In February of 2013 the National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT) held a Mastery Implementation Contest to discover and recognize everyday leaders in the NICU who gained mastery in their practice and career by using credible resources to implement new strategies for education, skill development, competency, or patient care in the NICU.
Professionals who entered the contest were asked to include how their efforts directly or indirectly benefitted NICU patients.
Occupational therapist Sally Venard from Mercy Hospital NICU, Oklahoma City, OK was recognized as one of the 2 winners!
She was recently recognized among hundreds of her colleagues at the 3rd Annual NANT Conference held in Fort Worth Texas. Sally will also be a featured guest on a special NANT teleseminar in July 2013 titled: Mastering the Art of Implementation in the NICU.
Sally used the resources and education she gained from attending the 2012 NANT Conference to (in part):
- Grow neonatal therapy presence from one occupational therapist (OT) on a 42 bed unit, to 2 full-time OTs, and 1-1&1/2 speech language pathologists in order to serve an increased number of babies and families in the NICU. Her department director fully supported this growth in the NICU (priceless).
- In collaboration with her colleagues, formed a state organization to promote collaboration, education and support. This organization is titled: OANAPT -Oklahoma Association of Neonatal and Pediatric Therapists. (WOW!)
- In collaboration with her colleagues, applied for a grant to open a follow-up clinic to fill the gap between NICU discharges and an early intervention program.
On behalf of the National Association of Neonatal Therapists, I commend Sally Venard for her initiative, professionalism and effort to improve the lives of NICU patients by using credible resources to educate, collaborate and inspire.
Congratulations!
Sue Ludwig OTR/L
President and Founder
National Association of Neonatal Therapists (NANT)
(Hear more about how Sally and her team created this much growth and change during our July teleseminar. Details coming in early July!)
