NRP New Initiatives & 9th Edition

When is the next edition of NRP Coming?

What is new in the 9th Edition of NRP?

The 9^th edition of NRP will be updated to reflect the latest science updates from the Guidelines. A new complementary course, Science in Service, will be available for all NRP Providers and Instructors to review all science changes of 9^th edition NRP. In addition, new NRP Skills Videos will provide step-by-step instructions on crucial neonatal resuscitation skills such as CPAP at delivery, umbilical cord management, performing and assisting with endotracheal intubation, epinephrine and volume expanders, and much more. These videos are great refreshers for everyone and can serve as a standardized instructor skill demonstration during an instructor-led event.

To ensure all learners have access to important educational content, the NRP 9th Edition Essentials and Advanced Provider courseware on the NRP Learning Platform will include access to the Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation, 9^th Edition, eBook.

What makes NRP unique?

NRP is developed and maintained by the AAP in collaboration with the AHA. Built on the latest scientific evidence and guidelines, it ensures that healthcare providers are trained with the most up-to-date neonatal resuscitation practices. The program's vision is to improve neonatal health by ensuring an expert provider at every birth and an expert team at every resuscitation.

For over 35 years, NRP has been widely implemented in hospitals and healthcare systems worldwide, training millions of healthcare providers. Currently, more than 500,000 active NRP providers and instructors are engaged globally. Developed by a diverse group of experts—including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and midwives—NRP continues to set the gold standard in neonatal resuscitation education. Across the continuum of care from obstetrical and perinatal care to neonatal care, health care professionals must work seamlessly as a team, providing the highest quality of care to newborn infants in the critical moments after birth and beyond.

Who develops NRP?

The AAP Neonatal Resuscitation Program Steering Committee (NRP SC) is a multidisciplinary group responsible for coordinating, developing, and implementing educational materials to promote optimal care and evidence-based resuscitation of newborns. The committee is comprised of actively practicing neonatologists, respiratory therapists, nurses, hospitalists, community providers, midwives and obstetricians. They are NRP instructors and experts in neonatal resuscitation research, implementation, education and quality improvement.

Liaisons from key organizations – such as the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN), American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) – also serve on the NRP Steering Committee to ensure a broad representation of perspectives. Since performing high quality resuscitation improves patient outcomes, this multidisciplinary approach ensures that all team members share the same mental model about neonatal resuscitation practices.

How is NRP developed?

The NRP SC works closely with AAP staff to develop resources and policies based on the latest science and education methodologies. The committee’s goal is to translate the Consensus and Science and Treatment Recommendations (CoSTRs) from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and the Neonatal Resuscitation Guidelines from the AHA/AAP Neonatal Writing Group into an effective educational program. The American Heart Association is the only U.S. based member council of ILCOR and the AAP closely collaborates with AHA on both NRP and PALS.

NRP experts actively participate as members of the AHA/AAP Neonatal Guidelines Writing Group and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support Task Force. Currently the CoSTRs and AHA/AAP guidelines are being finalized through a rigorous peer review process.

How does NRP stay current with the latest scientific advancements and medical technologies?

NRP continuously evolves by integrating provider feedback, advancements in neonatal care, and cutting-edge learning methodologies. The program demonstrates a strong commitment to neonatal resuscitation research through initiatives like the NRP Grants Program, and the Delivery Room Intervention and Evaluation (DRIVE) Network, which fosters collaboration and data sharing to advance evidence-based practices in the delivery room.

Does NRP include an out of hospital focus?

Given that pre-hospital providers are often attending deliveries outside of facilities and therefore performing resuscitation with different equipment and resource, the AAP is excited to announce the launch of the Neonatal Education for Prehospital Professionals e-Learning course in Spring 2025! This course is designed to help prehospital professionals build confidence and expertise in managing neonatal emergencies in the field – expanding on the life-saving principles of NRP beyond the delivery room. This course complements the Pediatric Education for Prehospital Professionals (PEPP) course.

Out-of-hospital providers are also welcome to take the NRP course and may find Lesson 13 particularly beneficial, as it focuses on out-of-hospital births.

Does NRP contain any cardiac specific information?

We are pleased to introduce the NRP Cardiac Course, launching in Spring 2025! This new online course is specifically designed to equip Advanced NRP Providers with the critical knowledge and skills for managing newborns with congenital cardiac anomalies at the time of birth. This course is an optional addition to the standard NRP course and will be available for an additional fee.

Does NRP contain information on resuscitation in the NICU?

Yes, while the core NRP course primarily focuses on the immediate care of newborns at birth, its principles extend to various clinical settings, including the NICU. To better support providers working in neonatal intensive care, we have added a dedicated lesson on resuscitation in the NICU in the Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation, 9th Edition. This new content provides foundational guidance for managing acute deterioration and resuscitation events within the NICU environment.

Additionally, the AAP is developing a specialized course titled Resuscitation in the NICU, which will offer advanced training tailored specifically to the complexities of neonatal resuscitation in intensive care settings.

Does NRP utilize innovative learning techniques?

Absolutely. The NRP Provider Course includes an innovative blend of online adaptive learning, simulation-based scenarios, and hands-on skills training, creating a robust and flexible educational experience. Along with the Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation, the program features an evidence-based, blended learning approach that integrates True Adaptive™ eLearning technology and instructor-led skills training to optimally prepare healthcare professionals caring for newborns at birth.

NRP is available in two different education delivery formats, in person instructor led training and RQI® for NRP®. The RQI for NRP program is a self-directed quality improvement initiative based on a low-dose, high-frequency model. Given research showing that neonatal resuscitation skills can quickly decay if not regularly practiced, RQI for NRP allows providers to use practice their skills quarterly and receive immediate feedback on how to improve. It combines eLearning with skills sessions on an innovative simulation station to help providers master and maintain the most crucial intervention for newborn resuscitation– positive pressure ventilation. RQI for NRP covers NRP Essentials; NRP Advanced providers will still need to attend an instructor led event every 2 years to review and demonstrate advanced skills. Facilities can choose which education delivery format is more appropriate for their setting.

How will my institution’s licenses transition from 8th to 9th Edition?

If you have inventory of NRP 8th Edition product licenses, rest assured that your licenses will seamlessly transition to the 9th Edition once it is available. Take advantage of the remaining time with the 8th Edition to purchase licenses and ensure that your providers have access to the updated 9th Edition courses on release day.

As an Instructor, when will I be required to update my course to include 9th Edition content?

Following the launch of 9th edition NRP, Instructors will have access to the 9th edition Instructor Toolkit and Instructor Course. Additionally, Instructors and Providers are encouraged to complete the complimentary Science in Service course to review all science updates. NRP Instructors will be required to update their courses to include 9th Edition content by June 1, 2026. This is also the date when institutions are encouraged to have transitioned their clinical practices to 9th Edition recommendations. Work with your institution to develop an implementation plan for a smooth transition.