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Forward16th Annual Neonatal Advanced Practice Conference
LIVE HYBRID ACTIVITY
Overview
This activity presents topics of interest to those working in the neonatal ICU. Speakers cover new and emerging neonatal topics, clinical presentations, as well as reviews of available evidence for current practice strategies related to the anticipation, recognition, assessment, stabilization and acute and long-term care of the neonate. Discussion and question sessions will follow each presentation.
Target Audience
This activity presents topics of interest to neonatal care providers, including NNPs, nurses, physicians, as well as other health care professionals working the in the neonatal ICU.
Learner Outcome
By the end of this conference, participants will demonstrate increased knowledge of current evidence-based, innovative, and advanced practice strategies in neonatal care, including emerging technologies, evolving clinical guidelines, and best practices for managing complex neonatal conditions. Learners will report how this updated knowledge can inform and enhance their clinical reasoning and future practice decisions in the care of critically ill infants.
Poster Presentations
We invite healthcare professionals, researchers, and students to submit abstracts for poster presentations at the 16th Annual Neonatal Advanced Practice Conference. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase innovative research, quality improvement initiatives, and best practices in neonatal care. Accepted poster presenters will receive free registration. Do not register for the conference prior to receiving a reply to your poster presentation submission. Separate registration instructions will be sent directly to poster presenters.
Submission Guidelines:
- Posters should focus on topics related to neonatal care, including but not limited to clinical practice, research, case studies, quality improvement, and education.
- Submissions must include a title, abstract (250 words max), and author information.
- Accepted posters will be displayed during the conference, with opportunities for discussion and networking.
Submission Deadline: May 8, 2026
Click here to submit your poster summary and disclosures
For questions, contact [email protected]. We look forward to your contributions in advancing neonatal practice!
Scholarship Assistance
Full scholarships are being offered. To apply, complete this application form by Friday, May 8, 2026. Notification of award will be sent by Friday, May 22, 2026, along with instructions on how to register.
Click here to submit an application
Do not register for the conference prior receiving a reply to your scholarship application. Separate registration instructions will be sent directly to all scholarship recipients.
Any questions can be submitted to [email protected].
Additional Information
Agenda
Thursday, June 18, 2026
7:30 a.m. | Check-in | |
7:50 | Welcome & Opening Remarks | |
8:00 | The Ever-changing World for Neonatal Advanced Practice Providers | |
Carol Wallman, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC | ||
9:00 | HIE and Legal Documentation | |
Rachel Wright | ||
10:00 | Break | |
10:30 | Wellbeing in Healthcare: How to Get It and Keep It! | |
Heather De Keyser MD, MSCS | ||
11:30 | Neonates and Nephrons | |
Weiwen Vivian Shih, MD | ||
12:30 p.m. | Lunch | |
1:30 | Embryologic Development of the Respiratory System and Associated Defects | |
Crystal Ballard, BSN-RN, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW, NNP-S | ||
2:30 | POCUS | |
Aly Arenstein | ||
3:30 | Break | |
3:45 | Antimicrobial Stewardship in the NICU | |
Emma L. Ross, PharmD | ||
4:45 | Wrap up and Evaluation | |
5:00 | Adjourn | |
*Children’s Hospital Colorado reserves the right to modify the agenda or cancel this conference in the event of an unforeseen circumstances.
This event will take place in the Medical Conference and Education Center at Children's Hospital Colorado on the Anschutz Medical Camps. Those attending virtually will be sent a Zoom link prior to the event.
Parking
CHCO team members are required use assigned parking locations. Guests may park in the Lot 10 located to the east of the hospital on Victor Street.
Health Screening
Health screenings are required for guests coming into the hospital. Please plan extra time for this process. If you are having flu or COVID symptoms, please stay home and reach out to us.
Faculty
Aly Arenstein, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC
Section of Neonatology
University of Colorado School of Medicine
APP Lead, Neonatal POCUS Program
Children’s Hospital Colorado
Crystal Ballard, BSN-RN, RNC-NIC, C-ELBW, NNP-S
Nurse Practitioner
Children's Hospital Colorado
Michael J. Bozzella, DO, MS
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Section of Infectious Diseases
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Associate Medical Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
Children’s Hospital Colorado
Heather De Keyser, MD, MSCS
Associate Professor of Pediatrics
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Pediatric Pulmonologist
Breathing Institute
Children's Hospital Colorado
Emma L. Ross, PharmD
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, NICU
Children's Hospital Colorado
Carol Wallman, DNP, APRN, NNP-BC
Associate Professor Loretto Heights School of Nursing
Coordinator of Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Program and
Neonatal Physician Assistant Post Graduate Fellowship Certificate
Loretto Heights School of Nursing
Regis University
Rachel Wright, MD, FAAP
Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Pediatrics
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Neonatologist
Pediatrix Medical Group
Weiwen Vivian Shih, MD
Associate Professor of Pediatric-Nephrology
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Clinical Medical Director
Attending Physician, Pediatric Nephrology
Children’s Hospital Colorado
Continuing Education Credit
Registration, attendance, and completion of the online evaluation are required for successful completion. Claim only the hours you attend. A certificate of attendance will be available for printing upon completion of the online evaluation.
Nursing: Children’s Hospital Colorado is approved with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by Colorado Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This education activity for 7.25 nursing contact hours is provided by Children’s Hospital Colorado.
General Attendance: A general certificate of attendance will be available for all other care providers.
Available Credit
- 7.25 Attendance
- 7.25 NCPD
Exhibitor Prospectus
The 16th Annual Neonatal Advanced Practice Conference will be held at the Children’s Hospital Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado, on June 18, 2026. This is a great opportunity to network with nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, respiratory therapists and other maternal/child health providers practicing in a variety of roles and settings throughout the region. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Exhibitor Fee
An exhibit booth for this event is $300 for the day.
This includes a registration for the conference, a table, a chair, and meals at the event. Space is available on a first come basis and display table measures 5 x 2 feet. You can rent a table cloth for $22 if you prefer. Each exhibitor is allowed one space only.
There is a discounted rate for non-profit organizations, so please reach out for further details.
Exhibitor Registration
If you would like to exhibit please start by completing the Exhibitor Reply Form.
Questions
If you have any questions or need a Children's Hospital Colorado W9 form please reach out:
Ray Cuellar, 720-777-6101, [email protected]
Price
Registration Fees
In-person and virtual:
- Community Partners: $50
- CHCO Team Members: $40
- FRANN Members: $40
- Full-Time Student: $30
Proof of FRANN membership/full-time student status required. Email info to [email protected]
Cancellation and Refund Policy
A registration refund, minus a $10.00 cancellation fee, will be issued if the cancellation request is received at least 14 calendar days prior to the activity date. No refunds will be granted after this deadline or for non-attendance. A substitute may attend in your registered place if you notify the conference coordinator at least three business days before the activity.
Children’s Hospital Colorado reserves the right to modify the agenda or cancel the activity due to unforeseen circumstances or if minimum registration is not met by June 4, 2026. In such cases, a full refund will be issued to registered participants.