Adventist Health Columbia Gorge Hosts Neonatal Resuscitation Program

Adventist Health Columbia Gorge recent hosted an engaging and transformative Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) training in partnership with the Oregon Perinatal Collaborative (OPC), an organization dedicated to improving maternal and neonatal outcomes across Oregon through evidence‑based practices and statewide quality initiatives. OPC has recently developed a statewide initiative focused on improving newborn resuscitation, underscoring the importance of training like this for teams throughout the state.

The event educated more than 20 participants representing Labor and Delivery RNs, Emergency Department RNs, PACU RNs, anesthesia, and pediatric providers. The diversity of roles brought a richness to the learning environment, reflecting the reality that newborn emergencies can arise in many areas of the hospital — and that readiness is a shared responsibility.

Leading the session was Pat Scheans, a retired neonatal nurse practitioner whose deep expertise and engaging teaching style created an atmosphere of curiosity, collaboration, and confidence-building. Pat guided the grupo through realistic scenarios, thoughtful discussions, and hands‑on skill‑sharpening exercises designed to elevate each particpant's ability to respond swiftly and effectively when newborns need them most.

As the day unfolded, participants practiced critical steps of neonatal resuscitation — including advanced skills such as laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion and umbilical venous catheter (UVC) placement — strengthened communication techniques and reaffirmed their commitment to providing the safest, highest‑quality care to the families they serve. The training reinforced clinical competency and deepened cross‑departmental teamwork, which is one of the greatest strengths of our team.

Thanks to OPC’s statewide push to enhance newborn resuscitation and the expertise of an instructor like Pat Scheans, this training left the Adventist Health Columbia Gorge teams more aligned, more prepared, and more inspired to continue delivering exceptional care during life’s most critical moments.