Philips, Ikaria

Kathy Deakins: Hill-Rom, Masimo

Dabney Eidson: no relationships to disclose

Dana Evans: Chiesi USA

John Gallagher: AARC liaison to the American Academy of Pediatrics NRP program

Bill Galvin: no relationships to disclose

Douglas Gardenhire: no relationships to disclose

Janet Lioy: no relationships to disclose

Timothy Myers: no relationships to disclose

Natalie Napolitano: Dräger, Aerogen, Philips Respironics, Nihon Kohden, CVS Health

Howard Panitch: Philips Respironics

Steve Sittig: no relationships to disclose

Shawna Strickland: no relationships to disclose

Shari Toomey: No relationships to disclose

Jenn Watts: no relationships to disclose

Sara Wing Parker: no relationships to disclose

Speaker Information
Natalie Napolitano MPH, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC  [ view bio ]
Pediatric Patient Assessment

This presentation discusses components of neurologic, basic cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and musculoskeletal assessments as well as reinforce the recognition of respiratory failure in the pediatric patient. The presenter reviews normal and abnormal findings of these assessments in the context of the pediatric critically ill patient.

This video is approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes in length.

NBRC NPS matrix item II A

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Alex Brendel MBA, RRT-NPS   [ view bio ]
Neonatal Patient Assessment

This presentation discusses components of neurologic, basic cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal, metabolic, and musculoskeletal assessments as well as reinforce the recognition of respiratory failure in the neonatal patient. The presenter reviews normal and abnormal findings of these assessments in the context of the neonatal critically ill patient.

This video is approximately 49 minutes in length.

NBRC NPS matrix item II A

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Sara Wing Parker MPH, RRT-NPS, AE-C   [ view bio ]
Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Disease

This presentation focuses on the cardiopulmonary disease processes that are common to the pediatric patient and are specifically addressed on the NBRC NPS examination. These processes include asthma, pneumonia, croup, bronchiolitis, neuromuscular diseases, trauma, inhalation injuries, and cystic fibrosis.

This video is approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes in length.

NBRC NPS matrix items listed in the secondary test specifications

This presenter discloses relationships with Hill-Rom and Masimo. 

Speaker Information
Kathy Deakins MHA, RRT-NPS, FAARC   [ view bio ]
Neonatal Cardiopulmonary Disease

This presentation focuses on the cardiopulmonary disease processes that are common to the neonatal population and are specifically addressed on the NBRC NPS examination. These processes include congenital heart diseases, prematurity, meconium aspiration, pulmonary hypertension, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

This video is approximately 1 hour and 6 minutes in length.

NBRC NPS matrix items in the secondary test specifications

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Sara Wing Parker MPH, RRT-NPS, AE-C   [ view bio ]
Laboratory Results part 1

This presentation discusses normal and abnormal values in relation to blood gases and co-oximetry. These diagnostic laboratory studies are also discussed in context with the conditions of neonatal and pediatric patients.

This video is approximately 54 minutes in length. 

NBRC NPS matrix items I A and II C

Dr. Lioy has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Janet Lioy MD  [ view bio ]
Laboratory Results part 2

This presentation discusses normal and abnormal values in relation to blood chemistries, electrolytes, microbiology, and other clinical laboratory diagnostic studies. These diagnostic laboratory studies are also discussed in context with the conditions of neonatal and pediatric patients.

This video is approximately 48 minutes in length. 

NBRC NPS matrix items I A and II C

Dr. Lioy has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Janet Lioy MD  [ view bio ]
Pharmacology

This presentation reviews the common medications (pulmonary and non-pulmonary) used in the treatment of neonatal and pediatric patients. In addition, information on the effects/side effects and the role of the respiratory therapist in the administration of these medications is provided.

This video is approximately 43 minutes in length.

NBRC NPS matrix items I F, I H, II B, and II E

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Douglas Gardenhire EdD, RRT-NPS, FAARC   [ view bio ]
Airway Management

This presentation identifies the indications and contraindications for the use of various specialty gases in the treatment of neonatal and pediatric patients as well as the use and hazards of various artificial airways.

This video is approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes in length. 

NBRC NPS matrix items I B, I C, I F, II A, and II B

This presenters have no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Steven Sittig RRT-NPS   [ view bio ]
Shawna Strickland PhD, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC   [ view bio ]
Airway Clearance

This presentation identifies common airway clearance issues in neonatal and pediatric patients, including secretion removal and devices for airway clearance.

This video is approximately 23 minutes in length. 

NBRC NPS matrix item I B

This presenter discloses relationships with Hill-Rom and Masimo.

Speaker Information
Kathy Deakins MHA, RRT-NPS, FAARC   [ view bio ]
Non-invasive Ventilation

This presentation provides an exploration of the indications, contraindications, hazards, side effects, and beneficial effects of non-invasive ventilation in the neonatal/pediatric population.

This video is approximately 53 minutes in length. 

NBRC NPS matrix item I B

This presenter discloses that she is on the speaker's bureau for Chiesi USA.

Speaker Information
Dana Evans MHA RRT-NPS   [ view bio ]
Mechanical Ventilation & Waveform Analysis

This presentation provides a review of the basics of volume versus pressure ventilation as well as a discussion of appropriate initial mechanical ventilation settings, ventilator graphics interpretation, and weaning techniques for neonatal and pediatric patients.

This video is approximately 53 minutes in length. 

NBRC NPS matrix items I D and I F

This presenter discloses that she is on the speaker's bureau for Chiesi USA.

Speaker Information
Dana Evans MHA RRT-NPS   [ view bio ]
Pediatric Mechanical Ventilation and Pediatric ARDS

This presentation will define ARDS in the pediatric population and review recommendations to maximize conventional ventilation and gas exchange goals as well as discuss modalities such as high frequency ventilation and various adjunct approaches, including ECMO.

This video is approximately 57 minutes in length. 

NBRC NPS matrix item I D

This presenter has served as a medical advisor for Phillips and Ikaria.

Speaker Information
Ira Cheifetz MD, FCCM, FAARC   [ view bio ]
Mechanical Ventilation Strategies

This presentation discusses mechanical ventilation strategies to optimize the patient-ventilator interaction as well as liberation from mechanical ventilation in neonatal and pediatric patients.

This video is approximately 48 minutes in length.

NBRC NPS matrix item I D

This presenter has served as a medical advisor for Phillips and Ikaria.

Speaker Information
Ira Cheifetz MD, FCCM, FAARC   [ view bio ]
Patient-Ventilator Monitoring

This presentation provides an overview of the vital components of an advanced cardiopulmonary assessment in the neonatal/pediatric population, including airway pressure monitoring and ventilator-patient interaction. In addition, the presentation discusses the various components of hemodynamic monitoring, including normal and abnormal values, and relate these to the neonatal/pediatric patient.

This video is approximately 36 minutes in length. 

NBRC NPS matrix items I D, I F, and II A

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Shari Toomey MBA, RRT-NPS   [ view bio ]
Imaging Assessment

This presentation focuses on the indications and diagnostic uses of various diagnostic imaging tests, including: radiographs, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, echocardiography, cardiac catheterization/angiography, and fluoroscopy.

This video is approximately 44 minutes in length. 

NBRC NPS matrix items I A, II A, and II D

Dr. Panitch has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Howard Panitch MD  [ view bio ]
Special Procedures and Troubleshooting

This presentation focuses on a variety of procedures classified as "special procedures" by the NBRC and the respiratory therapist's role in performing or assisting in the procedure as well as troubleshooting various situations. These procedures includeperipheral and umbilical intravenous acess; intra- and inter-hospital transport; intubation and extubation; oxygen challenge, and transillumination.

This video is approximately 55 minutes in length.

NBRC NPS matrix items I A and I G

Ms. Watts has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Jenn Watts BS, RRT-NPS, C-NPT   [ view bio ]
Special Procedures: Bronchoscopy

This presentation focuses on bronchoscopy in children and the respiratory therapist's role in performing or assisting in this procedure as well as troubleshooting various sitations.

This video is approximately 38 minutes in length.

NBRC NPS matrix items I G

Dr. Panitch has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Howard Panitch MD  [ view bio ]
Complications of Medical Interventions

This presentation will discuss two major complications of medical interventions: ventilator associated events and nutrition. The topics incude prevention of development of ventilator associated infections through various interventions and nutritional interventions that may produce cardiopulmonary compromise.

This video is approximately 10 minutes in length.

NBRC NPS matrix items I E and II C

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Shawna Strickland PhD, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC   [ view bio ]
Ethics, the Team Concept, and Disaster Management

This presentation addresses ethical conflicts and concepts common to the neonatal and pediatric population, including patient autonomy, surrogate decision-making, informed consent, ventilatory support at the end of life, withdrawal of life support, and organ donation. A discussion of working as part of a multidisciplinary team and essential components of effective disaster management and safety.

This video is approximately 20 minutes in length. 

NBRC NPS matrix items II F, II G, II H

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Shawna Strickland PhD, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC   [ view bio ]
Emergency Interventions: PALS

This presentation provides an overview of the major principles of the American Heart Association's Pediatric Advanced Life Support program.

This video is approximately 33 minutes in length.

NBRC NPS matrix item I I

This presenter discloses research and program relationships with Dräger, Aerogen, Philips/Respironics, Nihon Kohden, and CVS health; consulting and speaking relationships with Dräger and Aerogen; and shares a patent with Nihon Kohden.

Speaker Information
Natalie Napolitano MPH, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC  [ view bio ]
Emergency Interventions: NRP

This presentation provides an overview of the major principles of the American Heart Association/American Academy of Pediatrics' Neonatal Resuscitation Program.

This video is approximately 50 minutes in length.

NBRC NPS matrix item I I

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
John Gallagher MPH, RRT-NPS   [ view bio ]
Family and Patient Education

This presentation discusses issues regarding patient and family education, including discharge planning, tracheostomy care, resuscitation, home monitoring, and home mechanical ventilation.

This video is approximately 27 minutes in length.

NBRC NPS matrix item II I

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Alex Brendel MBA, RRT-NPS   [ view bio ]
NPS Case Study #1

This module uses a case-based approach to gather and interpret clinical information to assist the neonatal pediatric specialist in making appropriate clinical decisions.

This video is approximately 11 minutes in length. 

This presenter discloses research and program relationships with Dräger, Aerogen, Philips/Respironics, Nihon Kohden, and CVS health; consulting and speaking relationships with Dräger and Aerogen; and shares a patent with Nihon Kohden.

Speaker Information
Natalie Napolitano MPH, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC  [ view bio ]
NPS Case Study #2

This module uses a case-based approach to gather and interpret clinical information to assist the neonatal pediatric specialist in making appropriate clinical decisions.

This video is approximately 13 minutes in length. 

This presenter discloses that she is on the speaker's bureau for Chiesi USA.

Speaker Information
Dana Evans MHA RRT-NPS   [ view bio ]
NPS Case Study #3

This module uses a case-based approach to gather and interpret clinical information to assist the neonatal pediatric specialist in making appropriate clinical decisions.

This video is approximately 10 minutes in length. 

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Shawna Strickland PhD, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC   [ view bio ]
NPS Case Study #4

This module uses a case-based approach to gather and interpret clinical information to assist the neonatal pediatric specialist in making appropriate clinical decisions.

This video is approximately 11 minutes in length. 

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Dabney Eidson BS, RRT-NPS   [ view bio ]
NPS Case Study #5

This module uses a case-based approach to gather and interpret clinical information to assist the neonatal pediatric specialist in making appropriate clinical decisions.

This video is approximately 17 minutes in length. 

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Timothy Myers MBA, RRT-NPS, FAARC  [ view bio ]
NPS Case Study #6

This module uses a case-based approach to gather and interpret clinical information to assist the neonatal pediatric specialist in making appropriate clinical decisions.

This video is approximately 6 minutes in length. 

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Steven Sittig RRT-NPS   [ view bio ]
Test Taking Skills

This module identifies keys to successful performance on examinations by addressing major concepts associated with proper preparation and study: issues of memory, the forgetting process, and the principles and stages of learning.

This video is approximately 1 hour and 14 minutes in length. 

This presenter has no relationships to disclose.

Speaker Information
Bill Galvin MEd, RRT, CPFT   [ view bio ]
Individual topic purchase: Selected
American Association for Respiratory Care
Continuing Respiratory Care Education: 20.00
Products
This seminar is no longer available for purchase.