As health care providers know, many neonates become ill and require specialized care. Immediate, high-quality supportive care must be available at all times for all neonates. Each member of the health care team—nurses, physicians, therapists and assistants—must know what to do for the sick infant, and they must all work together to provide this important care.

The Reality
Many nurses, physicians, and other members of the health care team have limited experience in stabilizing sick newborns. It is often a challenge for hospital staff to maintain knowledge and skill in this area. The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) focuses on delivery room resuscitation. Following resuscitation, caregivers must turn to other resources for the necessary ongoing and supportive care.

What is the S.T.A.B.L.E. Program?
The S.T.A.B.L.E. Program is the first neonatal education program to focus exclusively on the post-resuscitation/pre-transport stabilization care of sick newborns. S.T.A.B.L.E. stands for the six assessment parameters taught in the course: Sugar, Temperature, Airway, Blood pressure, Lab work, and Emotional support. This valuable, accessible and easy-to-remember resource serves as a concise guide for organizing the myriad of details and interventions necessary for stabilizing a sick infant. First introduced in the U.S. and Canada in May 1996, this program has rapidly grown in popularity, with over 100,000 learner-participants to date! Translated into other languages, including Spanish, S.T.A.B.L.E. has expanded to more than 25 countries!

In 2003-2004, the March of Dimes conducted an extensive expert review of the program. Reviewers included nationally known physicians and nurses in the field of neonatal care. The experts agreed that the S.T.A.B.L.E. Program is accurate and high quality, meets an important need, and is relevant to the March of Dimes mission and our prematurity campaign. The March of Dimes has endorsed the S.T.A.B.L.E. program for use by health caregivers.

How is the program administered?
The S.T.A.B.L.E. Program involves an eight-hour, interactive presentation by an expert in neonatal nursing or medicine. Continuing education credits are provided by individual instructors. Instructor courses are offered throughout the year to prepare lead instructors for course presentation. Program materials may be purchased from the online bookstore of the American Academy of Pediatrics or from S.T.A.B.L.E.

Who should take the S.T.A.B.L.E. Program Learner Course?
Any health caregiver who is involved with post-resuscitation or pre-transport care of sick newborns or who provides well-baby care:

• Physicians: Pediatric, ER and family practice physicians, including residents Nurses: RNs working in L&D, postpartum, nursery, neonatal intensive care, emergency departments; nurse midwives; LPNs and nursing assistants
• Others: Respiratory therapists; pre-hospital providers (EMTs and paramedics)

For more information:
The S.T.A.B.L.E. Program
P.O. Box 980023
Park City, Utah 84098
Phone: (888) 655-8171 or (435) 655-8171
Fax: (435) 655-7558
E-mail: stable@stableprogram.org

August 2007