Another unique feature of MetroHealth's program is the use of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners. In addition to the house staff from Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Family Practice, a group of nurse practitioners  selected from experienced NICU nurses and are trained to evaluate patients, write orders, and perform all nursery procedures.Under direction of the senior resident, fellow, and attending staff, these highly trained individuals assume total medical responsibility for their patients. Neonatal Nurse Practitioners are being utilized in increasing numbers in both private and academic NICU’s throughout the country. We believe exposure to this group provides valuable experience for both residents and fellows. We also consider them a great asset for the NICU.The fellowship in Neonatology consists of clinical and research training. Both clinical and basic research are available as indicated above.

A Neonatal Nurse Practitioner is a professional registered nurse with clinical experience in neonatal nursing who has received formal education with supervised clinical experience in the management of sick newborns and their families.  The NNP manages a caseload of neonates with consultation, collaboration, and general supervision from a physician.  The NNP exercises independent judgement in assessment, diagnosis, initiation of delegated medical procedures, and evaluation, consistent with state nurse practice laws, institutional guidelines, and the NNP's education and experience.  In addition, the NNP is involved in education, consultation, and medical research.  Neonatal nurse practitioners must hold specialty certifications in their area of practice.

Cheryl Henderson
Julie Zupancic
Kristin Smith
Marie McDonnell
Sheila Gesing

	Cheryl Henderson 34 years neonatal nursing (23 at MetroHealth) 15 years as an NNP Full time Certification:  NCC Degree:  BS from Baldwin Wallace College Clinical Faculty Case Western Reserve University Neonatal Resuscitation Regional Instructor Publications:  Neonatal Network, American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology
	Julie Zupancic 17 years at MetroHealth, 6 years as Staff Nurse 11 years as Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Degree:  BSN Bowling Green University    Certification:  NCC
	Kristin Smith 21 years at MetroHealth, 2 years staff nurse,  19 years as Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Full time Certification:  NCC Degrees:  BSN Kent State University, MSN Case Western Reserve University E-mail:  ksmith@metrohealth.org
	Marie McDonnell 6 years at MetroHealth (4 as RN, 1.5 as NNP);  Full time Certification:  NCC Degree:  MSN Case Western Reserve University, BSN Ursuline College E-mail:  mmcdonnell@metrohealth.org
	Sheila Gesing 21 year at MetroHealth, 5 years as a staff nurse, 16 years as a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Full time Certification:NCC Degree:MSN University of Akron E-Mail:  sgesing@metrohealth.org