Depending on the format of training and the time spent on preparation, the length of the training can vary. Pre-visit preparation includes reading the NNNS-II manual, selected articles on the NNNS, and practicing maneuvers on a doll and then with infants. Trainees will review videos of exams and review scoring with the trainer via Zoom sessions. In addition, trainees are expected to submit videos of their administration and scoring of the exam. For in-person training: after pre-visit preparation, training usually lasts 3 days but those with minimum handling and clinical experience with newborns may need up to 5 days. For virtual training: after preparation, training usually spans over multiple weeks depending on the amount of time the trainee can spend each week on practicing exams, scoring exams, and meeting virtually with the trainers.

Training can occur here at Women and Infants Hospital, a trainer may come to your location, or a remote training is possible.

The score sheets are not published protocols. During training, you will be provided with a pdf version that you may copy as many times as you wish. We do ask that any materials provided during training are not shared with anyone not receiving training to maintain the integrity of training. Once certified, you will receive data entry formats in either Excel or REDcap.

Training is very hands on, didactic and interactive. Pre-visit preparation and reading is essential for successful training. Remote training is available where trainees are expected to share exams and scoring and complete discussions of exams with the trainer via Zoom.

Training is very hands on, didactic and interactive. Please review the sample schedule posted online. The time spent during training is with infants and observing behaviors, focusing on administration of items and scoring the assessment. If a trainer comes to your location, you would need access to 4-5 babies per day. It is best to see full term healthy newborns at least one day old at the beginning of the week and then move to healthy preterms or at risk infants (medically stable) later in the week. It is also best to see a variety and not retest the same babies over and over again. For remote training, it is best to video and score 10-15 babies and also start with healthy full-term infants and then move to health preterm infants and then at-risk infants who are medically stable.

Yes, the trainee is required to complete pre visit preparation (see modules for guidance on pre-visit preparation).

Once certified, you will receive documentation of your certification and copies of the forms and summary sheets provided during training. Also, you will receive data entry formats in either Excel or REDcap that calculate the summary scales for you.

We have suggestions for you and some area hotels have a reduced hospital rate and others provide a shuttle to the hospital. There aren’t any hotels within walking distance to the hospital. We suggest hotels in downtown Providence as there are restaurants, amusements and a mall within close proximity. We are happy to suggest hotels that have a hospital rate or provide shuttle service.

We are not required to wear scrubs when handling infants. Wear attire appropriate to the professional standards of your position. Arms have to be bare from the fingertips to the elbows for scrubbing and for patient care. Long sleeve can be worn in corridors, conference rooms, or other hospital areas but must be removed before returning to the bedside. Closed-toe footwear is required in patient care areas. Shoulder length hair or longer must be pulled away from the face in a secure manner to avoid having it make contact with a patient. Nails must be clean, well-manicured, and kept at an appropriate length for cleanliness and for work activities. Because of infection risks, use of artificial nails, nail decorations, or chipped nail polish is not allowed. No jewelry is allowed on arms (no watches and bracelets). A single plain band is allowed; no other rings may be worn. Please leave jewelry at home or at the hotel to avoid loss at the hospital.

Address: 50 Holden Street, Providence RI 02908

Email: nnnstrainingprogram@carene.org

NNNS Training Director: Lynn Andreozzi Fontaine, Ph.D.